law
Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE)
Arizona's real estate regulator, headed by the Real Estate Commissioner, who is appointed by the Governor. The Commissioner administers A.R.S. Title 32, Chapter 20 and adopts the Commissioner's Rules at A.A.C. R4-28. ADRE licenses salespersons, brokers, and designated brokers, approves schools, and regulates subdivisions and timeshares. Acting as a broker or salesperson without a license is a class 6 felony, and the Commissioner may assess civil penalties of up to $1,000 per infraction after a hearing.
- Exam tip
- Unlicensed brokerage in Arizona is a felony, not a misdemeanor. Do not confuse the $1,000 civil penalty cap with the Recovery Fund limits.
- Example
- An unlicensed cousin finds a buyer for a Scottsdale condo and expects a finder's fee. That is licensed activity, and the seller's broker cannot lawfully share a commission with her.
Related terms & state variants
Sources
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Last verified: 2026-10-23