How to File a Complaint

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation investigates and administratively prosecutes Florida appraisal or real estate licensees who conduct business in violation of state license law. The power to invoke penalties upon persons violating license laws has been granted to the Department and its Boards by virtue of State law and is described in Chapter 455.227, F.S.

In general, action that can be taken is limited to that person’s license, and includes such things as:

  • Revocation
  • Suspension
  • Denial of the renewal of the license
  • Reprimand
  • Fine for each violation

Powers NOT given to the Department and its Boards includes such actions as:

  • Restitution for damages
  • Forcing a licensee to pay monies to another party
  • Forcing persons to correct previous acts

These matters are civil in nature and should be addressed to a court with appropriate jurisdiction.

To File a Complaint

Complaints against real estate professionals or unlicensed individuals suspected of performing unlicensed activity may be filed via:

The downloaded complaint form can be sent via:

Fax:
(407) 317-7245
Attention: Division of Real Estate-Complaints
Mail:
Division of Real Estate-Complaints
400 West Robinson Street, Suite N801
Orlando, Florida 32801

Materials to Include with Complaint:

Legible copies of all relevant documentation should be included with the complaint (i.e. contracts, closing documents, disclosures, front and back of checks).
Please note: Sending duplicate copies of complaints could delay processing

Upon receipt of your complaint, one of our complaint analysts will review your information and will notify you in writing upon completion of the review. If the complaint is legally sufficient, meaning it contains facts and supporting documentation indicating that a violation of statute may have occurred, we will then open an investigation.

 

If an investigation of any subject is undertaken, the Department will furnish to the subject or the subject’s attorney a copy of the complaint or document that resulted in the initiation of the investigation.

Confidentiality:

Once a complaint is received, Florida Law prohibits this agency from divulging information concerning the complaint or its subsequent investigation until 10 days after a probable cause determination or until the subject waives his or her right of confidentiality, whichever happens first. See Chapter 455.255(10) F.S. for more information. This does not apply to actions against unlicensed persons or unless otherwise provided by law.

Anticipated Time of Processing Complaints:

Because investigations and legal reviews differ in complexity, duration and priority, no definite time frame can be given as to when the complaint process will be completed for any individual case.

Compliance and Enforcement

Need Help?

All requests for publications, documents, forms, applications for licenses, permits and other similar certifications can be obtained by contacting the Customer Contact Center.

Katy McGinnis, Director

Division of Real Estate
400 West Robinson Street, N801
Orlando, Florida 32801

Telephone: 850.487.1395
Facsimile: 850.488.8040