Message from the Chairperson, Richard DeNapoli

November 2010 - Richard DeNapoli My name is Richard DeNapoli, and I am honored to serve as Chairperson of the Florida Real Estate Commission. I wish to publicly thank Commissioner Roger Enzor for the hard work and leadership he provided to this Commission during his term as Chairperson and to congratulate Commissioner Michael Guju for being elected as Vice Chairperson. Additionally, I want to recognize the dedication and enormous contribution that all the members of the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) provide to Florida's real estate industry.   According to FS 475.02 (1), four members of FREC must be licensed Florida real estate brokers, each of whom has held an active license for the five years preceding appointment; One member must be a licensed broker or a licensed sales associate who has held an active license for the two years preceding appointment; those present members falling into these categories are Mr. Roger Enzor (real estate broker and immediate past Chair); Mr. Ralph McCoig (real estate broker and past Chair); Ms. Darla Furst (real estate broker); Mr. Claude “Chip” Boring III (real estate broker), and Mr. Richard DeNapoli, (real estate broker, Attorney, present Chairperson). Two members of FREC must be persons who are not, and have never been, real estate brokers or sales associates; those members are Mr. Michael Guju (Attorney and present Vice-Chair) and Mr. John Ruffier (Attorney). Together, these individuals represent over one-hundred years of combined service to and expertise of the real estate profession. As Commissioners, we are charged with the responsibility and duty of implementing and enforcing Florida Statue 475, Florida Statue 455, Florida Administrative Code 61J2 and periodically enacting bylaws and other rulings that will be of a benefit to licensees as well as consumers. These tasks are accomplished during public meetings held on the third Tuesday and Wednesday of each month. We also seek to foster the education of brokers, broker associates, sales associates, and instructors concerning the ethical, legal, and business principles which should govern their conduct. The public usually attends a FREC monthly meeting for one of five reasons. First, one may be an attorney, a friend, or a relative speaking on behalf of a Respondent or prospective Licensee. Second; one may be attending as part of a disciplinary requirement in which credit for attendance will be obtained provided all conditions as set forth in Florida Administrative Code 61J2 are satisfied. Third; one may be a Respondent in which a complaint against a Licensee was filed with the Division of Real Estate. An Investigative procedure was conducted and the results were reviewed by a Probable Cause Committee which recommended that the case be presented to the Florida Real Estate Commission. The Respondent will be provided an opportunity to present mitigation pertaining to his or her actions as stated in the administrative complaint. Fourth, one may be a prospective real estate broker or sales associate and the required Florida Department of Law Enforcement report or the Federal Bureau of Investigation report revealed illegal or unethical behavior. An opportunity to fully explain that activity and provide any mitigating circumstances is provided to the respective licensee. Lastly, one may be attending to gain a better understanding of the real estate profession and, if a real estate licensee, may receive continuing education credits for attendance. As Commissioners, we understand the importance of protecting the public, realtors, and the real estate industry in Florida, and will continue to maintain and defend the integrity of Florida’s real estate profession. By upholding the legislation and rulings of our state, FREC will ensure the integrity of the Florida real estate profession, the trust between our licensees and the public, and the future viability of our state as one of the largest areas for homeownership and economic development in America. On behalf of all the Commissioners, it is indeed our honor and privilege to serve you to enhance Florida’s real estate industry. Cordially, Richard DeNapoli Chairperson, Florida Real Estate Commission For a PDF of the FREC News Article Click Here