Looking to get your real estate license in the state of Florida? You'll likely come across the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) in the process. Learn why this group exists, what it does, and what it means for you as a prospective real estate agent or broker.
What Is the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC)?
The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) aims to protect the public by educating and regulating real estate licensees. The commission has seven members who the governor chooses and the Senate confirms. However, it's not just any seven members. The commission must include:
Four FREC members that are licensed real estate brokers. They must have held an active license for at least five years before being appointed.
One FREC member that is a licensed real estate broker or sales associate. They must have held an active license for at least two years before being appointed.
Two FREC members must be people who aren't and haven't been real estate sales associates or brokers before.
One FREC member on the commission must be at least 60 years old.
Once appointed, FREC members hold their positions for four-year terms unless removed.
What Does FREC Do?
FREC's main job is to decide on the education required to get a real estate license in Florida. It's also responsible for addressing complaints filed against licensed real estate licensees. The licensees can be educators, firms, salespeople, or brokers. FREC reviews complaints, offers hearings, and decides on disciplinary actions when necessary such as:
Revoking or suspending a license
Denying renewal of a license
Requiring the payment of a fine
Implementing formal reprimands
FREC also holds monthly public meetings which give the public a chance to provide input on current propositions.
What's the Difference Between FREC and DBPR?
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is an agency in charge of licensing and regulating businesses and professionals. Being so, it oversees the FREC but also issues and regulates licenses in a wide range of other industries. While the FREC decides what education you have to complete to become a real estate agent, you'll apply using the DBPR's online portal.
Learn more about the differences between the DBPR and FREC.
Want to Attend FREC Meetings?
If you're interested in attending any of the monthly meetings hosted by FREC, they keep an up-to-date schedule online. You can also browse through the minute records from past meetings.
Additionally, FREC encourages the public to share their comments via the following methods:
Mail: Division of Real Estate, 400 W. Robinson Street, Suite N801, Orlando, Florida 32801
Fax: 407-317-7245
What Education Requirements Has FREC Put in Place?
So what do you have to do to get a real estate license in Florida? FREC has the following requirements:
Sales associates:
63-hour pre-licensure course with a passed exam.
45-hour post-licensure course with a passed exam.
Eight hours of continuing education for each renewal thereafter.
Brokers:
73-hour pre-licensure course with a passed exam.
60-hours post-licensure course with passed exams.
Eight hours of continuing education for each renewal thereafter.
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