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 seven members (four appraisers, 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.

ALERT - National Registry Fee Increase Effective January 1, 2012

With the passing of the Dodd-Frank Act, Congress granted the Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) authority to increase the registration fee for the National Registry from $25.00 per year to $40.00 per year, or a total of $80.00 for a two-year credential.  The fee increase impacts any person who is applying to become a certified appraiser in Florida.

If you are submitting an application to become a certified residential or certified general appraiser on or after January 1, 2012 you must submit an application fee of $360.00 to cover this increased registration cost.

ALERT - All 2012 Appraiser Exam Candidates

Florida’s appraiser exam provider, PearsonVue, has sent notification of a delay in the updating of the 2012 National Appraiser Exam content.  Due to the delay PearsonVue will be unable to deploy the new National Appraiser Exam content in time to allow the issuance of the exam on January 2nd. Therefore, PearsonVue will be implementing a black out period where they will not be delivering any appraiser exams. The blackout dates will be from January 2, 2012 to January 15, 2012. PearsonVue has reported testing will resume on January 16, 2012.  If you have been notified you are authorized to schedule an appraiser exam in Florida, either the National Exam, or the Florida Supplemental Exam, please keep these dates in mind as you prepare.

March 2012 Renewal Information

The renewal notices for March 31, 2012 renewal have started to go out to the individuals and entities that will be due for renewal. To assist you through the renewal process, we have put together a list of helpful reminders about renewal. Here's important information about renewal.

NEW 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.

Broker Examination Update – Effective July 1, 2011

Effective Friday July 1, candidates taking the Florida Broker examination will be using the new Broker examination content. Read more information on this examination.

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.

For New Real Estate License Applicants

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation is in the process of improving online applications for new licensees.  Some of the first applications to go live with the improved online format are the Real Estate Sales Associate License by Exam, and Real Estate Sales Associate License by Mutual Recognition (Non-Florida Residents Only).

Applicants will now have the ability to upload required documents and fully complete and submit an application online.  This enhancement will ensure that applications and supporting documentation submitted online will remain together.  The online system will allow for faster processing times, thus getting our licensees to work more quickly.  Other features of the new online application system include:

• Secure user registration and login;
• Forgotten password retrieval;
• Pre-application eligibility questions;
• An application “save” function to allow applicants to come back to partially completed applications;
• An application summary e-mailed to the applicant following submission; and
• Ability to check application status.

Apply to be a Board or Commission Member.

Notice: By accessing any external lnk(s) on this page, you are voluntarily leaving the DBPR Internet website. DBPR is not responsible for the content of the Internet website you are entering. DBPR neither warrants nor makes any representations nor endorsements as to the accuracy, quality, content or completeness of the information, text, images, graphics, hyperlinks and other items contained on the Internet website you are entering. DBPR is not responsible or liable for any viruses or contaminations of your hardware, software, peripherals or property, resulting from use of the Internet websites linked to the DBPR website.

Download Adobe Reader