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.
FREC has the authority to impose fines and other disciplinary actions on licensees who violate real estate laws and rules.
License requirements are the mandatory qualifications—including pre-licensing education, examination, and background checks—that a person must satisfy before legally practicing real estate. These requirements are established and enforced by each state's real estate commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
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