What Types of Business Entities Can a Real Estate Professional Form in Florida? - EPGD Business Law (2024)

  • Real Estate Law

What Types of Business Entities Can a Real Estate Professional Form in Florida? - EPGD Business Law (1)

A common misconception is that real estate professionals may only operate as a Professional Association or “PA” in Florida. However, according to Florida Statute 475.161, a broker associate or sales associate may be licensed as a professional corporation (PC), a limited liability company (LLC), or a professional limited liability company (PLLC), if such status has been authorized by the Department of State.

A license must be issued only in the licensee’s legal name and must include the entity designation (e.g., “LLC”), when applicable. Additionally, it is important to note that this statute applies specifically to real estate broker associates and sales associates.

Who Is a Real Estate Broker Associate?

A real estate broker associate, also known as an associate broker, is an individual who holds a real estate broker license and works under another managing broker. A broker associate will show properties to potential home buyers and will provide offers to sellers to consider. They will typically not supervise other broker associates.

Who Is a Real Estate Sales Associate?

Individuals who are licensed to represent buyers and sellers in real estate transactions are real estate sales associates or “agents.” They assist people with buying, selling, and renting different types of homes and properties. To become a real estate agent, an individual must complete a certain amount of educational requirements, complete an exam, and be issued a license by the state in which the agent will conduct business. Once the individual obtains the license as a real estate sales associate, they may join a real estate brokerage.

Who Is a Realtor?

In the real estate industry, if a licensed real estate agent or broker associate becomes a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), he or she may become a realtor. Members of the NAR must also follow a set of professional ethics guidelines to remain a member.

What Are the Benefits of Forming a Business Entity for a Real Estate Professional?

There are several benefits for real estate professionals to form an LLC, PLLC, or PC. First, these types of business entities limit the personal liability of the individual from business debts and claims. Second, there are tax advantages for forming entities such as these. Third, forming a business entity such as an LLC, PLLC, or PC can establish a greater sense of credibility for the real estate professional among his or her clients.

What Is the Difference between an LLC, PLLC, or PC?

  • An LLC allows an individual to separate his or her personal assets from their business assets. Thus, if there is litigation against the LLC, the individual’s personal assets are protected. Additionally, LLCs maintain the benefits of “pass-through taxation,” which allows business profits (or losses) to pass through the business to the individual’s personal tax return.
  • A PLLC differs slightly from LLCs in that only licensed professionals can become members of a PLLC. These include real estate broker associates, real estate sales associates, and realtors. A PLLC also cannot be used to shield a member from a claim of malpractice against him or her. However, a claim of malpractice against one member does not create liability against other members.
  • A PC has benefits for protection against personal liability that are similar to LLCs and PLLCs. However, an important distinction for a PC is that this type of business entity pays corporation taxes. Therefore, the real estate professional forming the PC essentially faces double taxation.

Which Type of Business Entity Should a Real Estate Professional Establish?

Choosing which business entity to form is an important decision as a business owner. Therefore, it is best to discuss your options with an attorney for sound advice and guidance in this process.

EPGD Business Law is located in beautiful Coral Gables. Call us at (786) 837-6787, or contact us through the website to schedule a consultation.

*Disclaimer: this blog post is not intended to be legal advice. We highly recommend speaking to an attorney if you have any legal concerns. Contacting us through our website does not establish an attorney-client relationship.*

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What Types of Business Entities Can a Real Estate Professional Form in Florida? - EPGD Business Law (2)

Eric Gros-Dubois

Founding partner Eric Gros-Dubois established EPGD Business Law in 2013. With over a decade of experience expanding the firm and leading it to its current success, Eric now primarily manages the corporate division of EPGD. Given Eric’s educational background, holding both a JD and MBA, combined with his own unique experience of starting a business from scratch and growing it to a multi-million dollar firm, he brings a specialized and invaluable perspective to those seeking legal assistance for themselves and their businesses. Having now instilled his same values in our team of skilled corporate associates, Eric leads a firm that is always ready, willing, and equipped to handle any and every legal matter that a business owner may have.

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Discussion

*The following comments are not intended to be treated as legal advice. The answer to your question is limited to the basic facts presented. Additional details may heavily alter our assessment and change the answer provided. For a more thorough review of your question please contact our office for a consultation.

3 Responses

  1. Mr. Gros-Dubois, I recently closed my real estate LLC and joined a local real estate company in downtown Saint Petersburg. Can I keep my LLC, SABA ATTARI RELATY LLC, while I work for Smith & Associates Real Estate as an associate broker? Thank you!

  2. Can a foreign LLC registered in FL possess a Broker’s license? I was told the LLC needs to be. FL LLC but cant find clarification. Thanks!

  3. I am a real estate sales associate in Florida.
    Currently my broker pays my commission to my personal bank account.
    I have already a LLC that is active but for software development only.
    Could I use this LLC to receive my commissions from my broker instead of my personal account?
    I heard that the company should have my name, which is to the case. If so, can I create a fictitious name for my company (my name) and use it as dBa (doing business as)?
    Thanks.

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What Types of Business Entities Can a Real Estate Professional Form in Florida? - EPGD Business Law (2024)

FAQs

Can licensed professionals form an LLC in Florida? ›

Florida does allow professionals, such as accountants, attorneys and physicians, to form a professional limited liability companies (PLLCs).. After forming a limited liability company (LLC) , you must undertake certain steps on an ongoing basis to keep your business in compliance.

Can a real estate agent form an LLC in Florida? ›

However, according to Florida Statute 475.161, a broker associate or sales associate may be licensed as a professional corporation (PC), a limited liability company (LLC), or a professional limited liability company (PLLC), if such status has been authorized by the Department of State.

Which entity may not be registered as a real estate brokerage Florida? ›

Business structures; entities that may register as a brokerage. A Florida real estate broker may not register the following entities as brokerage business : a corporation sole, joint venture, business trust, Cooperative Association, unincorporated association, or an ostensible partnership.

What is a professional entity in Florida? ›

The distinguishing aspect of a professional company is the owners, either members of shareholders, are licensed in the profession their business practices, i.e. owners may only be lawyers, doctors, accountants, etc.

What is the difference between a PLLC and an LLC in Florida? ›

What makes a Florida PLLC Different from a Florida LLC? The extent of liability protection is the main difference between a PLLC and an LLC in Florida. In most cases, you'll also need to provide your licensing credentials to the state before you can form a PLLC.

What type of business is a professional association? ›

A professional association, often called a professional corporation in many states, is formed by individuals licensed in professions like law or medicine. They provide liability protections to these business owners.

What is the best business entity for a realtor? ›

Every business structure has advantages and disadvantages; however, for most real estate agents and brokers, using an S corporation or LLC is the best option.

Who can be my registered agent for my LLC in Florida? ›

A business entity with an active Florida filing or registration may serve as a registered agent. An entity cannot serve as its own registered agent. However, an individual or principal associated with the business may serve as the registered agent. The registered agent must have a physical street address in Florida.

Can a non-broker own a real estate company in Florida? ›

Only real estate brokers can own and maintain a real estate office in Florida. A broker is someone with a minimum of two years real estate sales experience, who has completed advanced coursework, and passed the 72 Hour Broker Pre License Course, as well as the state exam, to become a licensed real estate broker.

Which of the following business entities cannot register as a real estate brokerage? ›

Final answer: Sole proprietorships may not register to broker real estate with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, unlike corporations, LLCs, and general partnerships which can.

What are entities in real estate? ›

Real Estate Entity means any person including, but not limited to, any partnership, corporation, limited liability company, trust, other entity, or multi-tiered entity, that exists or acts substantially for the purpose of holding directly or indirectly title to or beneficial interest in real property.

What is a dual agency in real estate in Florida? ›

Dual agency refers to a situation where a real estate agent or broker represents both the buyer and the seller in a real estate transaction. However, Florida law prohibits this practice due to potential conflicts of interest that may arise.

What are the benefits of a PLLC in Florida? ›

In this blog, we will explore why holding your license in a PLLC can offer significant benefits and protections.
  • Liability Protection: One of the primary reasons for forming a PLLC is to protect personal assets from business liabilities. ...
  • Tax Advantages: ...
  • Professional Image: ...
  • Properly Creating and Operating Under a PLLC:
Feb 16, 2024

What are professional entities? ›

Professional entity means an entity formed for the sole and specific purpose of rendering professional services, allied professional services, and services ancillary to the professional services and that has as its interest holders only: Sample 1Sample 2Sample 3.

What's difference between professional corporation and LLC? ›

PC is a solid choice for licensed professionals who want to run a joint venture with others. LLC is a cost-effective option for sole business owners to gain personal liability protection and then attract extra business members should they need to.

Who can own an LLC in Florida? ›

Formation and Membership: The Act allows for the formation of an LLC by one or more members. Members can be individuals, corporations, other LLCs, trusts, estates, or any other legal or commercial entity. There is no requirement for members to reside in Florida or be U.S. citizens.

Can a doctor have an LLC in Florida? ›

Florida law does not prohibit the corporate practice of medicine, but does prohibit “fee-splitting” by health care professional. Florida does prohibit the corporate practice of dentistry and optometry.

Do I need an attorney to set up an LLC in Florida? ›

While there's no legal requirement to hire an attorney when forming an LLC, it's a good idea to speak to a business lawyer to confirm whether it's the right business structure for your circ*mstances.

Can a CPA firm be an LLC in Florida? ›

Section 61H1-26.001 - Form of Practice and Name-Shared Office Space (1) A Florida certified public accountant may practice public accounting, whether as an owner or employee, only in the form of a proprietorship, a partnership or a corporation, or a limited liability company.

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