People will do what they will do, Richie Alan Naggar 

I check the license status of EVERY agent that submits an offer. If I am representing a buyer, I check the license status of the listing agent. 

I have "caught" a few where I could not connect the dots.

Are regulations in California now required to make sense? Is this a new concept? 

Agents need have licensed assistants to avoid the risks.

There are always those for whom abiding by the law is an inconvenience standing in the way of making money.

Hi Richie.   

      Here is some cut-and-paste regarding the State of Florida:

• Operating as a broker or sales associate without having a valid, current license is a third-degree felony, punishable by imprisonment up to five years. (Sections 475.42 (1)(a) and Section 775.082, Florida Statutes)

• Any Florida licensee who helps an unlicensed agent is committing a FREC violation. Specifically, licensees cannot aid, assist, procure, employ, or advise any unlicensed person or entity to practice real estate. (Section 475.25(1)(a), Florida Statutes)

Wacky

I doubt the fines deters them too much. A friend of mine that works for a title company discovered late in process that the buyers "agent" wasn't even licensed. I suppose the listing agent never checked.

"So we're different colours and we're different creeds
And different people have different needs...
People are people, so why should it be
You and I should get along so awfully
People are people, so why should it be
You and I should get along so awfully"

Depeche Mode

...to echo Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist 

Interesting, maybe it's because an Assistant is paid a wage and sometimes a commission?

I for one would like to see unlicensed activity (not 'they let their license lapse by accident' but individuals misrepresenting themselves as real estate licensees) carry a harsher punishment. Why'd we go to this trouble if someone else can get away with a slap on the wrist?

I think it has more to do with not in the business... not held to rules and regulations only law vs. an agent who hires someone not licensed to do X for them is putting them subject to rules, regulations and more fines.

Another great reason to hire ONLY licensed assistants!

As for the CA law - there's a lot of that which does not make sense, Richie Alan!!

Apparently this has been a problem in the past prompting a reactionary fine system.

Does not seem fair, however those folks who sell licenses, also make good money on the collection of fines.

I think most are unaware.  I have been bringing these to the DRE's attention so that they can "educate" these people.

Pretty crazy stuff!  Does not make any sense to me at all!

California has many crazy laws as do all the other states. Man makes the laws and most times without logic!

Wow that is weird for your state.  Make it a great day!

There are always those that will attempt to subvert the system. I'm learning that much in California doesn't make sense

Rather imbalanced and not a real deterrent.  It's like people that park in illegal spots - willing to face a possible small'ish fine rather than not park or park too far away.