Georgia License Law and the Qualifying Broker
Georgia real estate practice is governed by O.C.G.A. Title 43-40 and the GREC Rules (Chapter 520-1), administered by the Georgia Real Estate Commission. This chapter covers the regulatory framework, the qualifying broker's role, and the broker qualification path.
GREC and Title 43-40
The Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC) licenses and disciplines brokers, associate brokers, and salespersons under O.C.G.A. Title 43-40 and GREC Rule Chapter 520-1. These sources define who must be licensed, standards of conduct, trust-account rules, and the disciplinary process. Brokers must know this framework because they supervise their firm's compliance.
The Qualifying Broker and the Firm
Every Georgia brokerage must have a qualifying broker who is responsible for the firm's licensed activity, its trust/escrow accounts, and supervision of affiliated licensees. The qualifying broker is GREC's point of accountability for the firm. A brokerage firm itself must be licensed, and salespersons and associate brokers work under the qualifying broker.
Broker Eligibility
Broker candidates generally must have been actively licensed for at least 3 of the previous 5 years and complete the 60-hour broker pre-license course before taking the broker exam. A degree or property ownership is not the qualifying path. Candidates should confirm current requirements with GREC before relying on them.