Florida Legislature Considers Eliminating State Real Estate Commission

The Florida House of Representatives is once again considering legislation that would eliminate the Florida Real Estate Commission. This regulatory body has overseen real estate licensing and professional conduct in the state for more than a century. House Bill 1461, which advanced through a House committee in December 2025, would abolish nearly all boards and commissions that regulate professions under the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

What the Bill Proposes

House Bill 1461 was initially filed on February 28, 2025, without provisions eliminating regulatory boards. A 389-page amendment filed on April 7 added language that would dismantle the Florida Real Estate Commission and other professional regulatory bodies. The commission, a seven-member board that regulates real estate licensees and their education, has been in operation for more than 100 years.

If passed, the bill would transfer the commission’s regulatory duties to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. However, it remains unclear how the department would handle the increased workload, whether it has the necessary staff and expertise to oversee real estate professionals, and what additional resources would be allocated to manage these responsibilities. The bill does not include provisions for extra staffing.

Opposition from Florida Realtors

Florida Realtors, the state’s largest trade association for real estate professionals, has strongly opposed the proposal. Margy Grant, CEO of Florida Realtors, testified before the House committee in April, stating that eliminating the commission would have a significant negative impact on consumer protection and the real estate industry.

“The Florida Real Estate Commission has been a trusted and experienced partner to consumers and real estate professionals for more than 100 years,” Grant told the committee. “Eliminating FREC would have a significant negative impact on both consumer protection and Florida’s real estate industry, which is a major economic driver within our state.”

The commission’s role includes licensing, education, discipline, and consumer protection. It was created to regulate the conduct of real estate licensees and ensure that professionals comply with established legal and ethical standards. Grant emphasized that real estate transactions involve legal responsibilities and significant financial risks for consumers, often representing the largest investment of their lives.

What Happens Next

House Bill 1461 has two more scheduled committee stops before the full House can consider it. If passed by the House, the Senate would need to approve its own version of the bill or adopt the House version before it could be sent to Governor Ron DeSantis for his signature. The governor’s position on the bill is not yet clear, nor is the Senate’s stance.

Florida Realtors has stated that it will continue to monitor the bill’s progress, attend all future hearings, and engage stakeholders and decision-makers to address the proposed changes.

Implications for Florida’s Real Estate Industry

The elimination of the Florida Real Estate Commission would represent a significant shift in how the state regulates real estate professionals. The commission’s oversight includes licensing requirements, continuing education standards, and disciplinary actions for professionals who violate legal or ethical standards. Transferring these responsibilities to DBPR without clear guidance on staffing, procedures, or expertise raises questions about the state’s ability to maintain current regulatory standards.

For real estate brokerages, agents, and professionals, the change could affect licensing processes, education requirements, and the handling of consumer complaints. For property buyers and sellers, the shift could impact consumer protections that have been in place for decades.

The bill is similar to deregulation efforts in other states, where legislatures have sought to reduce the role of professional licensing boards. Proponents of deregulation argue that it reduces bureaucracy and allows market forces to regulate professional conduct. Opponents contend that eliminating regulatory bodies weakens consumer protections and reduces accountability for professionals in industries where mistakes can have significant financial consequences.

Broader Context

Florida’s real estate market is one of the largest in the nation, with a significant economic impact on the state. The industry drives employment, generates tax revenue, and supports related sectors such as construction, finance, and insurance. Any change to how the state regulates real estate professionals has implications for market stability and consumer confidence.

Financial and Operational Considerations for Real Estate Professionals

Changes to licensing and regulatory oversight affect how real estate businesses operate. From compliance requirements to professional liability, staying informed about legislative developments is critical for brokerages and individual agents.

At James Moore, we work with real estate professionals across Florida to address the financial, tax, and operational challenges posed by regulatory changes. Whether you’re managing a brokerage, advising clients, or planning for growth, our team provides the support you need to make informed decisions.

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