Division of Real Estate

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The Division of Real Estate protects the public by regulation of real estate and appraisal licensees through education and compliance, 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.

Located in Orlando, the Division administers the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) and the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board (FREAB). The FREC is comprised of seven members (five real estate licensees and two persons never licensed in real estate). The FREAB is comprised of seven members (four appraisers, one consumer and two Florida residents with no connection to the industry). 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.

Profession at-a-glance

ALERT --- ALERT --- ALERT

New Reporting Requirement for Criminal Convictions

During the 2009 Legislative Session, the Florida Legislature passed House Bill 425, which became law on October 1, 2009. Beginning October 1, 2009, House Bill 425 requires all licensees to report to the department within 30 days of being convicted or found guilty of, or having plead nolo contendere or guilty to a crime in any jurisdiction. House Bill 425 also requires that any conviction prior to October 1, 2009 be reported by November 1, 2009. A licensee who fails to report that information, may be subject to disciplinary action, including fines, suspension or license revocation. To report this information, complete the criminal self-reporting document and mail to the department as provided on the form.

PROPER DISPLAY OF FLORIDA REAL ESTATE APPRAISER

DESIGNATION AND LICENSE NUMBER

Florida’s real estate appraisers are being reminded of Florida Statute and Florida Administrative Code (rule) requirements for the proper display of appraiser designations and license numbers.  While there have been many recent changes to the appraisal report forms used by real estate appraisers to conduct their daily business, Florida Statute and Rule remain the same.

The newest appraisal forms used for residential mortgage lenders contain revised language within the signature block where an appraiser affixes their license designation and number.  The new forms don’t require the display of an appraiser’s designation, only a license number. 

Failure to include your designation in the signature block is a violation of Chapter 475.622, Florida Statutes and Rule 61J1-7.001, Florida Administrative Code, which detail the requirements for the proper display of an appraiser’s designation and number within the appraisal report.

Any failure to properly display your designation and license number in an appraisal report that is submitted to a client could result in discipline against your license as defined in Rule 61J1-8 Disciplinary Guidelines.

The Statutes and Rules can be found by choosing the “Statutes and Rules” link above on this page and choosing the appropriate link.

REMINDER

AQB Criteria Changes for Appraisers in 2008

The Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) approved new criteria which became effective January 1, 2008. Please see Rule 61J1-10.

Additional information about the 2008 AQB Qualification Criteria changes can be accessed at www.appraisalfoundation.org.

ATTENTION: Broker License Applicants

Effective July 1st, 2008, the 12-month experience requirement during the preceding five years has changed to 24 months. Learn more about Broker License Requirements at FREC FAQs

Are you interested in serving on a board or commission?

If you have an interest in serving on one of the department's boards or councils, you may obtain a Gubernatorial Appointments Questionnaire by downloading the application form.

Once your application is complete, return the questionnaire to the Governor's Appointments Office at PL01 The Capitol, Tallahassee, Florida, 32399-0001, for consideration.

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