Within how many business days must the broker institute one of the four authorized settlement procedures to resolve the dispute?

• A. 15 business days
• B. 10 business days
• C. 60 days
• D. 30 business days

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is that dispute resolution between a broker and a party must move quickly through a formal process. Florida requires the broker to institute one of four approved settlement procedures within 30 business days of the dispute arising. This deadline ensures the matter is handled promptly and through a structured path rather than dragging on.

The four options cover different pathways: mediation and conciliation are collaborative steps to help the parties reach an agreement, while arbitration can provide a neutral, binding or non-binding decision, and civil action moves the dispute into the court system if other methods aren’t suitable. Starting one of these methods within the 30-day window keeps the process moving and aligns with established real estate disciplinary procedures.