Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Examination Content OutlineReal Estate Brokerage Activities and ProceduresHard
A Florida real estate sales associate has been found guilty of a misdemeanor related to their personal finances, not directly involving real estate activities. What is the licensee's obligation to the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC)?
- AOnly report if the misdemeanor is a felony.
- BReport the conviction to FREC during the next renewal cycle.
- CReport the conviction to FREC within 30 days.
- DNo obligation, as it is unrelated to real estate.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Report the conviction to FREC within 30 days.
Florida Statute 475.25(1)(e) requires licensees to report to FREC any conviction, finding of guilt, plea of nolo contendere, or plea of guilty to a crime, regardless of whether it relates to real estate, within 30 days of the conviction or plea. This includes misdemeanors.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The requirement applies to both felonies and misdemeanors, not just felonies.
- B. Waiting until the next renewal cycle is too late; the 30-day reporting requirement is immediate.
- D. All criminal convictions, even those unrelated to real estate, must be reported to FREC.
Reporting Criminal Convictions (Licensee)
Florida real estate licensees must self-report any criminal conviction, plea of nolo contendere, or plea of guilty (felony or misdemeanor) to FREC within 30 days, regardless of its relation to real estate activities.
- Applies to both felonies and misdemeanors.
- Must be reported within 30 days.
- Includes convictions, pleas of guilty, or nolo contendere.
- Required even if unrelated to real estate practice.
Memory trick: Crime or plea, thirty days to decree.