Accused of Practicing Real Estate Without License in Florida? You Need a Lawyer!

Practicing as a real estate broker or sales associate in Florida without an active license is not simply an administrative violation: It’s a crime that could land you several years in prison and fines in the amount of several thousands of dollars.

If you have received an administrative complaint from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) for unlicensed real estate practice or are facing criminal charges, you’re right to be concerned. To set up a FREE no-obligation consultation with attorney Jeff Howell or attorney Rickey Strong, contact the law firm of Howell, Buchan & Strong, Attorneys at Law at 850-877-7776. We represent clients statewide.

According to Sections 475.42(1)(a), 775.082(3)(e), and 775.083(1)(c), Florida Statutes, the unlicensed practice of real estate, as a broker or sales associate, is a third-degree felony punishable in criminal court, for each violation, by up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines.

In addition, according to Section 455.28, Florida Statutes, and Rule 61J2-24.001(3)(w), Florida Administrative Code, you can face additional administrative fines — even if you are not found criminally guilty — of between $250 to $2,500 for each violation if you don’t have a prior disciplinary history, and fines in the amount of $1,000 to $5,000 for each violation if you do have a prior disciplinary history. If you are licensed but found guilty of practicing while your license is inactive, your license can also be suspended or revoked. Your disciplinary history is a matter of public record which will be viewable by your clients.

However, these penalties are not set in stone. The Florida Real Estate Commission can take into account any number of aggravating or mitigating factors to increase or lesson the penalties set down in the rules. When you have an experienced real estate attorney fighting for you, you stand a much better chance of receiving the lowest possible penalty, and even of getting the complaint against you dismissed.

Contact the law firm of Howell, Buchan & Strong, Attorneys at Law at 850-877-7776 to set up your FREE no-obligation consultation with attorney Jeff Howell or attorney Rickey Strong today. DBPR has experienced attorneys on its side. So should you!