Florida License Law (Chapter 475) and the Broker Tier
Florida real estate practice is governed by Chapter 475, Part I, Florida Statutes and Rule Chapter 61J2, F.A.C., administered by the Florida Real Estate Commission within the DBPR Division of Real Estate. This chapter covers the regulatory framework and the broker qualification path.
FREC, Chapter 475, and 61J2
The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Real Estate, licenses and disciplines brokers and sales associates under Chapter 475, Part I, Florida Statutes and Rule Chapter 61J2, Florida Administrative Code. These sources define who must be licensed, the standards of conduct, escrow rules, and the disciplinary process.
Broker vs Sales Associate
A Florida broker may open and operate a brokerage, serve as the qualifying broker for a registered brokerage entity, hold escrow funds, and supervise sales associates and broker associates. A sales associate must work under a broker and cannot hold escrow or operate independently. All licensees remain subject to Chapter 475 and FREC rules.
Broker Eligibility
Broker candidates generally must have held an active real estate sales-associate license for at least 24 months within the prior 5 years (qualifying experience in another state can count) and complete the 72-hour broker pre-license course before taking the broker exam. A degree or property ownership is not the qualifying path. Candidates should verify current requirements with the DBPR.