Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Practice Test

Sample practice questions

A few real questions from this free bank, with full explanations. Use the practice tool above for the whole set.

1. 1. Principles of Real Estate

   In a general agency relationship, which duty requires a real estate licensee to place the principal's interests above the licensee's own?

   • a.The duty to appraise the property
   • b.The duty of loyalty (obedience and putting the principal first)
   • c.The duty to guarantee a sale
   • d.The duty of price fixing

   Answer: b

   Explanation: Loyalty is a core fiduciary duty owed by an agent to a principal, requiring the agent to act in the principal's best interest. In Florida, however, most licensees work as transaction brokers rather than single agents, which changes the specific duties owed. Fiduciary-style duties are strongest in a single-agent relationship.

2. 2. License Law & Rules

   Advertising by a Florida licensee must generally:

   • a.List only the sales associate's personal cell number
   • b.Include the licensed name of the brokerage firm
   • c.Omit the brokerage name to focus on the property
   • d.Guarantee a future increase in property value

   Answer: b

   Explanation: Florida advertising rules generally require that a licensee's advertising include the brokerage firm's licensed name so the public can identify the responsible broker. Advertising must not be false, deceptive, or misleading. Specific advertising rules are set by FREC and can change.

3. 3. Finance

   'Equity' in a property is best defined as:

   • a.The annual property tax bill
   • b.The total amount originally borrowed
   • c.The broker's commission
   • d.The market value of the property minus the debts secured against it

   Answer: d

   Explanation: Equity is the owner's financial interest in a property, calculated as market value minus any outstanding liens or mortgage balances. Equity grows as the loan is paid down and as the property appreciates. It represents the portion of value the owner truly owns.

4. 4. License Law & Rules

   FREC operates as part of which state agency?

   • a.The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
   • b.The Florida Department of Financial Services
   • c.The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
   • d.The real property section of the Florida Bar

   Answer: a

   Explanation: FREC functions within the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which provides administrative support and enforcement. FREC handles licensing, rulemaking, and discipline under Chapter 475.

5. 5. License Law & Rules

   A licensee who sells rental information to a prospective tenant for a fee must refund up to 75% of the fee if:

   • a.The tenant does not obtain a rental as represented
   • b.The listed information is more than 30 days old
   • c.The landlord raises the advertised rent after listing
   • d.The tenant changes their mind within 24 hours

   Answer: a

   Explanation: Under Section 475.453, a licensee who charges for rental information must refund 75% of the fee if the prospective tenant does not obtain a rental as represented and requests a refund within the statutory period.

6. 6. Principles of Real Estate

   A lawful land use that existed before a new zoning ordinance and is permitted to continue is a:

   • a.Conditional easement of record
   • b.Legal nonconforming use
   • c.Special exception granted by variance
   • d.Spot-zoning violation of the plan

   Answer: b

   Explanation: A legal nonconforming use, often called grandfathered, is a use that was lawful before a zoning change and is allowed to continue despite no longer conforming. Restrictions may limit expanding or rebuilding it.

7. 7. Valuation & Appraisal

   The appraisal principle holding that value is created by the expectation of future benefits is:

   • a.Regression toward lower value
   • b.Balance of land uses
   • c.Substitution of an equivalent
   • d.Anticipation

   Answer: d

   Explanation: The principle of anticipation holds that value is based on the present worth of expected future benefits, such as income or appreciation. It underlies the income approach, where future income drives value.

8. 8. Real Estate Math

   A borrower pays 3 discount points to lower the rate on a $200,000 loan. How much do the points cost?

   • a.$9,000
   • b.$6,000
   • c.$2,000
   • d.$600

   Answer: b

   Explanation: Three points equal 3 percent of the loan amount: $200,000 x 0.03 = $6,000. Points are figured on the loan, not the sale price.

9. 9. Finance

   Under the Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z, the three-day right of rescission generally applies to:

   • a.Every residential purchase-money loan
   • b.Only loans that have no finance charge in all cases under Florida law in every transaction
   • c.A refinance or home-equity loan on a borrower's principal residence, not a purchase loan
   • d.Commercial loans on office buildings

   Answer: c

   Explanation: Regulation Z gives borrowers three business days to rescind certain loans secured by their principal residence, such as refinances and home-equity loans. It does not apply to the loan used to purchase the home.

10. 10. Contracts

    Recording a deed in the public records primarily serves to:

    • a.Transfer title, which cannot occur without recording in all cases under Florida law
    • b.Set the property's assessed value for taxes
    • c.Give constructive notice of the owner's interest and establish priority
    • d.Guarantee the property is free of all liens

    Answer: c

    Explanation: Recording provides constructive notice to the world of the grantee's interest and helps establish priority over later claims. It protects the owner even though delivery, not recording, actually transfers title.