Question 1

Who can file an ethics complaint?

Accepted Answer

Any person, a REALTOR® member or a member of the public, having a reason to believe that a member violates any conduct subject to disciplinary action.

Question 2

Who can file an arbitration request?

Accepted Answer

A customer, client, or REALTOR® principal. A REALTOR® nonprincipal can also request arbitration with his current or former REALTOR® principal.

Question 3

Is there a time limit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ethics complaints must be filed within one hundred eighty (180) days after the facts constituting the matter complained of could have been known in the exercise of reasonable diligence or within one hundred eighty (180) days after the conclusion of the transaction or event, whichever is later.
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Requests for arbitration must be filed within one hundred eighty (180) days after the closing of the transaction, if any, or within one hundred eighty (180) days after the facts constituting the arbitrable matter could have been known in the exercise of reasonable diligence, whichever is later.

Question 4

What's the difference between an ethics complaint and arbitration request?

Accepted Answer

An ethics complaint charges that a REALTOR® or REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® has violated an Article(s) of the Code of Ethics.
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An arbitration request involves a dispute over entitlement to a monetary transaction (e.g., a commission)

Question 5

Who should I give the complaint or request to?

Accepted Answer

The Association Executive/CEO or staff member at the Jacksonville Board of REALTORS®.

Question 6

Are there certain Articles that can or can’t be cited?

Accepted Answer

Only Articles 1 through 17 may be the basis of a complaint. The Preamble is aspirational and establishes ideals that a REALTOR® should strive to attain. Because of its subjective nature, the Preamble may not be used as a basis for charges of alleged unethical conduct or as the basis for disciplinary action.

Question 7

Can Standards of Practice be cited in an ethics complaint?

Accepted Answer

No. Standards of Practice may be cited only in support of the Article(s) that was allegedly violated.

Question 8

Are there issues or complaints that should not be brought before a board/association of REALTORS®?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A charge of violating the law or State real estate regulations is not a matter that would be considered by the board/association of REALTORS®. Also, the board/association is not a court of law where criminal or civil issues are resolved.

Question 9

Is submitting to arbitration mandatory?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the circumstances. A REALTOR® may be obligated to arbitrate, or he/she may have a choice as to whether or not to voluntarily participate in an arbitration proceeding conducted by the board/association of REALTORS®.

Question 10

When is arbitration mandatory/voluntary?

Accepted Answer

Mandatory:
When the dispute is between:
REALTORS® who are principal brokers** in different firms;
clients and REALTOR® principals.
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Voluntary:
When the dispute is between:
Members in the same firm;
a REALTOR®, who is a principal broker, and a non-member principal broker in another firm;
customers and REALTOR® principals.

Question 11

Who should I contact if I’m not sure whether my question is about membership, ethics, or arbitration?

Accepted Answer

If you’re unsure where your issue belongs, start with the Jacksonville Board of REALTORS® staff or the Association Executive/CEO. They can point you to the right department so your request reaches the right place quickly and doesn’t lose momentum.

Frequently asked questions