Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Examination Content OutlineReal Estate Brokerage Activities and ProceduresHard
A Florida real estate sales associate is preparing an advertisement for a property. The advertisement includes the sales associate's personal cell phone number and email address, but it does not clearly display the registered name of the brokerage firm. Which Florida advertising rule is being violated?
- AThe rule concerning internet advertising.
- BThe rule against blind advertising.
- CThe rule prohibiting puffery.
- DThe rule regarding team advertising.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The rule against blind advertising.
Blind advertising occurs when a real estate advertisement fails to disclose the licensed name of the brokerage firm. All advertisements, regardless of their medium, must clearly identify the brokerage firm to avoid misleading the public into believing they are dealing directly with an owner or an unlicensed individual.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While related to advertising, the specific failure to include the brokerage name falls under blind advertising, not just internet advertising rules broadly.
- C. Puffery involves exaggerated statements of opinion, which is not the issue presented in the scenario.
- D. Team advertising rules apply when a team name is used, but the core issue here is the absence of the brokerage name.
Blind Advertising (Florida)
Any real estate advertisement that fails to include the registered name of the brokerage firm, misleading the public about who is offering the service.
- Aims to prevent confusion about the advertiser's identity.
- Applies to all forms of advertising (print, online, signs).
- Brokerage name must be clearly and conspicuously displayed.
Memory trick: Blind ads? No 'eyes' on the 'brokerage name' means the ad is 'blind'!