Individuals or businesses that arrange loans between lenders and borrowers; they do not make loans; they must have a separate license issued by the Florida Department of Financial Services (FDFS)

• A. Mortgage loan originator
• B. Mortgage broker
• C. Lender
• D. Real estate agent

Answer: (A)

The key idea is the person who starts and coordinates the loan process. A mortgage loan originator is the individual who works with a borrower and a lender to get a loan started. They gather the application, verify finances, explain terms, and negotiate or present loan options. They do not lend money themselves; their role is to arrange the loan between the borrower and the lender. Because this work involves handling sensitive financial information and making terms or disclosures, Florida requires a separate license for the person (and for the business they operate) issued by the Florida Department of Financial Services. This licensing ensures proper conduct and ongoing compliance with state mortgage lending laws.

Real estate agents facilitate property transactions and are licensed through a different agency; lenders provide the funds for the loan, which is not the same as arranging the loan. Mortgage brokers also arrange loans, but the emphasis here is on the licensed individual who originates the loan process, which is captured by the term mortgage loan originator.