Which of the following is NOT a requirement for maintaining a principal office as an active broker?

The assertion that the office must be located in a residential area is not a requirement for maintaining a principal office as an active broker. While it's important for the principal office to meet certain standards, such as having a closed room to ensure privacy and confidentiality during transactions, and being registered with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), there is no stipulation that the office must be situated within a residential neighborhood.

In fact, brokers can set up their offices in various commercial areas as long as they comply with local zoning regulations and maintain the necessary records and documentation. The requirement for maintaining transaction records for five years is also standard practice in the industry to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards, further emphasizing that the location of the office being in a residential area is not a specific requirement.