License Information; Registration
LICENSE INFORMATION; REGISTRATION
License information
Registration
License information Identity, contact information, license type and number, dates. Real estate licenses issued in Florida include the licensee’s name and address, type of license, license issue and expiration dates, and the license number. The license number includes a two-letter prefix that indicates the type of license: BK for broker, SL for sales associate, BL for broker associate, BO for branch office, CQ for corporation or limited liability company, or PR for partnership and limited liability partnership.
Prima facia evidence of currency and validity. The license serves as prima facia evidence that the individual holds a current, valid license.
Prima facia evidence is defined as evidence that, at first view, is good and sufficient on its face to establish a given fact or to prove a case. Unless the evidence is contradicted, it proves a case or, as in the case of licensure, proves the license is valid.
As discussed throughout this section, real estate licensure is obtained by meeting all state requirements, including completing education and examination requirements, submitting to background history checks, paying applicable fees, meeting general age and character requirements, and so on.
When the individual or entity has met the requirements, the state will issue the license that allows the licensee to perform real estate services for compensation. The license must be timely renewed to allow for continued performance of real estate activities.
Registration Every person or entity who is licensed is required to register with the FREC, pay a registration fee, and submit all required information: name and address of the licensee, name and business address of the sales associate licensee’s employing broker, license status of the sales associate and his or her employing broker, and whether or not the licensee is an officer, director, or partner of a real estate brokerage. Registrations must be renewed when the license is renewed.
Florida sales associates and broker associates are required to register under the employing broker and can only register under one broker at a time.
Partnerships, limited liability partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations that act as brokers must register. Partnerships are required to license Section 2: Real Estate License Law / Qualifications for Licensure 37
and register at least one partner as an active broker. Real estate brokerage corporations must license and register their officers and directors. Brokers must also register all branch offices.
If a licensee changes names or trade names, the license must be reissued in the new name and re-registered. Trade names are to be shown on both the license and the registration.
Licensees and companies are registered when they provide the appropriate completed form to DBPR, giving their name, address, and other information. Persons do not have licensure until they have completed all the education and testing requirements. At that time, they will receive their license.
