Which entity may NOT register with the DBPR to broker real estate?

• A. Cooperative Association (co-op)
• B. Not-for-profit corporation
• C. Sole titleholder
• D. Business trust

Answer: (A)

In Florida, to broker real estate the license must be held by a person or by a business entity that can legally operate a brokerage, with a licensed broker of record supervising the activity. Many entity types are eligible to register for a broker license, such as not-for-profit corporations, sole proprietorships (individuals acting as brokers), partnerships, corporations, or business trusts, as long as there is a licensed broker overseeing the brokerage.

A cooperative association, however, is not eligible to register as a real estate brokerage. Co-ops are housing arrangements owned by shareholders and managed by a cooperative board; their structure and purpose are not set up to conduct real estate brokerage activities or to hold a broker license. If a cooperative wanted to engage in brokerage, it would need to reorganize into an eligible entity or operate through a separate licensed brokerage.

So the one that may not register to broker real estate is the cooperative association. The other entities listed can register, provided they have a licensed broker supervising.