If they are unlicensed, your risk still might be pretty low.

Later on, I worked as an unlicensed assistant to a real estate agent, did broker price opinions, knocked on doors, etc. 

There is little if any protection buying from an unlicensed broker.

In addition, successfully complete a FREC-approved post-licensing course for brokers, consisting of 60 classroom hours before the initial broker license expires.Exam: Pass the Florida Real Estate Broker Examination with a grade of at least 75Fee: $115 ($20 application fee; $90 license fee; $5 unlicensed activity fee)Application: Complete and submit broker license application which is available onlineFlorida Real Estate Salesperson License RequirementsFlorida real estate salesperson licensing requirements include:Age: Must be at least 18 years of ageHigh School: Must have a high school diploma or equivalentEducation: Successfully complete a Florida Real Estate Commission 63-hour sales associate courseTrustworthiness: Must be of good moral character; must have a background check and submit fingerprintsExam: Pass the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Examination with a grade of at least 75Fee: $105Application: Complete and submit sales associate license application which is available onlineFlorida Community Association Manager License RequirementsFlorida community association manager licensing requirements include:Age: Must be at least 18 years of ageEducation: Must complete at least 18 hours of pre-licensure education from an approved providerTrustworthiness: Must be of good moral character; must have a background check and submit fingerprintsExam: Pass the CAM exam.

That could mean unlicensed people abroad answering the phones, not protecting tenants info, that could make you liable for identity theft. 

All contracts, options, or other devices not based upon a substantial consideration, or that are otherwise employed to permit an unlicensed person to sell, lease, or let real estate, the beneficial title to which has not, in good faith, passed to such party for a substantial consideration, are hereby declared void and ineffective in all cases, suits, or proceedings had or taken under this chapter; however, this section shall not apply to irrevocable gifts, to unconditional contracts to purchase, or to options based upon a substantial consideration actually paid and not subject to any agreements to return or right of return reserved.Then you have 475.42 which states brokering without a license is a 3rd degree felony:475.42 Violations and penalties.—(1) VIOLATIONS.— (a) A person may not operate as a broker or sales associate without being the holder of a valid and current active license therefor.

The license for a facility which fails to comply within sixty days shall be cancelled.D.New or unlicensed facilities and those for which the license has been cancelled are subject to the fees prescribed in the Fee Schedule.E.The license shall be on display at the facility at all times.

Most people I know who own in Eden are terrified about violating the county's STR ordinance . . .yet the county seems very clear that they cannot effectively do anything about the unlicensed operators (last number I saw was that there were only 38 licensed STRs in the entire county, and at least 1,000 known STR units operating there).If you do set out to STR in Eden, do it with the highest degree of excellence and help us set the best precedents possible so that we can demonstrate to the community that hospitality can lift all boats, not just sink them!

It happens, and when it does it's nearly always some unlicensed contractor that was hired to do the job so the customer doesn't even have the recourse of bonds, license board, arbitration.Oh, and as for materials.....I usually prefer that I acquire the materials.

And no one will have any idea who's trash or unlicensed and broken down vehicle is in the garage.A better plan is (depending on your market) try to locate professionals, or grad students that are looking to share a large rental with nice finishes and amenities.