Definitions (Chapter 455.01, F.S.)

Department - Refers specifically to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). This is the umbrella agency that oversees all regulated industries.2. Board - Refers to any board, commission, or other statutorily created entity authorized to exercise regulatory or rule-making functions within the Department.3. License - A broad term that encompasses any permit, registration, certificate, or license issued by the Department. Whether you hold a real estate "license" or a brokerage "registration," legally, they fall under this definition.4. Licensee - Any person or entity issued a permit, registration, certificate, or license by the Department. This includes both active and inactive license holders.5. Consumer Member - A person appointed to serve on a specific board (like the FREC) who is not, and never has been, a member or practitioner of the profession regulated by that board. Consumer members ensure the public's perspective is represented in regulatory decisions.6. Profession - Any activity, occupation, profession, or vocation regulated by the Department (e.g., Real Estate, Construction, Cosmetology).