Florida Real Estate Broker ExaminationReal Estate Brokerage ManagementMedium
A Florida real estate broker, operating as a sole proprietor, is preparing to place an advertisement for a listed property. The advertisement must include the name of the brokerage firm. Which of the following is an acceptable way to display the brokerage firm's name in the advertisement?
- AThe sales associate's name and phone number, with the brokerage name in fine print at the bottom.
- BOnly the broker's personal name, as they are a sole proprietor.
- CThe property's address and a contact phone number, implicitly linking to the brokerage.
- DThe licensed name of the brokerage firm clearly and conspicuously.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The licensed name of the brokerage firm clearly and conspicuously.
Florida law requires all advertisements to include the licensed name of the brokerage firm clearly and conspicuously. This applies whether the broker is a sole proprietor or operating under a fictitious name.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The brokerage name must be clear and conspicuous, not in fine print, and should be prominently displayed, not secondary to a sales associate's information.
- B. Even as a sole proprietor, the licensed name of the brokerage (which could be the broker's name if registered as such) must be clear, but 'only the broker's personal name' is insufficient if a brokerage name is also registered.
- C. This is a form of blind advertising, which is illegal. The brokerage name must be explicit.
Brokerage Advertising Requirements (FL)
All real estate advertisements in Florida must clearly and conspicuously include the licensed name of the brokerage firm to avoid blind advertising and ensure transparency.
- Brokerage name must be visible and prominent.
- Applies to all forms of advertising.
- Prevents blind advertising.
Memory trick: Advertise right, make the brokerage name bright!