Reinstating a Real Estate License
In order to sell homes as a real estate professional in Florida, you are required to have a license. A license requires that you pass an exam and show that you are of good character. But once you receive a real estate license, your work is by no means done. Professional licenses are not permanent, and you could lose yours at any time.
Florida and other states require that you renew your real estate license on a regular basis. In order to renew your license, though, you will be required to take continuing education courses. If you fail to do so, your license could be deemed inactive or even become suspended.
The real estate market has gone up and down over the past decade. You might have quit real estate for a few years but are now looking to get into the swing of things again. You may find, however, that your license is no longer valid. So how do you get it active again?
License Requirements
In Florida, a real estate license is active and valid for two years. The Florida Real Estate Commission requires a licensee to complete 14 credit hours of continuing education in a classroom before the license can be renewed. Those who do not meet this requirement cannot renew their license, and their license will be deemed inactive.
Once your real estate license is inactive, you can make it active again, but it requires some effort on your part. There are three possible situations. Those with a license that has been inactive for under 12 months can reinstate it by completing at least 14 continuing education credit hours. If the inactivity has occurred for 12-24 months, then 28 continuing education credit hours are required. A license that has been inactive for more than 24 months is considered expired. At this point, you will not be able to reactivate it. Those looking to regain licensure will have to go through the entire licensing process again. An alternative is to request a hearing before the Florida Real Estate Commission.
Keep in mind that real estate professionals can also lose licenses for inappropriate behavior. Engaging in immoral or unethical behavior, such as lying or stealing, can cause you to lose a license. The state board has the right to enforce a variety of penalties, such as verbal or written warnings, license suspension or even revocation.
Keep Your License with Help From a Tampa Real Estate Broker License Lawyer
Getting a real estate license is not a permanent thing. Laws change, and it’s important for real estate professionals to stay current. If they don’t, or if they engage in unethical behavior, they can lose their license. Getting it back is not easy.
If you are a Florida real estate broker or salesperson who is facing license loss, it’s crucial that you seek legal help right away. The Law Offices of David P. Rankin, P.A. can assess your case and help reinstate your real estate license so you can continue to earn a living. I have 30 years of experience representing real estate brokers and other licensed professionals. I have represented more than 100 real estate brokers and sales associates in DBPR/ Division of Real Estate investigations and before the Florida Real Estate Commission. I have been the attorney for the Greater Tampa Realtors for more than fifteen years. Call my office at (813) 968-6633 or fill out the online form to learn more.
