Key Takeaways
- The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) is part of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
- FREC consists of 7 members: 4 licensed brokers, 2 licensed sales associates, and 1 consumer member
- FREC can impose penalties including fines up to $5,000 per violation, license suspension, and revocation
- The Division of Real Estate (DRE) handles day-to-day licensing operations under DBPR
- Florida Real Estate License Law is found in Chapter 475 of the Florida Statutes
Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC)
The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) regulates real estate licensees in Florida. It operates under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
Important: This section covers Florida-specific content only. For national real estate concepts, see our Real Estate Salesperson exam prep.
FREC Structure
Commission Members
FREC consists of 7 members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate:
| Member Type | Number | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed brokers | 4 | Active broker for 5+ years |
| Licensed sales associates | 2 | Active for 2+ years |
| Consumer member | 1 | Never held a real estate license |
Members serve 4-year terms and can serve no more than two full terms.
Key FREC Functions
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Set requirements, approve applications |
| Education | Establish pre-license and CE requirements |
| Discipline | Investigate complaints, impose penalties |
| Rules | Adopt and enforce rules (Chapter 61J2) |
| Recovery Fund | Administer the Real Estate Recovery Fund |
Florida Real Estate License Law
The Florida Real Estate License Law is found in Chapter 475 of the Florida Statutes. It covers:
- License requirements and exemptions
- Duties of brokers and sales associates
- Prohibited practices
- Disciplinary actions and penalties
Administrative Rules
FREC adopts rules found in Chapter 61J2 of the Florida Administrative Code. These rules implement the statutes.
DBPR Structure
FREC operates within the larger DBPR (Department of Business and Professional Regulation):
| Level | Role |
|---|---|
| DBPR | State agency overseeing professional licensing |
| Division of Real Estate | Day-to-day licensing operations |
| FREC | Policy-making, discipline, rules |
Division of Real Estate (DRE)
The Division of Real Estate handles:
- Processing license applications
- Collecting fees
- Maintaining licensee records
- Investigating complaints
- Supporting FREC meetings
FREC Disciplinary Powers
FREC can impose various penalties for violations:
| Penalty | Maximum |
|---|---|
| Fine | $5,000 per violation |
| License suspension | Up to 10 years |
| License revocation | Permanent |
| Probation | With conditions |
| Reprimand | Official warning |
Grounds for Discipline
Common violations that can lead to discipline:
- Fraud, misrepresentation, dishonest dealing
- Failure to account for funds
- Conviction of a crime of moral turpitude
- Violating FREC rules or license law
- Advertising violations
Real Estate Recovery Fund
The Real Estate Recovery Fund compensates victims of licensee misconduct:
| Limit | Amount |
|---|---|
| Per transaction | $50,000 |
| Per licensee | $150,000 total |
Key Point: After payment from the fund, the licensee's license is automatically suspended until repayment.
How many members serve on the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC)?
Where is the Florida Real Estate License Law found?