FAQs for applicants who have a criminal history

  1. If I have a criminal history can I still get a real estate license?Persons with a criminal history may apply for a real estate license.  Each applicant is considered on their own merits. References: Chapter 475.17, Florida Statutes Chapter 472.175, Florida...Date Updated: 04/03/2018
  2.     475.17 Qualifications for practice.
    (1)(a) An applicant for licensure who is a natural person must be at least 18 years of age; hold a high school diploma or its equivalent; be honest, truthful, trustworthy, and of good character; and have a good reputation for fair dealing. An applicant for an active broker’s license or a sales associate’s license must be competent and qualified to make real estate transactions and conduct negotiations therefor with safety to investors and to those with whom the applicant may undertake a relationship of trust and confidence. If the applicant has been denied registration or a license or has been disbarred, or the applicant’s registration or license to practice or conduct any regulated profession, business, or vocation has been revoked or suspended, by this or any other state, any nation, or any possession or district of the United States, or any court or lawful agency thereof, because of any conduct or practices which would have warranted a like result under this chapter, or if the applicant has been guilty of conduct or practices in this state or elsewhere which would have been grounds for revoking or suspending her or his license under this chapter had the applicant then been registered, the applicant shall be deemed not to be qualified unless, because of lapse of time and subsequent good conduct and reputation, or other reason deemed sufficient, it appears to the commission that the interest of the public and investors will not likely be endangered by the granting of registration. The commission may adopt rules requiring an applicant for licensure to provide written information to the commission regarding the applicant’s good character.
     
    475.175 Examinations.
    (1) A person shall be entitled to take the license examination to practice in this state if the person:
    (a) Submits to the department the appropriate signed or electronically authenticated application, digital fingerprint data, and fee. The digital fingerprints shall be forwarded to the Division of Criminal Justice Information Systems within the Department of Law Enforcement for purposes of processing the fingerprints to determine if the applicant has a criminal history record. The fingerprints shall also be forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for purposes of processing the fingerprints to determine if the applicant has a criminal history record. The information obtained by the processing of the fingerprints by the Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation shall be sent to the department for the purpose of determining if the applicant is statutorily qualified for examination.
    Do I need to submit fingerprints to obtain a real estate license?
  3. Fingerprints are required for all applicants. The department uses these fingerprints to run a background check on applicants as required by Florida Statutes. To learn more about fingerprinting and...Date Updated: 04/05/2018
  4. I am a convicted felon. Can I get a real estate license?It is possible. You will be required to submit along with your application a detailed written explanation of the criminal background, including official documents. Applications with background...Date Updated: 04/03/2018
  5. Do I have to disclose a misdemeanor arrest on my real estate application?
  6. Yes.  You must disclose all convictions, (felony, or misdemeanor), regardless of whether you were convicted, found guilty, or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (no...Date Updated: 04/05/2018
  7. Do I need to submit fingerprints to obtain a real estate license?Yes.  Fingerprints are required for all applicants. The department uses these fingerprints to run a background check on applicants as required by Florida Statutes. To learn more about...Date Updated: 04/05/2018
  8. The real estate application says I must provide documentation regarding my arrest. What type of documents are you looking for?The documents required depend on the question. #1 requires: Arrest/Police reports, final court dispositions, such as a certified copy of the Judgment and Sentence, letter from probation office...Date Updated: 04/05/2018
  9. I have tried to obtain the documentation you asked for regarding my real estate license, but it has been too long and those records have been destroyed. What do I need to do?You are required to provide arrest reports and dispositions or final orders of each judgment. If police reports are not available, you MUST submit written explanation of each arrest. If records have...Date Updated: 04/05/2018