Understanding the difference between the FREC and the DBPR
Florida real estate boasts of a steady outlook and a prosperous landscape of opportunities.
Thanks to the diversity, natural beauty and a stable economy, Florida enjoys a booming influx of homebuyers, migrants and real estate investors.
Working in Florida real estate can be a lucrative career move for anyone who wants to join a dynamic, exciting industry while enjoying the perks of a high earning job and flexible schedule.
Did you know that you can earn a six figure income annually by working as a licensed real estate salesperson in Florida!
Plus, you will get access to extra perks and commission opportunities to grow your income even more.
However, it is important to note that without a state approved license, you will not be able to legally work with clients and help them buy, sell or lease properties in Florida. So,
If you are an aspiring real estate agent or broker or an experienced professional looking to switch careers, it is important to learn about how to obtain a Florida Department of Business and professional regulation license.
It is the state’s highest regulatory body responsible for issuing, renewing or revoking a real estate license.
To know more about how to get a Florida real estate license, you must first learn about Florida's real estate commission and the role and responsibilities of this regulatory body in shaping your career.
In this article, we are going to give you a detailed insight into the purpose and function of the real estate regulatory body in Florida.
Plus, you will also learn about the FL licensing requirements to become a state approved real estate professional.
What is the FREC and DBPR in Florida
If you are an aspiring real estate salesperson or broker, you might be familiar with terms like FREC and DBPR.
While they might seem as two different entities, their roles and responsibilities are intertwined to some extent.
Let’s start with FREC first - it stands for Florida Real Estate Commission and it is the state’s highest agency and authority for all matters of real estate.
The core function of the FREC is to issue and update a Florida department business license to any applicant who has qualified the educational and licensing requirements successfully.
The FREC establishes the standards and principles for aspiring as well as experienced real estate professionals in the state.
It also enforces the state laws applicable for all agents, salespersons, brokers, realtors, appraisers, home inspectors and other professionals in the industry.
On the other hand, DBPR stands for the Department of Business and Professional Regulation in Florida.
DBPR’s main job is to administer and regulate the licensing process of real estate professionals and other industry professionals such as restaurants, hotels and spas, cosmetologists and others.
The DBPR is presided over by the Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
It is the responsibility of the DBPR in Florida to regulate the licensing of skilled professionals and businesses across 35 categories including issuing a Florida real estate license.
The function of the DBPR is to ensure only skilled and qualified professionals and businesses are allowed to operate in the Florida real estate market.
The board is under the supervision and guidance of the Governor of the state. It consists of seven members in total including four licensed brokers with at least five years of industry experience.
These members are appointed by the Senate. Out of the remaining members, two are from the general public and have never been associated with the real estate industry.
The board is mandated to meet at least once a year to discuss matters, complaints, suggestions, inputs and developments related to real estate.
The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) is a division of the Department of Business Regulation in Florida. Its members are also chosen on the basis of their expertise.
Although the FREC is overseen by the DBPR in Florida, these two state authorities work together in tandem to establish the guidelines, standards and regulations for real estate professionals.
The Duties of DBPR in Florida
The DBPR real estate in Florida provides a centralized database of all licensed real estate professionals and firms.
It is an online service which allows consumers and real estate professionals to make use of services such as - issuing a license, updating or renewing a license, license lookup and verification, raising a complaint or reporting any unlicensed activity.
The DBPR is responsible for governing and regulating a large number of departments and categories of businesses across several industries which require a state license.
As the state’s leading enforcement authority for real estate laws, rules and regulations, the DBPR is also responsible for establishing and promoting the standards of operation for all license holders.
In the event of a misdeed, fraudulent activity or misdemeanor and wrongdoing, it is the duty of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) in Florida to take necessary disciplinary and regulatory actions.
The Function of FREC in Florida
Now that you have learned about the overall structure and role of the Florida real estate commission, let’s take a closer look at its functions and responsibilities.
One of the most important roles to play in Florida’s real estate industry is overseeing the licensing, education such as completing the online FL real estate course, and regulatory functions. These roles are managed by the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC).
The FREC is directly responsible for managing many aspects of the real estate market, most importantly, regulating the licensing and education functions.
Let’s take a look at some of the core functions of the Florida Real Estate Commission.
- Licensing and Education:
The FREC is the leading state agency for authorizing the standards, guidelines and regulations for real estate licensing.
One of its core jobs is to issue, renew or revoke licenses while also establishing the pre and post licensing curriculum and educational requirements for applicants.
The FREC regulates and oversees the working of real estate education providers in Florida and ensures the standards of professionalism and training are maintained.
It is the responsibility of the agency to approve the educational curriculum and course material offered by real estate schools and course providers.
As per the FREC qualifying education guidelines, aspiring agents are required to complete 63 hours of pre licensing education and brokers are required to complete 72 hours of pre licensing coursework.
These courses are formulated to cover the fundamental topics of the practice of real estate including the Florida state laws.
- Examination:
FREC is also responsible for overseeing the administration and regulation of the FL real estate licensing examination.
The purpose of the exam is to evaluate the preparation and knowledge of aspiring salespersons and brokers in the key areas and topics of the practice of real estate.
FREC determines and establishes the passing standards and eligibility requirements for the salesperson and broker licensing exam.
By setting up passing benchmarks, the FREC ensures that only qualified and competent applicants are allowed to join the industry.
- Continuing Education:
Simply earning your FL salesperson or broker license once is not enough as real estate professionals are required to continuously update and renew their knowledge and skills.
It is the duty of the FREC to administer and establish the continuing education guidelines and requirements in Florida.
The Florida DBPR continuing education is integral to ensuring the high standards of professionalism and ethics are maintained.
Continuing education is mandatory for all active licensed professionals who want to legally pursue their real estate practice.
As per the FREC, all active licensed agents and brokers in Florida are required to complete 8 hours of continuing education for every renewal cycle.
This helps professionals stay updated and competitive to adapt with the emerging trends and industry developments.
- Compliance:
As the state’s leading agency for real estate licensing and regulating, the FREC also performs the critical function of maintaining compliance related to education and real estate practice.
By developing a keen oversight on real estate licensing processes, policies and procedures, the FREC ensures the high standards for ethics, transparency and professionalism are maintained.
The FREC establishes and enforces a standardized set of rules, regulations and guidelines which serve as the benchmark for compliance for licensed professionals.
- Regulation and Jurisdiction:
It is the duty of the Florida department of business and professional regulation license to enforce state laws, regulations and rules for real estate agents, brokers, salespersons, realtors and appraisers.
The department monitors that all active real estate professionals are following the established guidelines and
By investigating consumer complaints and acts of unethical practice, the department also ensures that real estate professionals are adhering to the established standards and operating guidelines.
The department also holds the right to take required disciplinary actions against any professional found guilty of breaching the state or federal laws.
The FREC can decide to revoke, suspend or terminate the license, issue fines or penalties and deny renewal of license in the event of any real estate professional found guilty of violating the industry guidelines and ethical standards.
- Policy making:
The FREC conducts periodic meetings, discussions and events to discuss the state of the real estate industry with respect to the latest developments and emerging trends.
It is the duty of the department to encourage public and private participation in policy making to introduce new perspectives and experiences.
These meetings involve the gathering of real estate professionals, consumers and state legislative officers to provide valuable inputs and feedback to the department.
The department structure is designed to ensure that there exists transparency and fairness in deciding new policies and updating existing ones in accordance with the state’s goals and vision.
- Upholding industry standards:
FREC holds the administrative, legislative and judicial power to regulate the working of real estate professionals and ensure the established quality standards are adhered to.
By doing so, the FREC works continuously to protect the rights and interests of the consumers in real estate transactions.
In many ways, FREC acts as a gatekeeper to Florida’s real estate industry and a strong advocate for consumer’s rights by keeping an open line of communication.
This works as a testament to the FREC’s commitment to uphold the highest standards and reputation of Florida’s real estate industry.
Final Thoughts
Working in Florida’s booming real estate market is a lucrative and rewarding professional experience.
However, to build a thriving career, it is important to understand the industry dynamics and fully comply with the state’s legislative and licensing authorities.
If you are ready to become a licensed real estate agent or broker in Florida, it is important to understand the working and responsibilities of the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
For consumers and industry professionals alike, it is vital to understand the significance of Florida’s legislative and administrative agencies.