What are Florida’s laws on buying or selling a home?
Florida statutes and the Florida Administrative Code (rules and regulations of Florida regulatory agencies) govern real estate transactions in the state of Florida. Home sales are also governed by contract law as well as regulations unique to Florida. Depending on the location, there may also be city and/or county ordinances that apply to residential real estate within specific jurisdictions. There are also federal statutes related to issues such as fair housing and discrimination, which could be applicable in some transactions.
While homeowners are free to sell and buy homes without going through a licensed real estate professional, real estate sales agents and brokers are licensed by the State of Florida and held to the law, including regulations regarding ethical sales activities. The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), a division of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, educates real estate agents and administers and enforces real estate licensing law.