In other words, Florida Realtors is your professional association. FREC is a division of the State of Florida and “administers and enforces the Real Estate Licensing Act, Chapter 475, Part I, Statutes of Florida.” The FREC “is also empowered to enact rules that enable it to carry out its legally authorized duties and responsibilities.” In other words, FREC is the state licensing authority for real estate licensees. Even the real estate agents you have selected to help you find a home can represent the seller. According to most multiple listing services, a broker who helps the buyer find a home actually works as the seller`s broker`s agent. Therefore, they represent the seller and not the buyer. Before disclosing confidential information such as your best deal, make sure the broker doesn`t share that information with the seller. Some brokers only represent buyers. They owe their loyalty to the buyer. There may be a fee for this service in addition to your commission.
Make sure you understand the financial obligations you owe to the broker before entering into an agreement. Greater Tampa REALTORS (GTR) has been Tampa`s “premier real estate resource” since 1911, representing more than 16,000 members, and is the largest Tampa Bay-based professional association of® real estate agents and sales representatives operating throughout the Bay Area. Training offered on the Legal Helpline is reserved for individual Florida Realtors members. Parties to a settlement who have a specific question about their legal rights should consult their own lawyer. Before signing a contract, make sure you understand the terms and conditions. If you are unsure or worried, you should contact a real estate attorney. With the state of Florida welcoming about two thousand new licensees each month, questions are inevitable and there are no stupid questions. However, some topics are repeated over and over again. If these issues sound familiar, thank you – they`ve already appeared in print.
If they are new to you, remember the answers. This can save you time later. Have your Florida real estate license number or NRDS number ready, as you will need to enter one of these numbers to reach the legal hotline. Private attorneys representing a current member can use the Florida Realtors hotline as long as the member is also online for the call. Members who need representation in legal disputes, the development of certain formulations or documents, or the resolution of problems that go beyond real estate law should consult their own lawyer. Often, a caller from the Legal Helpline thinks they are calling the “FREC Legal Helpline.” Keep in mind that Florida Realtors is the state`s largest trade association whose mission is to “shape Florida`s real estate industry by shaping public policy on real estate issues; encourage, promote and communicate consistent standards of ethical practice and professionalism; and build on the efforts of local organizations and associations to provide members with the information and tools they need to succeed. If you need to file a complaint against a broker, you can contact the Florida Real Estate Commission at (850) 487-1395. In addition, you must file a complaint with the Attorney General`s Office online at www.myfloridalegal.com or toll-free by phone at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM. Realtors and sellers must obtain a real estate license from the State of Florida. The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) administers and enforces the Real Estate Licensing Act and is a division of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. FREC may provide information on the status of a broker`s or seller`s licence and information on past or present disciplinary measures. Contact FREC at (850) 487-1395.
If you are considering buying or selling your home, you may want to use the services of a real estate agent. There is no legal requirement that you use a broker, but many consumers do. Before choosing a broker, consider the following: You can also file a complaint with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which acts as the state`s clearing house for consumer complaints, in www.floridaconsumerhelp.com. Florida Realtors Legal Hotline lawyers answer questions about real estate licensing law and related real estate issues. Lawyers also offer legal interpretations of the Florida Realtors/Florida Bar contract and other standard business forms and contracts. Florida Realtors lawyers are here to help you for free with their advice as part of your broker membership through the Florida Realtors Legal Helpline.