Violations and Penalties: The Consequences

If you break the rules, there are three different groups that can punish you: the DBPR/DRE (administrative staff), the FREC (the Commission), and the Courts (Judges).Administrative Penalties (Denial)Before you even start, the state can stop you.Denial of Application: If the DBPR finds mistakes in your application (e.g., you forgot to disclose a past crime or didn't pay the fee), they can deny your license application. If you fail to do your continuing education or pay your renewal fees, they can also refuse to recertify your license.Penalties Issued by the DRE (Minor Offenses). The Division of Real Estate (DRE) handles minor infractions without needing a full trial. Notice of Noncompliance - A warning ticket - Issued for a first-time minor violation that does not endanger the public (e.g., your office sign is missing the word "Lic."). You have 15 days to correct the mistake. If you fix it, no fine is issued. Citation - Like a traffic ticket for real estate - Issued for minor violations where a fine is standard (e.g., failing to notify the DBPR of a change of address). Fines range from $100 to $500. You have 30 days to pay it or fight it.