Florida Real Estate Broker ExaminationReal Estate Brokerage ManagementMedium
A real estate broker is considering using a trade name for their brokerage. Which of the following statements about using a trade name in Florida is true?
- AOnly the broker's legal name is required on advertising, not the trade name.
- BA trade name can only be used if the broker operates as a corporation.
- CA trade name can be used without registering it with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
- DThe trade name must be registered with the DBPR and appear on all advertising.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The trade name must be registered with the DBPR and appear on all advertising.
Florida law requires that any trade name used by a broker must be registered with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and must be included in all advertising, along with the broker's name as registered.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. If a trade name is used, it must appear on advertising along with the broker's legal name.
- B. Trade names can be used by various business entities, not exclusively corporations.
- C. Trade names must be registered with the DBPR to be legally used in advertising.
Trade Name Requirements (Broker)
In Florida, a real estate broker using a trade name must register it with the DBPR and include it in all advertisements.
- Must be registered with DBPR.
- Must appear in all advertising.
- Broker's legal name must also be present in advertising.
Memory trick: Advertise your true identity, trade name or not, clearly and always registered.