What is the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC)?

The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) is the government office that regulates real estate education and licensure for the state of Florida.

FREC is overseen by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). FREC and DBPR work together closely, and the division of responsibilities between the committee and the supervisory department isn’t always obvious from the outside. For example, when you’re ready to apply for your Florida real estate license, you will go to the FREC website and choose your license type. But your application will actually be processed by the DBPR.

Two things that are handled solely by FREC are:

1. Disciplinary hearings and actions against licensed brokers, salespeople, real estate firms, and real estate educators
2. Holding public meetings.

Disciplinary Hearings and Actions

FREC is directly responsible for addressing complaints against licensed brokers, salespeople, real estate firms, and real estate educators. FREC reviews complaints filed, gives the accused party a chance to defend themselves, and determines if disciplinary action is warranted. Appropriate disciplinary actions may include:

• Revocation or suspension of licenses
• Denial of license renewals
• Formal reprimands
• And/or lawful fines

FREC is not authorized to force the guilty party to pay restitution for damages to the injured party or to force the guilty party to correct previous actions. Disciplinary Activity Reports are published once per year to notify the community of FREC’s disciplinary actions.

Holding Public Meetings

FREC holds public meetings once per month, always on a Tuesday evening. These meetings give the public a chance to comment on matters or propositions presented before the Committee.

The public can attend the meetings in person at the Real Estate Commission Chambers in Orlando or can live stream the sessions online.

How are FREC Members Chosen?

FREC members are appointed by the Florida State Governor and approved by the state Senate. There are seven members on the committee, each appointed to a four-year term:

• Four of the members must be licensed real estate brokers with active licenses for at least five years leading up to the appointment to the commission.
• One member must be a licensed real estate broker or salesperson with an active license for at least two years leading up to the appointment to the commission.
• Two members must be “consumer members” (people who have never been real estate brokers or real estate salespeople). * You can get a list of the current FREC members and their term-end dates on the FREC website.

Are Florida Real Estate Appraisers Regulated by FREC?

Interestingly, Florida real estate appraisers are not regulated by FREC. Appraisers have their own commission, the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board (FREAB). FREAB is also overseen by DBPR and does for appraisers what FREC does for real estate agents and brokers.