Florida Realtors Opposes Bill Abolishing FREC

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A Florida House committee on Wednesday advanced House Bill 1461, which would eliminate nearly all boards and commissions that regulate professions under the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). This change includes the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), which is responsible for regulating the real estate profession in the state.

While the bill was initially filed on Feb. 28, 2025, the original version did not propose eliminating boards and commissions. A 389-page amendment, however, was filed on April 7 and heard on April 9. The amendment included elimination of FREC and other Realtor® concerns. In response, Florida Realtors® Leadership Team dispatched CEO Margy Grant to Tallahassee to attend the committee meeting to speak in opposition of the proposed amendment. 

“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.”

FREC was created to protect the public by regulating the conduct of real estate licensees and ensuring that real estate professionals in Florida comply with established legal and ethical standards. Its role in licensing, education, discipline and consumer protection is crucial to maintaining public trust and professional integrity in real estate transactions.

“Unlike many regulated professions, real estate involves legal responsibilities, public trust and potentially significant risks to consumers who are often making the largest financial investment of their life,” added Grant. “Removing FREC from the regulation of the real estate profession is too big a risk to take.”

It is unclear who within DBPR would handle regulatory duties, how the process would work and whether DBPR has the necessary staff and expertise to handle the increased workload. The bill does not include additional staffing to handle this change.

The bill has two more scheduled committee stops before it can be considered by the full House. If passed, the Senate would need to approve their own version of the bill or adopt the House version before it can be sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis for his signature. It is unclear at this time where the governor and Senate stand on the bill.

Florida Realtors will continue to monitor the advancement of this bill and be present for all future hearings. It will also be engaging all stakeholders and decision makers to determine next steps regarding these proposed changes to the real estate industry.

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