All real estate advertising must include the licensed name of the brokerage firm. Blind ads—advertisements that do not identify the advertiser as a licensed broker or agent—are prohibited. The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and Regulation Z impose specific rules on advertising credit terms: if any trigger term such as down payment amount, monthly payment, or interest rate is mentioned, the ad must include all required credit disclosures. All advertising must also comply with fair housing laws.
If Agent Garcia runs a social media ad stating "Beautiful 3BR home, only $1,500/month," this triggers Regulation Z requirements, and the ad must also disclose the annual percentage rate (APR), loan term, and total payments. The ad must also include the name of Garcia's brokerage firm.
Remember that all ads must include the brokerage name, and blind ads are always illegal. Know the Regulation Z trigger terms—if any specific financing term is advertised, full disclosure is required. Fair housing applies to all advertising, including online and social media.
Related Terms
Related Concepts
Brokers in Florida have strict responsibilities for managing escrow accounts, including monthly reconciliation and proper handling of trust funds.
Florida brokers are required to maintain transaction records and escrow records for a minimum of five years.
Commingling is the illegal act of mixing client trust funds with a broker's personal or business operating funds; conversion is the misappropriation of those funds.
Florida real estate licenses must be renewed biennially, and sales associates have specific post-license education requirements for their first renewal.
FREC has the authority to impose fines and other disciplinary actions on licensees who violate real estate laws and rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Study This in Your State
Advertising Regulations may have state-specific rules. Choose your state to study Practice Of Real Estate with localized content: