Florida Real Estate Commission 2025 | Buyer’s Rebate Guide

If you thought real estate commissions in Florida were set in stone, think again.

2024 shook the industry, and 2025 is rewriting the rulebook.

Thanks to a landmark $418 million settlement by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the traditional 5%–6% commission model is no longer the default. New regulations mean:

• MLS listings can no longer advertise blanket commissions to buyer agents.
• Buyers must now sign a representation agreement before touring homes.
• Sellers are no longer required to pay buyer agent commissions.

This shift is more than legal fine print; it’s a power move that changes who pays, how much is spent, and what’s negotiable.

What does that mean for you?

• Buyers now must plan for agent fees upfront.
• Sellers can negotiate listing fees and decide whether to offer buyer incentives.
• Both sides now have more room and more responsibility to structure deals smartly.

Timeline Alert: The new rules officially rolled out on August 17, 2024, but 2025 is when adoption becomes mainstream across Florida, especially in competitive metros like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa.

In 2025, the typical total commission in Florida hovers around 5.4%, split between the listing agent and buyer’s agent.

But here’s what changed:

The biggest shift? Sellers are no longer required to offer buyer agent commissions. Buyers can now pay their agents directly, or choose not to.

That means if you're buying, you'll need to factor in agent fees before you tour homes.

And if you're selling? You can attract more buyers by offering a competitive fee, or hold firm and negotiate from power.

Think 6% is non-negotiable? That’s a realtor myth.

In 2025, every commission is negotiable, especially in Florida. Here's how savvy buyers and sellers are shaving thousands off their closing costs:

For Sellers:

• Compare at least 3 agents. Use their answers to negotiate lower listing fees or better marketing packages.
• Ask for flat-fee or performance-based pricing. Agents who believe in their results will often agree.
• Offer buyer-agent incentives strategically. In hot markets, offering 2%–2.5% can attract more buyers, but in slower markets, you can skip it entirely.

Pro Tip: Some sellers are getting listing fees down to 2% or less just by asking.

For Buyers:

• Negotiate your agent’s fee upfront. You now have full control, and can even offer zero if agreed upon.
• Bundle services. Some brokerages will reduce fees if you use them for mortgage or title, too.
• Ask for cash back at closing. Yes, it’s legal in Florida. Some agents share part of their commission.

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In 2025, you can’t tour homes in Florida without signing a Buyer Representation Agreement first.

That means:

• You’re officially hiring an agent before you step into a single house.
• You’re agreeing to pay them, unless the seller offers to cover it (many won’t).
• And yes, the commission is negotiable, or even avoidable.

Plan for 2%–3% of the home price in your budget, or discuss a flat fee.

You also have options:

• DIY route: Skip the agent, deal directly with listing agents.
• Commission rebate: Some agents refund a portion of their fee at closing.
• Fee-based agents: Pay hourly or flat-rate instead of a percentage.

Smart buyers in 2025 aren’t just picking homes, they’re picking commission models that save them thousands.

In Florida’s 2025 real estate market, you’re no longer required to offer a commission to the buyer’s agent.

That’s a win, but it’s also a choice that affects how fast (and for how much) your home sells.

Here’s what top Florida sellers are doing:

• Hot market? Skip the buyer’s agent fee, buyers are competing hard, and you keep more equity.
• Cool market? Offer 2%–2.5% to attract more buyer traffic and close faster.
• Luxury listing? Consider a tiered commission: full fee if sold at asking, less if not.

Remember: Many buyers in 2025 are paying their agents directly, so your incentive could make or break the deal.

Smart sellers don’t just save money; they use commission strategy as a negotiation weapon.

In 2025, Florida buyers have more power, but also more responsibility.

With commissions no longer bundled into the sale price, you get to choose how you pay, who you hire, and what it’s worth.

At reAlpha, we’re your commission-smart strategy partner.

• You keep up to 75% of the agent’s commission through our buyer rebate program
• We decode the fine print — so you don’t fall for outdated traps
• You get full transparency and freedom to choose your agent, your deal, and your terms

Don’t just tour homes. Tour smarter. Pay smarter. Close smarter.

Yes. All commissions are 100% negotiable in Florida. Sellers can set their listing agent’s fee, and buyers can negotiate directly with their agent, or choose not to use one at all.

As of August 17, 2024, buyers typically pay their agent directly through a signed agreement, unless the seller agrees to cover it.

The average total commission is around 5.4%, with 2.65% going to the listing agent and 2.55% to the buyer’s agent, if both are compensated.

No. As of 2025, sellers are not required to pay buyer agent commissions. It’s now optional and negotiable based on the market.

The NAR settlement rules started on August 17, 2024. By 2025, they’re being widely adopted across Florida MLS systems.

Find the Perfect Mortgage for Your Dream Home with reAlpha Mortgage.

Compare options, calculate payments, and get expert guidance—all in one place.

Get Pre-approved