Florida Broker Practice Exam

The Department may initiate an investigation if there is what?

1. Public interest in the case

2. Routine checks

3. Reasonable cause to believe a violation occurred

4. Licensee complaints

The correct answer is: Reasonable cause to believe a violation occurred

The correct answer is grounded in the premise that the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation has a responsibility to uphold the laws and regulations governing licensed activities. An investigation may be initiated if there is reasonable cause to believe that a violation has occurred. This means that there is sufficient evidence or indications that suggest a breach of the rules, prompting the Department to take action to ensure compliance and protect the public interest. Reasonable cause is a crucial standard because it balances the need for oversight with the rights of the individuals involved, allowing the Department to act on evidence rather than mere suspicion. This standard helps to maintain the integrity of the real estate profession, ensuring that violations are addressed and that licensees adhere to the established regulations. The other options, while they may seem relevant to the process or context of investigations, do not serve as direct triggers for initiating an investigative procedure. Public interest could certainly bring attention to a case, but it does not inherently justify beginning an investigation without specific evidence of a violation. Routine checks are preventive measures rather than response actions based on evidence. Licensee complaints, while significant, would still need to present reasonable cause of a violation to prompt formal investigation.