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n early 2025 the Florida House approved a bill that would strip several professional bodies of their regulatory powers and dissolve commissions that currently operate under the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The proposal targets the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), a seven‑member board that oversees real‑estate licensing and education. Although the House passed the measure 69‑42, it stalled in the Senate, where Florida Realtors® voiced strong opposition.

    At the start of December, a new, largely identical bill was introduced in the House, re‑igniting the deregulation debate. The Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee held a hearing on December 11, after which the bill cleared the committee. The legislation would also affect accreditation for architects, appraisers, builders, and unrelated professions such as accountants, barbers, and cosmetologists. Even its critics, including Florida Realtors®, argue that the bill is part of a broader deregulatory agenda rather than a targeted attack on real‑estate.

    During the hearing, representatives from affected professional associations testified, most of them opposing the bill. Trey Goldman, legislative counsel for Florida Realtors®, explained why the association objects. He described Florida’s real‑estate licensing standards as “middle of the road” compared to other states and warned that the proposed changes would lower professional standards and reduce consumer protections. Goldman also highlighted concerns about the state’s mutual recognition policy, which allows licensees from nine other states to obtain Florida licenses more easily. He argued that altering Florida’s accreditation could create misalignment with those states.

    The 449‑page bill frequently replaces references to specific commissions, such as FREC, with the term “the department,” indicating a shift of authority to the DBPR itself. Representative Yvette Benarroch (R) expressed reservations about centralizing power within the DBPR and noted that the bill does not adequately address the concerns of the professionals it would affect.

    Key provisions would alter continuing‑education requirements for licensed professionals, eliminating many mandatory courses for real‑estate agents. The bill removes FREC’s authority to mandate post‑licensure education, while preserving a clause that exempts licensees who hold a four‑year accredited real‑estate degree from both initial and continuing education requirements.

    Representative Richard Gentry (R) remarked that, “Having bought and sold property many times, the average person relies on their Realtor® for legal and procedural guidance until closing. I doubt any agency can match the collective expertise of a peer board.” He noted that five of FREC’s seven members must be licensed, active brokers.

    During the April debate on the earlier bill, Florida Realtors® CEO Margy Grant testified that real‑estate involves legal duties, public trust, and significant consumer risk, especially when buyers make life‑changing investments. She warned that removing FREC from regulation poses too great a risk.

    Florida Realtors® declined to comment on the bill when contacted by RISMedia.