Statute of Frauds
The rule that contracts for the sale of real property must be in writing and signed to be enforceable.
The Statute of Frauds requires that certain contracts, including contracts for the sale of an interest in real property, be in writing and signed by the party to be bound in order to be enforceable in court. An oral agreement to sell land is generally not enforceable.
This is why real estate purchase contracts and listing agreements are put in writing. A handshake deal for the sale of land usually fails under the Statute of Frauds.
On the exam
Exam trap
Tested in
Contracts (12% of the exam)
From definition to recall
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This definition is Florida real estate exam-prep education, not legal, tax, or professional advice. Verify current rules against the official source before relying on them for a real transaction. Back to the full glossary.