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How to Become a Commercial Property Manager in Florida

The state of Florida has no specific commercial property manager license, but does require individuals wishing to perform these services for others to hold a real estate sales associate or broker's license. Aspiring property managers must meet a number of requirements to qualify for licensure, but educational requirements do not focus specifically on commercial real estate or property management. Thus, it is important to seek additional education to learn standard commercial real estate policies and procedures as well as applicable Florida laws to assist you in catering to this specific type of client.

Enroll in and complete a 63-hour sales associate real estate course approved by the Florida Real Estate Commission. A list of approved programs can be found at the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) website, and note that some schools may have additional courses available focusing on property management or commercial real estate.

Fill out and submit an "Application for Sales Associate License" (Form RE-1) to the DBPR, Florida Real Estate Commission office. Include with your application the appropriate licensing fee, proof of your identity and Social Security number and any other supporting documentation required.

Request official transcripts or a certificate of course completion be sent from your school directly to the Florida Real Estate Commission.

Contact your local law enforcement office to obtain a fingerprint scan. Submit a copy of your fingerprinting and a release of information to the Florida Real Estate Commission.

Register with PearsonVUE to take the real estate sales associate examination either by phone or by visiting the PearsonVUE website. PearsonVUE will verify your eligibility to test with your school and the Florida Real Estate Commission and notify you of available testing dates, test procedures, what to bring, etc. Note that you must pass the test with a score of 75 percent or higher to receive a license.

Await notification of the status of your application, which usually takes one to two weeks after the Real Estate Commission receives your test scores. If approved, you will be issued a real estate sales associate license. If denied, you will be provided with the reasons and given information about correcting application deficiencies or filing an appeal.

Begin seeking employment or clients as a commercial property manager by submitting your resume to firms that handle commercial properties or advertising your services. If you cannot obtain employment in commercial property management right away, at least attempt to gain experience in other areas of commercial real estate.

Tip

You can upgrade your sales associate license to a broker license after gaining experience and completing additional education, if desired. Management of condominiums, apartments or similar types of properties in Florida may require a "Community Association Manager" license, which is not a real estate license.

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