What HB1461 means for the Florida real estate industry.

House Bill 1461 (HB 1461), was under consideration in the Florida Legislature, proposing significant changes that would profoundly impact the State’s real estate industry.

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Key Provisions Affecting Real Estate

1. Abolition of the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC)
   A notable amendment to HB 1461 includes the dissolution of the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), the body responsible for licensing and regulating real estate professionals in Florida. This change would transfer FREC’s duties to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) .
2. Streamlining of Licensing and Oversight
   The bill aims to reduce bureaucratic oversight by eliminating various professional boards and commissions under the DBPR. This includes changes to licensing processes and the removal of certain continuing education requirements for professionals .
3. Enhancement of Lien Rights for Design Professionals
   HB 1461 also proposes to strengthen lien rights for design and engineering professionals, allowing them to secure liens on properties for unpaid services, even if the property hasn’t been physically improved. This could lead to increased financial security for these professionals but may also complicate real estate transactions .

Legislative Status

Florida HB 1461: Withdrawn After Controversy on May 3, 2025

On May 3, 2025, Florida House Bill 1461 was officially withdrawn from consideration in the State legislature. The bill, which had garnered significant attention due to its broad scope and potential implications, faced mounting opposition and controversy in the weeks leading up to its withdrawal. While the specific provisions of the bill covered several complex policy areas, it was primarily criticized for its potential to infringe on certain local government powers, as well as concerns over its impact on education, healthcare, and environmental regulations. After heated debates and increasing pressure from advocacy groups, lawmakers decided to withdraw the bill, citing the need for further review and adjustments.

The withdrawal of HB 1461 has been seen as a significant moment in the ongoing debate over state versus local authority in Florida. With the bill’s passage now off the table, advocates for local governance have claimed victory, while critics of the bill’s provisions feel that the broader conversation around state intervention in local matters remains unresolved. The outcome serves as a reminder of the power of grassroots advocacy in shaping legislative agendas, and it raises questions about how future bills addressing similar issues might fare in Florida’s increasingly polarized political landscape.

Monitor the Status of House Bill 1461