The Florida Real Estate Commission was created to make sure that real estate professionals and the public work together.

You know what they say about assuming things – so, first things first. We did pose the question about Frick and Frack, and maybe you don't know about them, either. So, let's start with Frick and Frack ­– and we'll round back to FREC.

Frick and Frack

Werner Groebli and Hans Mauch were a pair of Swiss comedy ice skaters. Yes, it's likely that you wouldn't put that combo together – but these two did back in the late 1930s. They took the stage names of Frick and Frack, and their “Ice Follies” comedy skating spectaculars were a hit for the next 50 years. We may not remember their shows, but their names have become woven into our language as slang for two people who work well together.

Meet FREC

And, that's an appropriate introduction to FREC because the Florida Real Estate Commission was created to make sure that real estate professionals and the public work well together. The organization protects the public through education, and to regulate men and women who hold Florida real estate licenses.

The state takes this seriously. The commission is made up of seven members. They're appointed by the governor, but they must be confirmed by the Florida state senate.

• Four of these members must be licensed brokers who have held an active Florida real estate license for five years preceding their appointment to the commission.
• One member must be a licensed broker or sales associate who has held an active license for two years preceding their appointment.
• Two members must be people who are not, or never have been brokers or associates.
• At least one member of the commission must be 60 years old.

What FREC does

Each commission member receives a four-year appointment. FREC was created in 1925 by the Florida legislature. The commission meets monthly. It has the power to enforce Florida's real estate laws. FREC also can pass rules that allow it to enforce laws. For example, the commission recently worked to change the renewal requirements for holding a Florida real estate license. It's still necessary to take 14 hours of continuing education, but the necessary courses now consist of three hours of core law, three hours of ethics and business practices, and eight hours of specialty education. This will be mandatory for anyone whose license expires after September 30, 2018.

The commission has the power to investigate and discipline any licensee that violates Florida's real estate laws. It can discipline licensees by suspending or revoking their licenses, or by imposing fines. They're unable to prosecute criminal cases. If it's necessary, they pair up with the office of the State Attorney General. This is because commission members are not likely to be attorneys.

Along with regulating licensees in the state, FREC is responsible for acting as the consumer-protecting agency for the public. This is mostly achieved by fostering the education of real estate professionals. By raising professionalism within the industry, they increase competence and protect the public.

One of the ways FREC does this is by regulating real estate schools and non-credit continuing education courses for real estate licensees at higher learning institutions and technical centers.

How you can become a member

While five of the seven commission members must be licensed real estate professionals, two positions are reserved for people who do not hold licenses. It's the governor's responsibility to appoint qualified people to act as advocates for the public and to assist in regulating licensees. The public is welcome to participate and serve on the commission.

At PeytonBolin, we work with individuals, associations, and businesses. We can help with real estate transactions, litigation, probate, or advice and counsel for a real estate deal or HOA/condominium issue. We also work with condominium and HOA community associations, helping with general counsel for day-to-day management issues, collections, litigation and covenant amendment and enforcement. We also support businesses in commercial deals, zoning, and municipal lien issues. Contact us if you have questions about real estate law in Florida.