Professional Standards
Many people think that all Real Estate Licensees are REALTORS®. Nothing could be farther from the truth. That privilege belongs only to members of the National Association of REALTORS® and along with that privilege REALTORS® have an obligation to abide by the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics and are required to take comprehensive training courses on the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. Review the 2020 Code of Ethics.
To learn more about the Code of Ethics and the Professional Standards process, we encourage you to visit the National Association of REALTORS® website and the Florida REALTORS® website.
Ethics Complaints – Boards and associations of REALTORS® are responsible for enforcing the REALTORS® Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics imposes duties above and in addition to those imposed by law or regulation which apply only to real estate professionals who choose to become REALTORS®. Anyone can file a complaint, a member of the public or a member of the associaiton. The REALTOR® Association of Franklin & Gulf Counties is responsible for enforcing the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and processing complaints that may be filed against our members. Our association also offers mediation as an informal dispute resolution process. If a an individual wishes to file an Ethics complaint they must do so within 180 days from the time they knew or reasonably should have known that potentially unethical conduct took place. To file a complaint against a REALTOR® member of another association you must contact that association for assistance. If you have any questions or would like additional informaiton, please contact the Association Executive: gloria@rafgc.com or call 850-653-3322.
Arbitration Requests – Matters regarding dispute over monies like commission or fees are referred to Arbitration. Basic questions to consider to help identify an issue of arbitration are – is this a money dispute or is this an arbitratibale matter? If the issue is arbitratable, please complete the request forms and submit with the filing fee. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please email the Association Executive: gloria@rafgc.com or call 850-653-3322.
The role of REALTORS® goes far beyond the real estate transaction process of buying and selling. As local business owners and residents, REALTORS® are vested in building healthy, vibrant communities and neighborhoods.