Who Pays Realtor Fees in Florida?

Can you negotiate Realtor fees in Florida?

Yes. In Florida, real estate commissions are fully negotiable. That was true before the NAR settlement, and it remains true today. Whether you’re discussing fees with a listing agent or deciding what to offer a buyer’s agent, you have options:

• Negotiate a lower total commission rate: Some agents may accept a reduced rate, especially for high-priced homes or in competitive markets like Miami, Tampa, or Orlando.
• Adjust the commission split: You can propose a different percentage split or only cover your listing agent’s side.
• Tie commission to performance: For example, agree to a higher rate if the home sells above your target price and a lower rate if it sells below.
• Consider flat-fee or limited-service options: Some Florida brokerages offer à la carte services at lower rates for experienced sellers.

That said, remember that the right agent can often net you more proceeds, even if their commission is higher. With effective marketing, pricing expertise, and polished negotiating skills, a top agent can typically more than pay for their fees, allowing you to have a much better (and profitable) selling experience.

Additional free tools to help you plan your Florida home sale:

• Home Value Estimator
• Net Proceeds Calculator
• Best Time to Sell Calculator
• Recently sold Florida homes

What other concessions help sell a home in Florida?

If you decide not to pay the buyer’s agent commission — or you want to make your listing more competitive — seller concessions can be another way to sweeten the deal for potential buyers. Common incentives in Florida include:

• Closing cost credits: Covering part of the buyer’s closing costs can ease their upfront expenses.
• Interest rate buydowns: In a high-rate market, helping to lower the buyer’s mortgage rate for the first year or two can be appealing.
• Repair credits: Instead of making all repairs, offer a credit so the buyer can handle them after closing.
• Home warranties: A home warranty covering the first year can provide peace of mind, especially for older homes.

According to our survey, the top concessions sellers are offering include repair credits (52%), closing cost help (50%), and interest rate buydowns (21%). In Florida’s competitive but cost-sensitive market, these incentives — combined with a fair buyer’s agent commission — can help your home sell faster.

Why top Florida agents can still net you more

With more flexibility around commission payments, it’s tempting to focus on lowering Reator fees. But in real estate, your bottom line depends on both what you pay and how much you sell for.

HomeLight data shows that the top 5% of agents sell homes for up to 10% more than average agents. In Florida, a top-performing local agent can help you:

• Understand your local market norms for buyer agent fees
• Decide what level of commission makes sense for your situation
• Evaluate offers and concessions in the context of local demand
• Guide you through Florida-specific market trends and regulations

The right Florida agent will help you gain a clearer picture of what your home is worth and what you can expect to net, even if you’re offering to pay both sides of the commission.

Commission rules change, but strategy still matters

The commission rules may have changed, but Florida’s real estate fundamentals remain the same: Buyers want representation, and sellers want strong offers. Crafting a smart commission strategy starts with working with an experienced local agent who can position your home to sell for the best possible price.

HomeLight’s free Agent Match tool analyzes over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to connect you with top-performing Florida agents based on your needs. Whether you choose to pay the buyer’s agent commission or explore alternatives, your ultimate goal is the same — a smooth, successful sale.

HomeLight is here to help. See our Florida Seller Resource Center for more expert tips and resources.

Header Image Source: (Nick Agee / Unsplash)