Juana Watkins, Director
Division of Real Estate
400 West Robinson Street, N801
Orlando, Fl 32801
Phone: 850.487.1395
Fax: 407.317.7245
Division of Real Estate
The Division of Real Estate protects the public by regulation of real estate and appraisal licensees pursuant to Chapter 475, Florida Statutes. The Division is responsible for the examination, licensing and regulation of over a quarter of a million individuals, corporations, real estate schools and instructors.
The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) and the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board (FREAB) are headquartered in Orlando, FL. The FREC is comprised of seven members (five real estate licensees and two persons never licensed in real estate). The FREAB is comprised of nine members (four appraisers, two Appraisal Management Company members, one consumer and two Florida residents with no connection to the practice of real estate appraisal). Members of both are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate.
Mission: Protecting the public by regulation of real estate and appraisal licensees through education and compliance.
Vision: To be a trusted resource to real estate and appraisal licensees and the public through improved customer service and education.
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The Department of Business and Professional Regulation - Division of Real Estate is pleased to announce the:
2012/2013 Real Estate and Appraiser Instructor Continuing Education Seminars
July 11, 2013 – Tallahassee at Tallahassee Community College
August 8, 2013 - Palm Beach Gardens at Palm Beach State College
August 29, 2013 – Lake Mary/Sanford at Seminole State College
September 11, 2013 – Clearwater at Pinellas Realtor Building
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Chief Administrative Permit Holders - Effective May 4, 2012
The Florida Legislature recently ended its 2012 Session. Much of the focus during Session was on meeting Governor Scott’s goal of streamlining governmental regulation. There are several changes, for real estate licensees, within the bills passed by the Legislature.
The Legislature passed House Bill 693, and was signed by the Governor, removes the chief administrator permit group for a proprietary real estate school or state institution; deleting the definition of the term “chief administrative person” as it relates to schools teaching real estate practice.
If you hold a permit as a chief administrator, you will receive information directly from the department about the change to Chapter 475, Part I, Florida Statutes and what it means to you. More information may be found by clicking this link: House Bill 693.
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Appraiser Rule Changes in Effect for 2012
Calendar year 2011 was a very busy year for the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board as they worked to meet Governor Scott’s initiative of reducing rules and regulations. Eight subsections of Rule 61J1-1 were repealed with an effective date of January 30, 2012.
In addition, the following rules have been updated to include language incorporating guidelines for Appraisal Management Companies:
61J1-2.003 Inactive Renewal
61J1-7.004 Office
61J1-8.002 Disciplinary Guidelines
61J1-8.005 Revocation
The text of Rule 61J1-7.008 Mailing Address was modified to use the language of “address of record” as defined in Section 455.275(1), Florida Statutes.
Rule 61J1-9.001 has been updated to include the 2012-2013 Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
The complete text of the above rules may be viewed on the Florida Administrative Code website: https://www.flrules.org/gateway/Division.asp?DivID=282
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DISPLAY AND DISCLOSURE OF REGISTRATION, LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION DESIGNATION BECAME EFFECTIVE JULY 17, 2011
Florida’s appraisers know there is a new way to display their designation and license number. Rule 61J1-7.001 has been revised to simplify the designations or abbreviations used by real estate appraisers. The change removes some of the challenges encountered with the use of digital signatures in electronic appraisal reporting.
Still have questions about how to write your designation and number? Here’s more information.
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Regulation of Appraisal Management Companies – Effective July 1, 2011
On July 21, 2010 President Obama signed into law the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The Act requires State regulatory agencies to regulate Appraisal Management Companies (AMC). Florida’s regulatory program for AMCs was created in 2010 when House Bill 303 was signed into law. It became Chapter 2010-84 and amends Section 475, Part II, Florida Statutes.
As of July 1, 2011, it is essential for an appraisal management company to immediately file an application to register with the Department; however, you can continue to operate while the Department and/or the board is considering your application for approval. Once approved, you will receive your license in the mail. An application that is denied must comply with the terms of the Final Order issued by the board.
What is an appraisal management company (AMC)?
'Appraisal management company' means a person who performs appraisal management services.
'Appraisal management services' means the coordination or management of appraisal services for compensation by:
1. Employing, contracting with, or otherwise retaining one or more appraisers to perform appraisal services for a client; or
2. Acting as a broker or intermediary between a client and one or more appraisers to facilitate the client’s employing, contracting with, or otherwise retaining the appraisers.
Who will be required to register as an AMC?
475.6235 Registration of appraisal management companies required.—
(1)A person may not engage in appraisal management services for compensation in this state, advertise or represent herself or himself as an appraisal management company, or use the titles “appraisal management company,” “appraiser cooperative,” “appraiser portal,” or “mortgage technology company,” or any abbreviation or words to that effect, unless the person is registered with the department as an appraisal management company under this section. However, an employee of an appraisal management company is not required to obtain a separate registration.
If you are a person who possesses the authority, directly or indirectly, to direct the management or policies of the appraisal management company, whether through ownership, by contract, or otherwise you are considered an authorized representative and must be included in the application process.
Should I close my business while waiting for my license to be issued?
As of July 1, 2011, it is essential for an appraisal management company to immediately file an application to register with the Department; however, you can continue to operate while the Department and/or the board is considering your application for approval. Once approved, you will receive your license in the mail. An application that is denied must comply with the terms of the Final Order issued by the board.
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate, and the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board continue to develop the program to meet the needs of our customers. Please refer to the FAQs for AMCs and check back for more information weekly.
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