How to File a Complaint
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation investigates and administratively prosecutes Florida appraisal or real estate licensees who conduct business in violation of state license law. The power to invoke penalties upon persons violating license laws has been granted to the Department and its Boards by virtue of State law and is described in Chapter 455.227, F.S.
Complaints against real estate professionals or unlicensed individuals suspected of performing unlicensed activity may be filed via:
If an investigation of any subject is undertaken, the Department will furnish to the subject or the subject’s attorney a copy of the complaint or document that resulted in the initiation of the investigation.
In general, action that can be taken is limited to that person’s license, and includes such things as:
- Revocation
- Suspension
- Denial of the renewal of the license
- Reprimand
- Fine for each violation
Powers NOT given to the Department and its Boards includes such actions as:
- Enforcing or cancelling contracts
- Imposing restitution for damages
- Interpreting contracts to enforce payments in commission disputes
- Requiring a licensee to pay monies to another party, or recovering monies
- Requiring persons to correct previous acts
These matters are civil in nature and should be addressed to a court with appropriate jurisdiction.
The downloaded complaint form can be sent via:
| Fax: (407) 317-7245 Attention: Division of Real Estate-Complaints |
Mail: Division of Real Estate-Complaints 400 West Robinson Street, Suite N801 Orlando, Florida 32801 |
Materials to Include with Complaint:
Please provide all relevant documentation with the complaint form. Relevant documentation includes,
but is not limited to, copies of the following:
- Sales Contract (Front & Back)
- Canceled Checks (Front & Back)
- Lease/Rental Agreements (Front & Back)
- Listing/Management Agreements (Front & Back)
- Closing Statement
- Multiple Listing Printout
- Appraisals
- Repair Bills
- Monthly Statements
- Correspondence
- Agency Disclosure Form
- Judgment/Civil Lawsuit
Please send legible copies of your supporting documents. We are unable to return original
documents to you.
If the complaint is legally sufficient, meaning it contains facts and supporting documentation indicating that a violation of statute may have occurred, we will then open an investigation.
Confidentiality:
Once a complaint is received, Florida Law prohibits this agency from divulging information concerning the complaint or its subsequent investigation until 10 days after a probable cause determination or until the subject waives his or her right of confidentiality, whichever happens first. See Chapter 455.255(10) F.S. for more information. This does not apply to actions against unlicensed persons or unless otherwise provided by law.
Anticipated Time of Processing Complaints:
Because investigations and legal reviews differ in complexity, duration and priority, no definite time frame can be given as to when the complaint process will be completed for any individual case.
Compliance and Enforcement
Quick Links
Need Help?
All requests for publications, documents, forms, applications for licenses, permits and other similar certifications can be obtained by contacting the Customer Contact Center.
Katy McGinnis, Director
Division of Real Estate
400 West Robinson Street, N801
Orlando, Florida 32801
Telephone: 850.487.1395
Facsimile: 850.488.8040
