Florida Broker Practice Exam

Which organization is empowered to issue subpoenas for records during an investigation?

1. Florida Bar Association

2. DBPR

3. Florida Department of Law Enforcement

4. Local county offices

The correct answer is: DBPR

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is the organization authorized to issue subpoenas for records during investigations within the various professional sectors it oversees, including real estate. The DBPR has a clear mandate to regulate and enforce compliance with laws concerning numerous professions and occupations in Florida, which includes the issuance of subpoenas as a tool to gather necessary evidence during inquiries into potential violations of those regulations. This function is critical for the integrity of the regulatory process, as it allows the DBPR to compel the production of documents and other evidence that may be relevant to an investigation. By having this authority, the DBPR ensures that it can effectively supervise and ensure compliance in the industries under its jurisdiction. Other organizations listed do not possess the same regulatory authority specific to professional licensing and investigations in the same context as the DBPR. The Florida Bar Association focuses on the regulation of the legal profession, while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement primarily handles criminal investigations and law enforcement matters. Local county offices may have some regulatory functions but do not hold the same broad investigative authority regarding professional licenses as the DBPR.