Flat fee commissions are legal in Florida. Agents can charge a set dollar amount per service instead of a percentage. New commission transparency rules mean buyers and sellers can now negotiate terms more openly. Agents may share or receive fees if licensed and disclosed properly.
Flat fee commissions are not only 100% legal in Florida, they’re one of the most effective ways to reduce overhead, maintain control, and keep more of what you earn.
You don’t need to follow the old 6% model. You don’t need to split with a broker just because that’s what the industry used to do. And you don’t need to join a traditional brokerage just to stay compliant.
At Realty Hub, we’ve built a structure that gives agents full freedom over their commissions, without sacrificing legal protection or MLS access. Our model is lean by design: $100/year, $100/transaction. No splits. No tech fees. No franchise fees. You get the support you need, and the autonomy you’ve earned.
If you want to learn how flat fee commissions work, what recent commission law changes mean for your business, and how to make flat fee models work for you, keep reading.
We’ll break it down step by step.
Yes, They’re Legal, Here’s What the Law Says
Florida law gives real estate professionals the freedom to structure commissions however they choose, as long as both parties agree in writing. That includes charging a flat fee instead of a percentage.
Here’s what the law actually requires:
- Flat fee commissions are 100% legal for licensed real estate brokers and agents in Florida.
- Florida Statute 475 governs compensation disclosure, not how much you charge or how you structure it.
- There’s no requirement to charge a percentage. Flat fees, hourly fees, or custom pricing are all valid.
- Brokerages like Realty Hub legally operate under this model statewide.
- Disclosure still matters. Whatever commission you charge must be clearly stated in the listing agreement.
Flat fee commissions are a legal alternative, and one that gives agents more control.
Are Agents Allowed to Share or Receive Commissions?
Yes, and here’s how it works under Florida law:
- Licensed agents can share or split commissions, as long as both are active license holders.
- Referral fees are allowed when the receiving party is properly licensed and documented.
- Written agreements are required to clarify who gets paid and how much.
- Realty Hub enables commission sharing for just $100, ideal for agents in referral-only status.
Can I get in trouble for paying another agent?
Only if you pay someone who isn’t licensed or fail to document the agreement. When in doubt, use a Commission Disbursement Authorization (CDA), we offer prebuilt versions to all Realty Hub agents.
What the Realtor Commission Lawsuit Means for You
The recent class-action lawsuit against the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reshaped how commissions are displayed, and negotiated.
Here’s what changed:
- MLS platforms no longer show buyer agent commissions.
- Buyers and sellers must now discuss and agree on compensation terms directly.
- Sellers can offer 0%, a flat fee, or a percentage, nothing is mandatory.
- Transparency is key. Buyers now have clearer visibility into who’s getting paid and how.
Misconception: “You’re required to pay a 3% buyer agent commission.”
Reality: You can offer whatever terms you want, or none at all.
Insider Tips for Using Flat Fee Services Like a Pro
Whether you’re an FSBO seller or a seasoned agent, here are ways to maximize the flat fee model:
- Write a strong, benefits-driven property description that focuses on lifestyle, not just specs.
- Invest in professional photography and virtual tours, it pays off.
- Use a CRM or at minimum, a Google Sheet, to track buyer inquiries and follow-ups.
- Have your CDA ready before closing. Realty Hub gives you the tools to automate this.
- Stay on top of status changes. You’re responsible for marking listings pending, under contract, or sold in a timely way.
Small steps like these give you the confidence and polish of a full-service agent, without the full-service cut.
Why More Florida Agents Are Switching to Flat Fee Brokerages
Traditional brokerages often come with bloated fees, outdated processes, and unnecessary rules. Agents today are asking better questions, and choosing better models.
Here’s why many are making the switch:
- Keep 100% of your commission: No more 70/30 or 80/20 splits. At Realty Hub, you pay $100 per transaction, and the rest is yours.
- No desk fees, franchise fees, or mandatory tech stacks: Just lean, efficient infrastructure designed to support you, when you actually need it.
- No association membership requirements: If you don’t want to join the REALTOR® association, you don’t have to. We support that decision and save agents hundreds annually.
- Perfect for every agent type: Part-time agents, investor agents, referral-only licensees, and full-time producers all thrive here.
- Freedom to build your business your way: Operate under your brand, build a team, or stay solo. We don’t impose sales quotas, desk time, or marketing scripts.
This model works for agents who value control, speed, and earnings over hand-holding.
Flat Fee = Legal, Profitable, Smart
Flat fee commissions are the future for agents who want to build lean, profitable businesses.
With transparency now a legal standard (not just a preference), the old commission structures no longer make sense for many agents or sellers. Whether you want to avoid commission splits, work part-time, or build a scalable business, the flat fee model puts you back in control.
At Realty Hub, we’ve created a brokerage that eliminates the noise and keeps what matters:
- $100/year + $100/closing
- No splits, no tech fees, no quotas
- E&O insurance included
- MLS access across Florida, Georgia, and Alabama
- Real broker support when you need it
You’re not stuck in the old system anymore. You’re one decision away from keeping more of what you earn.
Ready to Ditch the Split?
You came here wondering whether flat fee commissions are legal in Florida, and maybe quietly asking whether you could do things differently.
Realty Hub is your next move. We offer 100% commission to you, no franchise or tech fees.
👉 Join Realty Hub today and start keeping what you earn.
Answering Your Top Questions
We’ve helped hundreds of Florida agents transition to flat fee. These are the questions we hear most often:
- Can I list my property without offering a buyer’s agent commission? Yes, you’re not legally required to offer one. Many sellers now offer flat or reduced buyer fees.
- Is it legal to advertise flat fee services in Florida? Yes, as long as you’re licensed and operating within FREC guidelines.
- Do I need a lawyer to do this? Not required, but smart for FSBOs or complex transactions. Many Realty Hub agents use flat-fee legal services for contract review.
- What forms are required? The same forms as traditional listings: disclosures, sales contract, commission agreement. We provide templates to our agents.
- Flat fee listings don’t get enough visibilit? Your MLS listing appears on all major platforms, same as a full-service agent.
- Will I miss something legal without an agent guiding me? Flat fee services offer forms, support, and legal resources. Or hire a contract attorney, still far cheaper than a commission split.
- What if I’m not ready to negotiate solo? You can always add negotiation support or use a broker hotline when needed. At Realty Hub, we offer help on-demand, not by default.
