If an Escrow Disbursement Order appeal is upheld, which fund may reimburse the broker for damages?

• A. Civil damages
• B. Real Estate Recovery Fund
• C. Court costs
• D. Attorney fees

Answer: (B)

An Escrow Disbursement Order appeal that is upheld points to the mechanism by which a licensee’s handling of escrow funds caused monetary damages and those losses are addressed. In Florida, the Real Estate Recovery Fund is the designated source to reimburse such damages to victims when a licensee’s misconduct is proven, up to statutory limits. This fund is specifically meant to protect the public from real estate licensees who misappropriate or mishandle trust funds, and it can cover eligible losses arising from an escrow disbursement dispute that the court or regulator has deemed valid. It isn’t used for general civil damages unrelated to a licensee’s real estate activities, nor for court costs or attorney fees, which are handled through other channels.