The Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares and Mobile Homes is charged with providing oversight of the Florida residential communities we regulate through education, complaint resolution, mediation and arbitration, and developer disclosure.

Welcome timeshare owners/purchasers, prospective purchasers, developers, management companies, and industry professionals to the division’s timeshare page. As a regulatory agency, a top priority is to provide public information concerning Florida timeshare resorts and industry-related news. This site has been developed to bring you timely and relevant information concerning financial, examination, and enforcement issues affecting timeshare resorts registered with the division.

The timeshare industry is growing in Florida. Our mission is to be the model timeshare regulatory organization in the U.S. We foster compliance with timeshare laws and rules, regulate with fairness, and practice excellent service to all customers as we approve new timeshare resorts, monitor current operations for compliance and performance, and communicate to you, our customers, while implementing Chapter 721, Florida Statutes

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Boyd McAdams, Director
Division of Florida Condominiums,
Timeshares, and Mobile Homes

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HOW COVID-19 COULD IMPACT THE REAL ESTATE MARKET

Covid-19, or coronavirus, is all that everyone is talking about. And there are dozens of questions related to it. Is it preventable? How fast is it spreading? How dangerous is it? Will a treatment or even a cure be found in time?

All those questions are fair, and from a public health standpoint, should be asked and answered by those who are tasked to answer them – like the Centers for Disease Control.

However, this global pandemic, while terrifying millions around the world, is also having an impact on global financial markets and likely will impact the U.S. Real Estate market soon.

“U.S. MORTGAGE RATES HIT AN ALL-TIME LOW IN EARLY MARCH, WITH THE AVERAGE RATE OF THE 30-YEAR FIXED-RATE MORTGAGE DROPPING TO A STAGGERING 3.29%.”

Mortgage interest rates are plummeting, and according to a report on CNBC in early March, they could fall as low as zero percent, and even then, the Fed could go even farther.

“We certainly think the Fed would be prepared to do more,” said Michael Gapen, head of U.S. Economics at Barclay’s in an interview with CNBC. “There’s a lot of volatility in markets, and the Fed is very concerned about market functioning and keeping liquidity free flowing and credit available.”

In addition to the plummeting mortgage interest, an already slow real estate market will be impacted by a lack of Chinese buyers.

“China has been the most important source of foreign demand for real estate,” Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors®(NAR) told Realtor.com. “The upper-end market can expect to be softer as a result.”

That’s because wealthy Chinese buyers often purchase luxury properties in places like California and New York.

According to NAR’s most recent data about foreign buyers, Chinese buyers spent $13.4 billion on U.S. homes between April 2018 and May 2019 – which is a 56% drop from the previous 12-month span.

While some of that drop can be attributed to more strict rules by the Chinese government on international spending combined with tougher immigration rules in the U.S., even those Chinese buyers who would still come to America to buy real estate have been put on ice based on travel restrictions, flight cancellations and required quarantines and self-isolations.

This takes away the incentive to buy real estate because when a potential buyer can see the property remains unknown.

U.S. Mortgage rates hit an all-time low in early March, with the average rate of the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dropping to a staggering 3.29% according to Freddie Mac, eclipsing the previous low set back in 2012. Just a year ago, though, mortgage rates were hovering in the mid-4% range after almost touching 5% at the end of 2018.

However, some experts, like Jay Farner, CEO of Quicken Loans, sees this as an opportunity for current homeowners to refinance their mortgages and pay down the loan even faster.

“So, 30-year mortgage rates have dropped quite a bit to the low-to-mid three percent range on a 30-year fixed-rate, and we’re now below three percent on a 15-year fixed,” Farner told MarketWatch “ So, I’d say for the vast majority of Americans, they’re now in a position where they can save money by refinancing. So, they should be doing something.

“THE ONE POTENTIAL CONUNDRUM FOR LOWER MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES IS THAT IT COULD CREATE A SLIPPERY SLOPE WHERE MORE BUYERS ENTER THE MARKET TRYING TO GET A GOOD DEAL, ALLOWING SELLERS TO JACK UP THEIR PRICES.”

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NAR: U.S. existing-home sales surge 11.8% in Feb.

WASHINGTON – March 22, 2019 – Existing-home sales rebounded strongly in February, with the largest month-over-month gain since December 2015, according to the National Association of Realtors^® (NAR). Three of the four major U.S. regions saw sales gains, while the Northeast remained unchanged from last month.

Total existing-home sales – completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops – shot up 11.8 percent from January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.51 million in February. However, sales are down 1.8 percent from a year ago (5.61 million in February 2018).

"A powerful combination of lower mortgage rates, more inventory, rising income and higher consumer confidence is driving the sales rebound," says Lawrence Yun, NAR's chief economist.

The median existing-home price for all housing types in February was $249,500, up 3.6 percent from February 2018 ($240,800). February's price increase marks the 84th straight month of year-over-year gains.

Total housing inventory at the end of February increased to 1.63 million, up from 1.59 million existing homes available for sale in January, a 3.2 percent increase from 1.58 million a year ago. Unsold inventory is at a 3.5-month supply at the current sales pace, down from 3.9 months in January but up from 3.4 months in February 2018.

"It is very welcoming to see more inventory showing up in the market," says Yun. "Consumer foot traffic consequently is rising as measured by the opening rate of SentriLock key boxes."

Properties remained on the market for an average 44 days in February, down from 49 days in January but up from 37 days a year ago. Forty-one percent of homes sold in February were on the market for less than a month.

Yun, who has called for more inventory over the course of 2018, says the market would benefit greatly in 2019 with additional new housing.

"For sustained growth, significant construction of moderately priced-homes is still needed. More construction will help boost local economies and more home sales will help lessen wealth inequality as more households can enjoy in housing wealth gains," Yun says. A typical homeowner accumulated an estimated $8,700 in housing equity over the past 12 months and $21,300 over the past 24 months.

According to Freddie Mac, the average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage decreased to 4.37 percent in February from 4.46 percent in January. The average commitment rate across all of 2018 was 4.54 percent.

"We're very happy to see homebuyers returning to the market, as the beginning of Spring represents a prime time to purchase a new home," says NAR President John Smaby. "Potential buyers and sellers should seek out a local Realtor to stay abreast of the market and take advantage of the various housing benefits that are currently being extended during housing transactions."

First-time buyers were responsible for 32 percent of sales in February, up from last month and a year ago (both 29 percent).

All-cash sales accounted for 23 percent of transactions in February, equal to January's percentage but marginally down from a year ago (24 percent). Individual investors, who account for many cash sales, purchased 16 percent of homes in February, identical to January's 16 percent, but a tick up from a year ago (15 percent).

Distressed sales – foreclosures and short sales – represented 4 percent of sales in February, equal to both the 4 percent represented in January and at this time a year ago. One percent of February sales were short sales.

Single-family and condo/co-op sales
Single-family home sales sit at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.94 million in February, up from 4.36 million in January and down 1.4 percent from 5.01 million a year ago. The median existing single-family home price was $251,400 in February, up 3.6 percent from February 2018.

Existing condominium and co-op sales were recorded at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 570,000 units in February, unchanged from last month and down 5.0 percent from a year ago. The median existing condo price was $233,300 in February, which is up 3.1 percent from a year ago.

Regional breakdown
February existing-home sales numbers in the Northeast were identical to last month. The annual rate of 690,000 is 1.5 percent above a year ago. The median price in the Northeast was $272,900, which is up 3.8 percent from February 2018.

In the Midwest, existing-home sales rose 9.5 percent from last month to an annual rate of 1.27 million, roughly even to February 2018 levels. The median price in the Midwest was $188,800, which is up 5.4 percent from last year.

Existing-home sales in the South grew 14.9 percent to an annual rate of 2.39 million in February, down 0.4 percent from last year. The median price in the South was $219,300, up 2.5 percent from a year ago.

Existing-home sales in the West rocketed 16.0 percent to an annual rate of 1.16 million in February, 7.9 percent below a year ago. The median price in the West was $379,300, up 3.0 percent from February 2018.

ORLANDO, Fla. – March 20, 2019 – The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) met in Orlando and addressed advertising rules.

FREC revisited the team ad rule finalized in June 2018. While the rule became official last summer, it gave real estate teams one year to comply with the new regulations. The effective date of compliance – July 1, 2019 – has not changed.

FREC commissioners approved a change to the first sentence of subparagraph (6), which addresses the size of team names compared with brokerage names in advertising. The change will assist licensees with compliance and with enforcement of the rule by the Division of Real Estate.

If the change is unopposed as it winds its way through Florida's rulemaking process, it will replace the existing first sentence of this subparagraph.

"The rationale behind the change is the word 'appear' is vague in the current version, given the number of questions raised by brokers and teams," says Juana Watkins, Florida Realtors vice president of law and policy and general counsel. "In addition, comparing the logo of the brokerage to the printed name of the team presented difficulties as well. For these reasons, FREC hopes to eliminate the confusion caused by the team ad rule."

New subparagraph 61J2-10.026(6): In aAdvertisements containing the team or group name, the team or group name shall not be ~~appear~~ in larger print than the name ~~or logo~~ of the registered brokerage. All advertising must be in a manner in which reasonable persons would know they are dealing with a team or group.

The rule now winds its way through Florida's rulemaking process that includes, among other things, publication and a 21-day public comment period after publication.

In addition to making the team ad rule change, FREC decided not to change the individual advertising rule.

Questions about possible ad rule changes?

ORLANDO, Fla. – Feb. 1, 2019 – Individual ad rules may change. Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) commissioners will consider new language for the already-existing advertising rule, 61J2-10.025, at their meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019, in Orlando.

Under consideration is an individual ad-rule revision that a licensee's name shall not appear in larger print than the name or logo of their registered brokerage in any advertising. This change would replicate some of the language in the new team advertising rule, 61J2-10.026.

Have questions? Plan to attend FREC's meeting on Wednesday and participate in the amendment process by sharing your thoughts with the commission at Division of Real Estate,

The Florida Real Estate Commission announces a workshop to which all persons are invited.

DATE AND TIME: Wednesday, February 13, 2019, 1:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as can be heard.

PLACE: Florida Real Estate Commission Office, 400 W. Robinson Street, #N901, Orlando, Florida 32801

A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Lori Crawford, Executive Director, Florida Real Estate Commission, 400 W. Robinson Street, #N801, Orlando, Florida 32801, lori.crawford@myfloridalicense.com.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least five days before the workshop/meeting by contacting: Lori Crawford, executive Director, Florida Real Estate Commission, 400 W. Robinson Street, #N801, Orlando, Florida 32801, lori.crawford@myfloridalicense.com. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).

This is an important link to find out more about our Administrative Code which applies to Real Estate.

Know and Show Your Ethics Code

For more than 100 years, Realtors have subscribed to one of the oldest codes of ethics for trade groups in the country. The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) defines the bylaws by which Realtors must oblige in both performance and service.

Note: Each local Realtor board and association in Florida has internal standards for Code of Ethics certification. Check with your local Board/Association before starting any Code of Ethics certification program.

Everybody who has a "Team Name" or concept be ready to see some changes and adjustments to the rules. The Key element is clarity in ensuring the public knows who exactly they are legally dealing with. From the desk of Edward Edward E. Cambas, a Lic. Real Estate Broker. 786-200-8817.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Nov. 26, 2018 – The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) has started to discuss a possible change to advertising regulations that apply to individual Florida real estate licensees. While FREC hasn't settled on exact regulations yet, FREC wants to address licensee names that appear larger than brokerage names.

The regulations are different for individuals vs. teams. The individual ad rules apply to all Florida real estate licensees. However, those who work in teams – including single agents who present themselves as a team – must also follow FREC's team ad regulations.

"All regulation changes start with an idea," says Meredith Caruso, Florida Realtors manager of member legal communications. "Should individual ad rules change based upon the recent team-ad rule changes? If so, how should they change?

FREC will be discussing individual ad regulation changes on Dec. 12, 2018, in Orlando. Visit FREC's website for more details on agendas, times and locations. (Note: Licensees who tell FREC they plan to attend in advance and arrive at 8:30 a.m. may receive CE credit.)

"On Wednesdays, FREC usually covers rules later in the morning," says Marcia Tabak, deputy general counsel of Florida Realtors. "Meeting agendas are posted online, though usually just prior to a scheduled meeting. Realtors should attend if interested in the ad discussion and want their views to be shared."

While any section of the current individual ad regulation could potentially change, FREC appears focused on one part at this time – the size of a licensee's name compared to the size of a broker's name or logo, specifically that a licensee's name "shall not appear in print larger than the name or logo of the registered brokerage."

This is the link which describes team and group advertising and representation to the public.

475.215 Multiple licenses.—(1) A licensed broker may be issued upon request additional licenses as a broker, but not as a sales associate or as a broker associate, whenever it is clearly shown that the requested additional licenses are necessary to the conduct of real estate brokerage business and that the additional licenses will not be used in a manner likely to be prejudicial or harmful to any person, including a licensee under this chapter. The commission may also deny a multiple license request pursuant to s. 475.17(1)(a). A final order of discipline rendered against a broker for a violation of this part or s. 455.227(1) applies to the primary license of the broker as well as any multiple licenses held by that broker at the time the final order becomes effective. (2) A sales associate or broker associate shall have no more than one registered employer at any one time. History.—ss. 20, 45, ch. 82-179; ss. 28, 30, ch. 88-20; s. 10, ch. 91-89; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 9, ch. 93-261; s. 31, ch. 2003-164; s. 1, ch. 2013-144.

475.05 Power of commission to enact bylaws and rules and decide questions of practice.— The commission may enact bylaws for its own government and adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of law conferring powers or duties upon it. The commission may decide questions of practice arising in the proceedings before it, having regard to this chapter and the rules then in force. Printed copies of rules, or written copies under the seal of the commission, shall be prima facie evidence of their existence and substance, and the courts shall judicially
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notice such rules

475.045 Florida Real Estate Commission Education and Research Foundation.—(1)(a) There is established a Florida Real Estate Commission Education and Research Foundation, hereinafter referred to as the “foundation,” which shall be administered by the commission. (b) The purposes, objectives, and duties of the foundation are as follows: 1. To create and promote educational projects to expand the knowledge of the public and real estate licensees in matters pertaining to Florida real estate. 2. To augment the existing real estate programs by increasing the number of teaching personnel and real estate courses in the state in degree-granting programs in universities and colleges in this state. 3. To conduct studies in all areas that relate directly or indirectly to real estate or urban or rural economics and to publish and disseminate the findings and results of the studies. 4. To assist the teaching program in real estate offered by the universities, colleges, and real estate schools registered pursuant to this chapter in the state, when requested to do so. 5. To develop and from time to time revise and update materials for use in the courses in real estate offered by the universities, colleges, and real estate schools registered pursuant to this chapter in the state, when requested to do so. 6. To make studies of, and recommend changes in, state statutes and municipal ordinances; provided, however, that such studies are requested by the Governor or the presiding officers of the Legislature. The foundation shall maintain political nonadvocacy. 7. To periodically review the progress of persons conducting such research and studies. The results of any research project or study shall not be published or disseminated until it has been reviewed and approved in writing by the commission or its designated representative. 8. To prepare information of consumer interest concerning Florida real estate and to make the information available to the public and appropriate state agencies.
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(c) The foundation may make a charge for its publications and may receive gifts and grants from foundations, individuals, and other sources for the benefit of the foundation. (d) A report of the activities and accomplishments of the foundation shall be published annually. (e) On or before January 1 of each year, the commission shall file with the Governor, the presiding officer of each house of the Legislature, and the secretary of the department a complete and detailed written report accounting for all funds received and disbursed by the foundation during the preceding year. (2)(a) The commission shall solicit advice and information from real estate licensees, the commission, universities, colleges, real estate schools registered pursuant to this chapter and the general public for the purpose of submitting proposals for carrying out the purposes, objectives, and duties of the foundation. (b) The commission shall select the proposals that shall be funded and shall give priority to projects with the greatest potential for direct or indirect benefit to the public. (c) The commission shall select the university or college within the state or qualified full-time faculty member of a university or college within the state with the consent of the institution to perform the education study, research study, or other project in accordance with the purposes, objectives, and duties of the foundation. In those instances where no university or college within the state, or qualified full-time faculty member of a university or college within the state with the consent of the institution, submits an acceptable proposal, a qualified person or persons may be selected in accordance with law to perform the education study, research study, or other project in accordance with the purposes, objectives, and duties of the foundation. (3)(a) The director of the Division of Real Estate of the department, hereinafter referred to as the “director,” or her or his designated representative shall submit to the commission, in advance of each fiscal year, a budget for expenditures of all funds provided for the foundation in a form that is related to the proposed schedule of activities for the review and approval of the commission. (b) The director shall submit to the commission all proposals received for its review and approval in developing an educational and research agenda at the beginning of each fiscal year and shall continuously inform the commission of changes in its substance and scheduling. (4) The commission shall have the power and authority to adopt all rules necessary to administer this section. (5) The foundation may not fund or offer educational courses designed to qualify persons for licensure or the renewal of licenses pursuant to this chapter. (6) The foundation may not expend any funds for the purpose of employing staff. (7) The Chief Financial Officer shall invest $3 million from the portion of the Professional Regulation Trust Fund credited to the real estate profession, under the same limitations as applied to investments of other state funds, and the income earned thereon shall be available to the foundation to fund the activities and projects authorized under this section. However, any balance of such interest in excess of $1 million shall revert to the portion of the Professional Regulation Trust Fund credited to the real estate profession. In the event the foundation is abolished, the funds in the trust fund shall revert to such portion of the Professional Regulation Trust Fund.

475.04 Duty of commission to educate members of profession.—(1) The commission shall foster the education of brokers, broker associates, sales associates, and instructors concerning the ethical, legal, and business principles which should govern their conduct. (2) For the purpose of performing its duty under subsection (1) to educate persons holding a license or permit, the commission may conduct, offer, sponsor, prescribe, or approve real estate educational courses for all persons licensed or permitted by the department as brokers, broker associates, sales associates, or instructors; and the cost and expense of such courses shall be paid as provided in s. 475.125. (3) The commission may also publish and sell, at a reasonable price intended to cover costs, a handbook on this chapter and other publications intended to be textbooks or guidelines for study and guidance of students, applicants, licensees, certificateholders, and permitholders, and members of the general public, copyright of which shall be the property of the state. History.—s. 5, ch. 12223, 1927; CGL 4066; s. 1, ch. 59-200; s. 1, ch. 75-184; s. 3, ch. 76-168; s. 1, ch. 77-457; ss. 6, 42, 43, ch. 79-239; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 8, 38, ch. 82-1; ss. 4, 28, 30, ch. 88-20; s. 11, ch. 90-228; s. 11, ch. 90-341; s. 14, ch. 90-345; s. 4, ch. 91-89; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 25, ch. 2003-164.

475.03 Delegation of powers and duties; legal services.—(1) Any of the duties and powers of the commission, except disciplinary powers and the power to adopt rules, may be delegated, by resolution, to any member; but the chair may exercise such duties and powers without such resolution. (2) Subject to the prior approval of the Attorney General, the commission may retain independent legal counsel to provide legal advice to the commission on a specific matter. (3) No attorney employed or utilized by the commission shall prosecute a matter and provide legal services to the commission with respect to the same matter. History.—s. 4, ch. 12223, 1927; CGL 4065; s. 3, ch. 76-168; s. 1, ch. 77-457; ss. 5, 42, 43, ch. 79-239; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 7, 38, ch. 82-1; ss. 28, 30, ch. 88-20; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 363, ch. 97-103.

475.021 Division of Real Estate.—(1) All services concerning this chapter, including, but not limited to, recordkeeping services, examination services, legal services, and investigative services, and those services in chapter 455 necessary to perform the duties of this chapter shall be provided by the Division of Real Estate. The commission may, by majority vote, delegate a duty or duties to the appropriate division within the department. The commission may, by majority vote, rescind any such delegation of duties at any time. (2) The Division of Real Estate shall be funded by fees and assessments of the commission, and funds collected by the commission shall be used only to fund real estate regulation. History.—s. 1, ch. 82-1; s. 2, ch. 87-50; ss. 28, 30, ch. 88-20; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 121, ch. 98-166; s. 181, ch. 2000-160.

We have a nice deal for a 2 bedroom rental near Dadeland and Kendall. 2 bedrooms with W/D inside unit. Low deposit and fast approval. $1570 with 1/2 month free. Gym, barbecues, work center and children's playground. Call Edward Cambas, a Lic. Real Estate Broker at 786-200-8817.

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HOW COVID-19 COULD IMPACT THE REAL ESTATE MARKET

NAR: U.S. existing-home sales surge 11.8% in Feb.

Questions about possible ad rule changes?