What is required of real estate brokerages that are corporations in Florida?

In Florida, real estate brokerages operating as corporations must meet specific regulatory requirements to ensure they are compliant with state laws. Among these requirements, registering with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is crucial. This registration process ensures that the brokerage is recognized as a legal entity that can conduct real estate transactions, and it must also maintain an active broker on staff who is licensed and designated to oversee the operations. This active broker is responsible for compliance with all applicable real estate laws and regulations, ensuring the brokerage operates within the legal framework established by the state.

The need for an active broker is important, as it connects the corporate entity to real estate practices, which are inherently tied to individual licensure. This is a safeguarding measure that helps protect consumers by ensuring that a qualified professional is managing the brokerage's activities.

While filing for a certificate of incorporation is a step in forming a corporation, it is not specific to the functioning of real estate brokerages, as all corporations must complete this step regardless of their business nature. Therefore, it does not address the unique requirements of real estate operations. The suggestions regarding exemptions from having a qualified broker or maintaining three offices are not aligned with the state's regulations, which prioritize having a licensed individual in charge of real