Thinking of not disclosing a past arrest on your application? Think again!

Do you have an arrest from your college days which you would like to forget?  Many people have things in their past that they regret and would like a “do over”.  However, it is not in your best interest to forget to be truthful on your application to become a Florida Real Estate Agent.  The real estate profession is one which is built on ethics, truth and honesty. Failure to disclose a past arrest may lead to an appearance before the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) and possible denial of your license.  

Section 475.25,(1)(m), Florida Statutes Provides:

475.25 Discipline.—

(1) The commission may deny an application for licensure, registration, or permit, or renewal thereof; may place a licensee, registrant, or permittee on probation; may suspend a license, registration, or permit for a period not exceeding 10 years; may revoke a license, registration, or permit; may impose an administrative fine not to exceed $5,000 for each count or separate offense; and may issue a reprimand, and any or all of the foregoing, if it finds that the licensee, registrant, permittee, or applicant:

(m) Has obtained a license by means of fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment.

It is important to seek legal advice early in the process if you are a real estate salesperson, agent, or broker who is in the initial phases of a Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) investigation or has received a letter from DPBR requiring an appearance before the Board pursuant to your application for licensure.  

Let Us Help You:

• Know what your options are.
• Review your letter from DPBR.
• Provide advice on how to successfully navigate the system.
• Provide advice on approach to meeting with FREC.
• Argue mitigating circumstances which might lessen the penalties.
• Representation before FREC.

Establishing a strategy early in the process for the defense of your real estate license is the best approach under these circumstances. Howell, Buchan & Strong, Attorneys at Law is headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida’s Capital City, which is also where the Department of Business and Professional Regulation is based and a secondary office in Orlando, where the Florida Real Estate Commission if headquartered. We have decades of experience dealing with state government agencies and the problems that arise. 

Our Law Firm

Our law firm is available for a free no-obligation consultation for DBPR real estate license defense concerns. Howell, Buchan & Strong, Attorneys at Law represent licensed professionals with advice and representation. 

Have questions about the process? We’re here to answer them. Reach us at 850-877-7776 or 407-717-1773.

¿Necesita un consejo? No vaya solo, estamos aqui para aydarle. Llame a la asistente legal Helen Blandon para una consulta gratuita hoy en el bufete de abogados de Howell, Buchan & Strong, al 407-717-1773.