Common FREC complaints
- Escrow and trust account shortages, late deposits and poor reconciliation
- Failure to disclose material defects or dual roles
- Misrepresentation in listings, contracts or advertising
- Unlicensed assistants and improper compensation
- Operating without a brokerage or under an expired license
- Failing to report a criminal plea or conviction within the required time
- Culpable negligence or breach of trust in a transaction
- Appraisal standards (USPAP) violations
The application side
Applicants must disclose arrests, pleas and prior discipline, and many are referred to the Commission for review rather than approved automatically. We prepare applicants for that review and challenge denials.
What is at stake
FREC can impose fines, education, probation, suspension and revocation, and its orders are public. A suspended broker also takes down every associate registered under the brokerage. We work to resolve complaints early, through stipulations where appropriate, and to try the cases that should be tried.
Frequently asked questions
My escrow account was short because of a bank timing issue. Is that a violation?
The rules on escrow deposits and monthly reconciliation are strict, and a shortage is treated seriously even when no one lost money. The explanation and the records matter; so does how quickly it was corrected.
I pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor. Do I have to tell DBPR?
Florida real estate licensees must report pleas and convictions, including no-contest pleas and withheld adjudications, within a short window. Failing to report is a separate violation that is often easier for the Department to prove than the underlying conduct.
Can FREC revoke my license over one complaint?
Revocation is reserved for the most serious findings, but it is possible for fraud, dishonest dealing or repeat violations. Most first complaints resolve with lesser discipline or are closed.
Complaints against real estate licensees are handled by the Department of Business & Professional Regulation. That page explains the agency's process in more detail.
This page is general information about Florida law, not legal advice. Deadlines and procedures vary by case and change over time.