- Draft Filings will show your filings that have NOT been submitted to the Office.
- Pending Filings will show your filings that HAVE been submitted to the Office.
How do I amend my license?
To amend your license, follow these steps:
- Log into Florida's REAL System with the Username that is associated to the license in which you wish to amend.
- Locate and select the “File an Amendment” button.
- Select the license in which you wish to amend and press the submit button.
- Create a filing name for the amendment filing.
- You will then be in the amendment form. Make all appropriate changes to the form and be sure that ALL current and correct information is being reflected.
- Once completed, go to the very bottom of the page and follow the submission steps to submit your filing to the Office.
How do I renew my license?
License renewal dates, fees, and procedures may be different per license type. To know the specific information regarding your license renewal, click on the “Apply For A License” button at the top of our homepage and select the license type you hold. This will redirect you to a webpage that gives specific information regarding the renewal process.
When trying to add an owner or officer to my application, I click the link and nothing happens; what should I do?
- It is most likely the case that your computer has Pop-up' blockers ON and you would need to disable them in order to continue with your application.
- After clicking “Add Owner/Officer”, you may see a banner or border appear near the top of your page. If you click on that banner, it will give you the option to “Allow Pop-ups.” Select this option and try to click “Add Owner/Officer” again; this time a window should appear asking you to enter the information for the officer(s)/owner(s) of your company.
Interest and Usury; Lending Practices
If I have a license as a consumer finance company, title loan lender, retail installment seller (including motor vehicle retail installment seller, and home improvement retail installment seller), and deferred presentment provider, can I charge a greater rate of interest than what is allowed in chapter 687, F.S. (Interest and Usury; Lending Practices)?
Yes. The allowable rates can be found in sections 516.031, 520.08, 537.011, and 560.404, Florida Statutes.
Ch. 494: Loan Originator, Broker & Lender Questions
Where do I apply for a Mortgage Loan Originator, Mortgage Broker, Mortgage Lender, or a Mortgage Lender Servicer license?
- Applications are submitted through the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System at: http://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/Pages/default.aspx
How do I file a complaint against a mortgage company or mortgage professional?
File a complaint against a:
- State-Chartered Credit Union or Bank
- Federal Chartered Bank
- National Credit Union
Do I need a license for commercial mortgages?
- Most commercial lending is exempt from Chapter 494; however, you should review Chapter 494 and seek legal counsel.
- It is recommended to review Florida Statutes: Ch. 494.00115(2)(d), Ch. 494.001(1), Ch. 494.001(12), Ch. 494.001(16), Ch. 494.001(23)
How do I amend my license?
Amendments for mortgage licensees are submitted through the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System at: http://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/Pages/default.aspx
Do I have to be licensed to perform a loan modification?
A company must be licensed as a Mortgage Broker or Mortgage Lender to conduct Loan Modifications, and the individual must be licensed as Mortgage Loan Originator. (Unless they can claim an exemption, such as a member of the FL Bar)
Can a licensee take an upfront fee to perform a loan modification?
No. Section 494.00296(1)(c), F.S., states, when offering or providing loan modification services, a mortgage broker, mortgage brokerage business, mortgage lender, or correspondent mortgage lender licensed, or required to be licensed, under ss. 494.001-494.0077 may not solicit, charge, receive, or attempt to collect or secure payment, directly or indirectly, for loan modification services before completing or performing all services included in the agreement for loan modification services.
When a Loan originator changes companies, can they take the loans they are currently working on to the new company?
No, he will either need to leave the loans in the pipeline with the previous company, or complete them and then move to the new company. A loan originator cannot originate for two companies.
Do I need a loan originator license if I'm only going to process applications?
Please review Florida Statutes 494.00331 for loan originator and loan processor employment regulations.
I'm having an issue with a Time-Share, what do I do?
For any issues concerning a Time-Share, contact the Department of Business and Professional Regulations.
Ch. 559: Collection Agency Questions
A Collection Agency is constantly calling me. What can I do?
- If the debt for which they are calling is a legitimately owed debt, then they do have the right to seek to collect on it.
- As long as their calls fall between the hours of 8 am and 9 pm, they have not broken any regulations. (Florida Statutes 559.72(17))
- You have the right to send a Cease and Desist letter to the collection agency, informing them that you no longer wish to receive any contact over the phone. (They may begin sending collection letters through the mail.)
- For more information on Consumer Protection regarding Debt Collectors, visit http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre18.shtm
A Collection Agency has called my place of work and spoken to my employer about my debt. What can I do?
Unless there has been some sort of legal final judgment against you, no collector should be contacting anyone besides you concerning a debt owed by you. (Florida Statutes 559.72(4)) For something of this nature, you can file a complaint with our office against the company.
A Collection Agency keeps calling me regarding a debt that is not mine. What do I do?
- Per Federal law, every collector must send you a written “validation notice” telling you how much money you owe within five days after they first contact you. This notice must also include the name of the creditor to whom you owe the money, and how to proceed if you don't think you owe the money.
- If you decide after having contact with the debt collector that you don't want the debt collector to contact you again, tell the collector, in writing, to stop contacting you.
- Here's how to do that: make a copy of your letter. Send the original by certified mail, and pay for a “return receipt” so you'll be able to document what the collector received.
- Once the collector receives the letter, they may not contact you again, with two exceptions: a collector can contact you to tell you there will be no further contact or to let you know that they or the creditor intend to take specific action, like filing a lawsuit.
