Understanding the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC): What Every Licensee Should Know

The Florida Real Estate Commission, commonly known as FREC, plays a vital role in shaping, regulating, and overseeing the real estate industry in the state. Whether you are a newly licensed agent, a seasoned broker, or someone considering a referral company like Park Place Realty Network to keep your license active, having a clear understanding of FREC and its responsibilities is essential.

What Is the Florida Real Estate Commission?

The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) is a government agency that oversees the licensing, regulation, and discipline of real estate professionals in Florida. Its primary mission is to protect the public by ensuring that all real estate activity is conducted with fairness, professionalism, and integrity.

FREC enforces the rules and regulations outlined in Chapter 475 of the Florida Statutes. These laws govern everything from licensing requirements to disciplinary actions against agents and brokers who fail to uphold their professional responsibilities. By monitoring compliance, FREC helps maintain public trust in the real estate industry across the state.

Who Makes Up the Florida Real Estate Commission?

The commission is composed of seven appointed members. Each member brings a different perspective and background to ensure balanced decision-making that reflects both industry expertise and public interest.

Here’s how the commission is structured:

• Four members must be licensed brokers who have held an active real estate license for at least the five years prior to their appointment.

• One member must be either a licensed broker or a sales associate with at least two years of active licensure before their appointment.

• Two members must be individuals who have never been licensed as a broker or sales associate. These members represent the general public.

• At least one member must be 60 years of age or older.

Each commissioner is appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate. Commissioners serve four-year terms and may be reappointed. This diverse makeup ensures that FREC remains fair and accountable to both real estate professionals and the public.

What Does the Florida Real Estate Commission Do?

FREC has broad responsibilities that cover nearly every aspect of the real estate profession in Florida. Among its primary duties are:

• Licensing – Reviewing and approving applications for new sales associates and brokers.

• Regulation – Establishing and enforcing the rules that govern real estate practice in Florida.

• Education Oversight – Approving pre-licensing, post-licensing, and continuing education courses to ensure they meet state standards.

• Discipline – Investigating complaints against licensees and imposing penalties when necessary, which can include fines, suspension, or even revocation of a license.

• Rulemaking – Creating or updating administrative rules that clarify how Florida’s real estate statutes are applied in practice.

Ultimately, FREC’s decisions have a direct impact on how agents and brokers conduct their business in Florida.

When Does the Florida Real Estate Commission Meet?

FREC holds meetings once a month, typically on the third Tuesday and Wednesday. These meetings are open to the public and are held at the Division of Real Estate offices in Orlando, Florida.

During these meetings, FREC reviews license applications, considers disciplinary cases, updates administrative rules, and discusses other regulatory matters. For agents and brokers, these meetings provide valuable insight into the latest developments in Florida’s real estate industry.

The meeting schedule and agendas are published in advance, allowing licensees and members of the public to stay informed about upcoming discussions.

Why the Florida Real Estate Commission Matters to Licensees

Understanding how FREC works is important for every real estate professional. Here’s why:

1. Compliance Is Non-Negotiable FREC ensures that all agents and brokers comply with Florida law. Failing to follow these rules can result in disciplinary action, fines, or loss of license.

   
   

2. Education Standards Are Set by FREC From pre-licensing courses to continuing education, every approved program must meet FREC’s standards. This means that the courses you take are designed to ensure competency and professionalism.

   
   

3. Public Trust Depends on Oversight By holding licensees accountable, FREC protects consumers and strengthens the reputation of Florida’s real estate industry.

   
   

4. Your Career Path Goes Through FREC Whether you’re applying for your first license, upgrading to a broker’s license, or renewing your license, every step is governed by FREC regulations.

   
   

An Alternative to Traditional Real Estate: The Referral Model

While many agents in Florida join full-service brokerages and pay dues to local Boards of REALTORS® and the MLS, others choose a different path. For those who don’t want to sell real estate full-time or pay ongoing association fees, a referral brokerage like Park Place Realty Network offers a compelling option.

Here’s how it works:

• You keep your Florida real estate license active under Park Place Realty Network.

• Instead of listing or selling properties, you simply refer clients—whether residential, commercial, or even international—to full-service agents.

• When those transactions close, you earn a referral fee of 22.5% of the total commission.

• You never pay Board of REALTORS® or MLS fees, saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually.

This model is ideal for agents who are retired, pursuing another career, or simply prefer a low-cost, low-stress way to remain in the industry.

Why Work With Park Place Realty Network?

Since 2010, Park Place Realty Network has been the leading real estate referral company in the U.S. We pioneered the concept of an independent real estate brokerage dedicated solely to referrals—allowing agents to keep their license active, avoid unnecessary fees, and still earn income.

Over the years, other companies have attempted to copy our model, but Park Place remains the most trusted name in referral real estate. With thousands of agents nationwide and the ability to refer clients internationally, we give our associates opportunities that extend far beyond a traditional brokerage.

When you join Park Place, you gain:

• Freedom from Board and MLS fees.

• The ability to live anywhere in the world while keeping your license active.

• Opportunities to refer residential, commercial, and international transactions.

• A simple, proven system that allows you to earn without the demands of traditional real estate sales.

Final Thoughts

The Florida Real Estate Commission serves as the backbone of Florida’s real estate industry, ensuring that agents and brokers are educated, regulated, and accountable to the public. Every professional in the field is directly affected by FREC’s oversight, from licensing requirements to continuing education and disciplinary measures.

For agents who want to keep their license active without the daily obligations of sales, Park Place Realty Network provides an alternative path. With us, you can maintain your professional standing, avoid costly dues, and continue to earn through referrals—all while FREC ensures that the industry remains fair and transparent.

If you’re ready to take the next step in managing your Florida real estate license, visit www.ParkPlaceNetwork.com to learn more about how Park Place Realty Network can help you achieve your goals.