Contact:

Jeff Zipper, Vice President of Communications
407/438-1400, ext. 2314
JeffZ@far.org

Marla Martin, Communications Manager
407/438-1400, ext. 2326
MarlaM@far.org

Florida Realtors® Name Rep. Don Brown As 2004 Legislator of Year Co-Recipient

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 11, 2004 -- The Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR), has named Representative Don Brown, (R-DeFuniak Springs), as "2004 Legislator of the Year" in the Florida House. Senator Daniel Webster, (R-Winter Garden), was also named as a co-recipient of the award for the Florida Senate. 

2004 FAR President Russell Grooms said, "FAR recognizes Rep. Brown for his support of private property rights and his efforts to advance legislation that will better serve Florida residents since he was elected to the Florida Legislature in 2000. He is very aware of the issues that affect Realtors and the business community." 

As sponsor of the Commercial Real Estate Lien Act of 2004 (HB 461), Rep. Brown was honored for being instrumental in passage of the bill giving commercial brokers a mechanism -- besides the courts -- to enforce commission agreements. However, the legislation was later vetoed by Gov. Jeb Bush.

The Florida Association of Realtors (FAR), the voice for real estate in Florida, provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its more than 120,000 members in 70 boards/associations.

© 2005 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS