TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A Florida House Committee advanced HB 991 on Tuesday, which would eliminate all boards and commissions that regulate professions under the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), including the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) and Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board (FREAB). It also eliminates continuing and post licensing education requirements for all licensed real estate professions.
The effort to deregulate Florida’s real estate industry began with a 389-page amendment to a different House bill on April 7. Late Monday afternoon, the House Commerce Committee filed a nearly 600-page amendment to HB 991 which includes the language abolishing FREC, FREAB and the continuing and post licensing education requirements. Florida Realtors® has been a vocal critic of the proposed changes throughout the deregulation effort due to its potential harm to consumers and the industry.
“Although we appreciate the intent of the bill sponsors to improve business in Florida, we have sincere concerns about the direction of this bill,” said Tim Weisheyer, 2025 president of Florida Realtors, following the final committee meeting on the bill. “We fully intend to stay involved in these conversations and look forward to working with our friends in the Legislature to find alternative ways to accomplish their goals.”
FREC was created to protect the public by regulating the conduct of real estate licensees and ensuring that real estate professionals in Florida comply with established legal and ethical standards. Real estate represents more than $394 billion – or 24% — of Florida’s economy. With nearly 360,000 active real estate licensees working across the state, FREC’s role is crucial in maintaining public trust and professional integrity in real estate transactions.
FREAB is vital to Florida’s real estate industry because it ensures appraisers follow federal guidelines, promoting consistency and accuracy in property valuations. With more than 7,000 active real estate appraiser licensees, FREAB’s alignment with national standards and its partnership with the Federal Appraisal Subcommittee help stabilize both Florida’s real estate market and the broader national housing and financial systems.
Florida Realtors CEO Margy Grant traveled to Tallahassee on Tuesday to speak in opposition of the newly amended bill.
“Florida’s real estate market deserves oversight from those who understand its complexities,” Grant told the committee. “FREC and FREAB bring that expertise – without it, regulation becomes guesswork.”
The bill also moves the Division of Real Estate from Orlando to Tallahassee. It is unclear who within DBPR would handle FREC’s and FREAB’s responsibilities, how the process would work and whether DBPR has the necessary staff and expertise to handle the increased workload. The bill does not include additional staffing to handle these changes.
If the bill is passed by the House, the Senate would need to approve its own version or adopt the House version before it can be sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis for his signature. It is unclear at this time where the governor and Senate stand on the newly amended bill.
Florida Realtors will continue to lobby against the bill in its current form. It will also continue to engage stakeholders and decision-makers to determine next steps regarding these proposed changes to the real estate industry.
“There are so many things that are complicated in a real estate transaction,” added Grant. “Please don’t eliminate these boards or the education requirements for these professionals. It’s absolutely essential that we protect the consumer and the real estate industry.”
© 2025 Florida Realtors®
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