Can a licensee take an upfront fee to perform a loan modification?

Answer: No. Section 494.00296(1)(c), F.S., states, “When offering or providing loan modification services, a mortgage broker, mortgage brokerage business, mortgage lender, or correspondent mortgage lender licensed, or required to be licensed, under ss. 494.001-494.0077 may not solicit, charge, receive, or attempt to collect or secure payment, directly or indirectly, for loan modification services before completing or performing all services included in the agreement for loan modification services.”