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The Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association (ORRA) is a powerful voice for the Central Florida real estate community. We don't just represent REALTORS– we champion the needs of homeowners, businesses, and the entire industry.
Through tireless advocacy efforts at the local, state, and national levels, we work to ensure a thriving real estate market that benefits everyone. To support these efforts, we also raise funds for the REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC), which helps elect pro-housing candidates who understand the importance of a strong real estate market.
The REALTOR® Party, also know as the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC), centers around fundraising...
Funds are raised from association members through both association and MLS dues billing, fundraising events, and Major...
RPAC’s Major Investors are an elite and passionate group of REALTORS® whose investments shape the political future of...
RPAC's mission is to promote the election of candidates who understand and support the interests of the real estate industry.
Money raised from voluntary contributions made by REALTORS (not membership dues) helps support campaigns of local, state, and federal candidates who align with the industry's goals.
RPAC focuses on electing pro-housing candidates who believe in a strong and healthy real estate market. This indirectly benefits homeowners, businesses, and the overall economy.
Discover how this initiative impacts your profession and the pivotal role it plays in supporting homeownership.
Explore major investors who have dedicated their resources, learn how to get involved through voting and elections, heed calls to action, connect with key contacts, and utilize the Broker Involvement Program to bring REALTOR® Party issues to the forefront.
Delve into comprehensive resources to stay informed and engaged at the local, state, and national levels.
The REALTOR® Party stands as a powerful coalition comprising REALTORS® and REALTOR® Associations dedicated to protect and promote homeownership and property investment. Operating with a unified voice, the REALTOR® Party endeavors to support candidates and advocate for policies that foster robust communities and cultivate a thriving business landscape.
These are the most common questions we are asked about RPAC:
When REALTORS® unite, their collective voice resonates and makes a substantial impact that commands the attention of our elected officials. RPAC represents over 1,000,000 REALTORS® nationally and more than 238,000 in Florida.
The purpose of RPAC is clear: voluntary contributions made by REALTORS® are used to help elect candidates who understand and support their interests. These are not members’ dues; this is money given freely by REALTORS® in recognition of the importance of the political process.
The REALTORS® Political Action Committee and other political fundraising are the keys to protecting and promoting the real estate industry.
With diligent research and monitoring, RPAC ensures that you remain well-informed, actively engaged, and empowered to shape legislative outcomes that directly impact your business and professional interests.
Through strategic advocacy, proactive engagement with policymakers, and targeted support for legislation conducive to real estate success and sustainability. RPAC plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the industry by providing financial support to candidates who most effectively champion the interests of REALTORS® and advocate for the goals of the REALTOR® party.
Here are some examples of REALTOR® Advocacy wins:
And so much more.
Read more about our current victories here.
Like many PACs, RPAC adheres to the "Friendly Incumbent" principle. This means that if an incumbent has consistently supported REALTOR® issues, RPAC will endorse their reelection candidacy to maintain credibility.
The assessment of support is based on their voting history and legislative actions, which are shared with State RPAC Trustees Committees. These committees then recommend candidates for support, subject to approval, amendment, deferral, or denial by the National Trustees. As per RPAC policy, only one candidate per election receives contributions. In cases where there's a discrepancy between state and National Trustees, RPAC remains neutral in the race.
To learn more about ORRA’s candidate screening process click here.
No. RPAC maintains independence from both the Republican and Democratic Parties, refraining from favoring candidates based on party affiliation. Instead, RPAC backs candidates aligned with the "REALTOR® Party" ethos, individuals who have shown a commitment to advancing pro-REALTOR® and pro-business initiatives.
RPAC focuses solely on a candidate's voting history regarding REALTOR® issues. Given that members' livelihoods are intertwined with various aspects of home buying and selling, it's imperative for all members to rally behind RPAC. Doing so contributes to enhancing the business environment for the real estate industry in its entirety.
Your entire contribution goes towards supporting the election of candidates aligned with the REALTOR® Party and advocating for pro-REALTOR® policies.
In terms of issues, Florida Realtors PAC serves as the distinct branding initiative of the Florida Realtors, aimed at distinguishing the statewide political endeavors of the Florida Realtors from those of RPAC, which represents the political efforts of the National Association of Realtors. However, concerning financial matters, Florida Realtors PAC and RPAC operate as a unified federated group. Contributions to both entities are divided among local, state, and national levels. Each dollar received is allocated according to the following breakdown:
Under federal election law, the earmarking of contributions is illegal.
Disclaimer: Contributions are not deductible for income tax purposes. Contributions to RPAC are voluntary and are used for political purposes. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal and the National Association of REALTORS® or any of its state associations or local boards will not favor or disfavor any member because of the amount contributed. 70% of each contribution is used by your state PAC to support state and local political candidates. Until your state reaches its RPAC goal, 30% is sent to National RPAC to support federal candidates and is charged against your limits under 2 U.S. C. 411a; after the state PAC reaches its RPAC goal it may elect to retain your entire contribution for use in supporting state and local candidates.
In 2015 it was established that there will be one annual national RPAC Fundraising Goal for dollars raised by each state; the goal can be met using personal (“hard”) and corporate (“soft”) dollars.
States will continue to have annual Major Investor, President’s Circle and RPAC Participation goals which will count towards the RPAC Triple Crown and President’s Cup Awards.
It is the State Association’s responsibility to notify their Local Associations of the state’s fundraising goal and what their Local Association goal is. NAR does not set goals for Local Associations. This also includes the amount for dues billing.
RPAC maintains a dedicated account exclusively for "hard" dollars, which are contributions made directly from individuals and are subject to federal limits. These contributions can amount to up to $2,400 per federal candidate per election and up to $5,000 annually to a Political Action Committee (PAC) like RPAC. Additionally, RPAC can contribute up to $5,000 to a federal candidate per election.
On the other hand, "soft" dollars, which include corporate or other prohibited funds, are not deposited into this segregated account. Soft money contributions, typically made from a company's corporate account rather than an individual's personal account, cannot be accepted into the dedicated RPAC account.
Both hard and soft dollar contributions by REALTORS® are equally valued for RPAC recognition purposes. However, since federal candidates cannot accept soft money, RPAC prioritizes hard (personal) dollar contributions. Nevertheless, RPAC recognizes the value of soft dollar contributions, particularly when the alternative is no contribution at all.
While soft money cannot be directly contributed to federal candidates, it is utilized for various advocacy efforts, including sending direct mail, telephone, or email communications to REALTOR® members about federal candidates through programs like the "Opportunity Race" initiative.
No. Contributions used for political purposes and to political committees such as RPAC are not tax deductible on your federal income taxes.
According to federal election law, RPAC is permitted to solicit only individual members of NAR and their families. The term “members” means all individuals who currently satisfy the requirements for membership in any one of the local, state, and/or the National Association and regularly pay dues.
In addition, Executive, administrative and management personnel of the local, state and/or national associations are also considered under the NAR constitution to be members of the association and are solicit able even though they may not pay association dues.
In accordance with RPAC bylaws and NAR Policy as established by the NAR Board of Directors. The RPAC Trustees consist of REALTOR® volunteers from around the nation who are appointed by NAR leadership.
RPAC operates on the principle that those who raise TPAC dollars should wield the greatest influence over how those funds are distributed. Candidate contribution decisions originate at the local level, where REALTORS® engage in candidate interviews and allocate contributions based on their assessments.
It is REALTORS®, not lobbyists, who have the primary influence over RPAC expenditure decisions.
The overarching goal of the RPAC trustees is to support the election of candidates who advocate for REALTOR® issues. Their decisions are guided by factors such as a candidate's stance on crucial real estate matters, the strength of the REALTOR® relationship with the candidate in their home district, as well as committee assignments and leadership roles.
By logging into your member portal here and clicking on the contribution tab, then choosing “2024 PAC”.
You can also contribute directly to Florida Realtors here.
Major Investors are industry professionals dedicated to advancing homeownership for all while safeguarding REALTORS® from excessive regulatory burdens.
Some benefits include:
Access to exclusive events at Florida Realtors conferences and at Great American Realtor Days. These events comprise great entertainment, new experiences, guest speakers that include elected officials, and more.
Read more here.
RPAC’s Major Investors are an elite and passionate group of REALTORS® whose investments shape the political future of the real estate industry. Major Investors are eligible to participate in the RPAC Recognition Program, with specific benefits and accolades that acknowledge their support of the REALTOR® Party.
The RPAC Hall of Fame recognizes dedicated members whose REALTOR® Party investments total an aggregate lifetime amount of at least $25,000.
Members are installed at the Midyear Meetings the following year in Washington, D.C. President's Circle contributions may be counted toward Hall of Fame status.
The Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association thanks these professionals for their dedication to our industry and the Central Florida community.
Their commitment and contributions, and those of other REALTOR® investors, ensure real estate investments and the American dream of homeownership is protected.
Get involved and advocate for your profession through voting and elections at the local and national level!
During an election year, the ORRA Government Affairs Committee conducts candidate screenings. This program is carried out when there are two or more viable candidates running for the same office, whether on the local or state level.
After panel members are selected and trained, they conduct the interviews, asking questions relevant to private property rights and the real estate industry. The candidates are then scored on a numerical basis.
Before becoming final, selections of the screening panel are approved by the board of directors. Once the board of directors approves the panel's recommendations, the candidate is notified that they are being supported for election/re-election.
Names of the recommended candidates are then published in the Association's biweekly newsletter announcing the decision to support to the membership.
The state committee, in turn, makes recommendations to the National RPAC Committee members. National RPAC will not consider direct requests from a local association on a federal candidate; requests must come through your state RPAC Committee.
ORRA supported candidates who accept political action committee (PAC) funds are eligible to receive contributions from the REALTORS® Political Action Committee for use in their campaign.
2024 Candidate for Winter Springs City Commissioner District 1 – Paul Diaz
Use your REALTOR® voice to share your opinions at the polls! Use the following links to find your closest polling locations and signup for a vote-by-mail ballots.
If you have any questions please contact the Governmental Affairs Department at [email protected].
Ask Governor DeSantis to VETO SB 280. Take action now! For details about REALTOR® concerns with the bill, click here. To download an infographic explaining our concerns, click here.
REALTORS® Oppose SB 280! Short-term rentals should be regulated, but if the Governor signs this bill, that regulation would become a tool to discourage and limit short-term rentals throughout Florida. We need to strike a better balance. Ask the Governor to VETO SB 280.
Orlando REALTORS® Association does not have any active campaigns right now. Please sign up for the REALTOR® Party Mobile Alerts* and receive a short text when a national or state legislative call for action is launched.
A Federal Political Coordinator (FPC) is a REALTOR® member who serves as a liaison to a U.S. Senator or U.S. Congressman or Congresswoman. Similarly, a Key Contact is a REALTOR® member who serves as a liaison to a Florida Senator or Florida Representative.
FPC’s and Key Contacts also respond to ORRA, Florida Realtors®, and the National Association of REALTORS® calls to action and, of course, advocate for their profession.
A Key Contact is an ORRA member who serves as the association's liaison to a Florida senator or representative. Key Contacts also respond to ORRA and Florida Realtors® calls to action and, of course, advocate for their profession.
Interested in becoming a Key Contact? E-mail the Governmental Affairs Department at [email protected] for more information.
United States Senate
United States House of Representatives 
Florida Senators
Florida RepresentativesThe guide is also accessible online at the Orange County Water Atlas at: Lakefront: A Stewardship Guide for Orange County Lakefront Homeowners (usf.edu).
It’s full of helpful information on topics of importance for residents on lakefront property, including:
The Broker Involvement Program offers broker-owners a turnkey program to rally agents to bring REALTOR® Party issues to the attention of state legislatures and Congress.
Enrolled broker owners/managers are able to automatically send company-branded national and state Calls for Action directly to their agents.
This increases participation rates, while emphasizing the broker-owner’s leadership role as a key provider of important information to their agents.
The program is an opportunity to bring a strong and united REALTOR® voice to Members of Congress.
Nothing needs to be downloaded and there is no cost to the broker. NAR gives the broker-owner or managing broker access to the Broker Portal.
Your online participation report will show you response rates on Broker Calls for Action are significantly higher. The message is from you, the broker, to your agents.
ORRA staff and leadership is available to visit your office to make a presentation on the advantages of REALTOR® membership.
We’ll talk about the various tools and resources available through your membership, and how we are supporting your business through our advocacy efforts. This can be part of your regularly scheduled meeting and can be customized to fit your agenda.
For more information about office visits, please contact [email protected].