A Crime Involving Moral Turpitude Could be Grounds for Disqualification by DBPR

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is the agency charged with regulating the practice of real estate pursuant to Section 20.165, Florida Statutes. DBPR considers crimes involving moral turpitude grounds for disqualification from licensure. Offenses considered crimes involving moral turpitude include, but not limited to, driving under the influence (DUI) or leaving the scene of an accident involving serious bodily injury.

Section 475.25(1)(f), Florida Statutes, subjects’ real estate licensees to discipline if the licensee:

[h]as been convicted or found guilty of, or entered a plea of nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a crime in any jurisdiction within directly relates to the activities of a licensed broker or sale associate, or involves moral turpitude or fraudulent or dishonest dealing. The record of a conviction certified or authenticated in such form as to be admissible in evidence under the laws of the state shall be admissible as prima facie evidence of such guilt.

Pursuant to section 475.25, Florida Statutes, the repercussions for such offense include but not limited to suspension or permanent revocation of licensure, restriction of practice, probation, or fine. DBPR has broad discretion in determining which corrective action would be appropriate. Mitigating factors may be presented to the regulating agency to reduce penalties. Howell, Buchan & Strong attorneys can assist with present such mitigating factors to the regulating agency.

Let Us Help You:

• Understand your options. 
• Review your letter from the DPBR.
• Advise you on how to successfully navigate the system.
• Advise you on the approach to meeting with Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), or the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board (FREAB).
• Argue mitigating circumstances which might lessen the penalties.
• Represent you and your case before the FREC or the FREAB.

Moving swiftly and efficiently in developing the defense of your real estate license is the best approach under these circumstances. At Howell, Buchan & Strong Attorneys at Law, we are uniquely qualified to defend your license. Not only do we have decades of experience dealing with state government agencies and the legal issues that arise; we also have offices that are conveniently located in Tallahassee, Florida’s Capital City, where the Department of Business and Professional Regulation is based, and a secondary office in Orlando, headquarters for the Florida Real Estate Commission.

Our law firm is experienced in DBPR real estate license defense concerns. Howell, Buchan & Strong, Attorneys at Law represent licensed professionals in Florida with advice and representation.

Have Questions? Let’s Talk

Have questions about your real estate license and how to protect it? Contact the law firm of Howell, Buchan & Strong at 850-877-7776 to set up a FREE, no-obligation consultation.

Orlando (407) 717-1773 | Tallahassee (850) 877-7776 | Tampa (813) 833-6726 | Sarasota (941) 779-4348

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