The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) is the governmental body responsible for regulating real estate professionals in Florida. State law establishes the Commission’s structure to ensure a balance of industry expertise and public interest in its regulatory work. Understanding the specific composition of the FREC is important for effective oversight of Florida’s real estate industry.
Defining the Florida Real Estate Commission
The FREC administers and enforces Chapter 475, Part I, of the Florida Statutes, which is the state’s real estate license law. This mandate includes the authority to adopt rules and policies contained in the Florida Administrative Code. The primary function of the Commission is to protect the public through the education and regulation of real estate licensees.
The Commission handles regulatory activities, including setting standards for education and administering disciplinary actions against licensees. Disciplinary measures can include license suspension or revocation, formal reprimands, and the imposition of fines. Members of the Commission are appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the State Senate.
The Total Membership and Appointment Structure
The Florida Real Estate Commission is composed of seven members, a number mandated by state statute. These individuals are appointed to four-year terms to maintain continuity in the Commission’s work. A provision allows a member to continue serving after their term expires until a successor is appointed.
To ensure varied perspectives, at least one member of the Commission must be 60 years of age or older. The selection process is governed by the qualifications outlined in Section 475.02 of the Florida Statutes. This framework ensures the Commission includes experienced industry professionals and representatives from the general public.
Specific Requirements for Licensed Broker Members
The statute requires a minimum of four of the seven positions to be licensed real estate brokers. This requirement ensures a strong foundation of practical industry knowledge and experience within the regulatory body. These four members must meet a detailed prerequisite to qualify for appointment.
Each of these four broker members must have held an active real estate broker license for the five years immediately preceding their appointment. This five-year active licensure requirement is the most stringent professional qualification for any member of the board. This highlights the importance of current experience for the majority of the professional seats.
Requirements for Other Professional Members
In addition to the four licensed broker seats, a fifth professional member is required to complete the industry representation. This individual can be either a licensed real estate broker or a licensed real estate sales associate. This distinction allows for a broader pool of licensed professionals to serve on the Commission.
The licensure prerequisite for this fifth professional position is less extensive than the requirement for the four primary broker members. This individual must have held an active license for the two years immediately preceding their appointment. This ensures all five professional members possess recent, relevant experience in the Florida real estate market.
Requirements for Unlicensed Lay Members
The remaining two seats on the Florida Real Estate Commission are reserved for lay members. The purpose of these positions is to provide a voice for the consumer and the general public during the Commission’s decision-making processes. These members bring an external perspective to regulatory discussions and policy setting.
A lay member is defined as an individual who is not and has never been licensed as a real estate broker or a sales associate in Florida. This strict exclusion ensures a non-industry viewpoint is guaranteed in the Commission’s composition. These two positions complete the seven-member board.