📊 The data: We surveyed 915 local real estate agents and found the average real estate commission in Florida is higher than the national average of 5.37%. Our methodology explains how we crunched the numbers. |
While 5.40% may cost less than the national average, it's still a high fee to pay: it translates to roughly $20,986 in realtor commission to sell a home worth $388,600 (the typical home value as of Florida).
The good news is you might not have to pay the full 5.40%: Few homes for sale and rising housing prices put Florida sellers in a stronger position to negotiate lower rates with agents.
Home sellers in The Sunshine State can also consider discount real estate brokerages to save on commission. Discount brokers offer built-in commission savings, and often provide similar services as conventional realtors.
Here's what to know about Florida real estate commission, including how to save, tips for negotiating with agents, and next steps if you need to sell your home.
» JUMP: Florida commission breakdown | How to save | Next steps | FAQs
Florida realtor fees: Key takeaways
Most Florida agents work 100% on commission. Agents only get paid when your home sells and the commission is deducted from the sale proceeds at closing.
Realtor fees are unavoidable, but not set in stone. Everything in a real estate transaction can be negotiated, including your agent's fees. Learn how to negotiate rates with an agent before signing a listing agreement.
Commission covers a wide range of services. It often includes the cost of photography, online advertising, hosting open houses, showing the home to prospective buyers, and negotiating contracts.
Florida sellers are in a strong position to negotiate right now. It's a seller's market in the Sunshine State, and that's not likely to change in 2022.
Florida commission rates breakdown: How much will you pay?
Home sale price | $388,600 |
Commission (5.40%) | $20,986 |
Closing costs (1.70%) | $6,218 |
Net to seller | $361,396 |
Florida realtor commission rates take an average of 5.40% off the proceeds of a home sale. The total cost to sell a home in Florida is 7.10% when you include closing costs ($6,218).
It'd cost you close to $24,000 to sell a home worth $388,600, and you'd walk away with $361,396 from the sale (before paying off any mortgages or liens you might owe).
📊 Breaking down Florida commission rates
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How to save on Florida realtor fees
There are several strategies that can help you get a lower commission rate than the Florida state average of 5.40%.
Shop around for the best value
Selling your home is likely the largest financial transaction of your life, so it's smart to interview a few agents from different brokerages. Compare options to measure agent's experience, service, and personality verus price.
While price is important, it's not everything. It may be worth paying more for an experienced, full-time realtor who has the knowledge and skills to sell your home, versus a cheaper, but inexperienced agent.
Choosing an inexperienced or part-time agent solely because they charge less could end up costing you a lot more than you save, in terms of the final sale price.
Sell your house with a discount real estate broker
Consider working with a discount real estate brokerage if saving money is your top priority.
Discount brokerages offer built-in savings, with no negotiating required. Rates are as low as 1% – significantly lower than the typical 5.40% listing fee in Florida – and the best ones provide the same level of service as conventional agents.
Top Florida discount real estate brokerages in 2022
Brand | Avg. listing fee | Avg. savings* | Avg. rating |
1% | $7,375 | 4.9 | |
1.5% | $5,550 | 3.9 | |
1.5% | $8,500 | 4.7 | |
2% | $3,750 | 2.5 | |
*Compared to a typical 3% listing fee at four price points: $100k, $250k, $500k, $750k | |||
Negotiate with an agent
Florida market conditions are favorable for negotiating commission rates because the high demand for houses makes it easier for agents to close deals.
Here's are some current market conditions that could lead to real estate agents agreeing to a lower commission rate:
- There are 1.3% fewer live listings in Florida compared to the prior year, with housing inventory falling the most in (53.4% drop) and The Villages (23.7%).
- Fewer homeowners looking to sell means more competition among agents vying for your business, which may force agents to lower rates to be more competitive.
- Homes are selling fast statewide, but sell the quickest in the cities of Pensacola (21 days on market), Lakeland (29 days) , and Tampa (27 days).
- Florida is one of the hottest real estate markets in the country, with home values rising by 34.3% in 2021, and they're expected to continue rising in 2022.
But no two houses or neighborhoods are the same. You have a better chance of securing a lower rate if you meet one or more of the following criteria.
Your home is in good shape
Well-maintained homes make for desirable listings that make great first impressions on buyers and sell fast.
Signs of a home that is well-kept include:
- A healthy lawn and landscaping.
- Carpeting with little to no stains.
- No scuffs, dents, or scratches on the walls, and clean paint.
- A roof with no active leaks or damaged shingles, and clean gutters.
- Properly working appliances and smoke detectors.
You have a high-priced home
Sellers who own expensive homes have more leverage in negotiations with agents.
Here's why: A $500,000 listing at a 2% commission rate earns your agent $4,000 more in commission than a $200,000 listing at a 3% rate – for roughly the same amount of work.
These Florida markets currently have the highest median list prices:
Market | Median list price |
Key West | $1,362,000 |
Naples | $849,000 |
Crestview | $602,000 |
You'll be a repeat customer - and you can provide referrals
Agents are more likely to offer you a discount if you also use them to purchase a new home - a "list-buy" deal means double the commission for your agent.
Realtors also appreciate referrals because it provides them with new business, without little time, money, or effort. Referring friends, family, or acquaintances helps your agent and should give you leverage in negotiations.
The agent knows you're shopping around
Listing agents may be more willing to offer a lower rate if they know you’re meeting with other agents. Most realtors would prefer earning a slightly lower percentage than losing your business entirely.
Let the agent you talk with know you’re interviewing multiple candidates, as they might just offer a lower rate upfront to be more competitive.
» MORE: How to negotiate realtor commission
Next steps
Thinking of selling your home but don't know where to start? Here are some next steps.
Start interviewing local agents
Meeting with agents can be useful to learn about your home's estimated value, each agent's specific marketing strategy, and what agents are charging in your market.
Here's why it's smart to sit down with a few agents before signing with one:
It's completely free to meet with agents. There's no obligation or risk on your end. Just keep in mind that the agent is meeting with you to win your business, so they will try to sell you on their service (and will plan to follow-up with you).
You can compare pricing and features. Shopping around helps you find the best combination of experience, personality, and price for your specific needs.
It's an opportunity to learn more about your market from an expert. Realtors can provide local data like what similar homes in your area are selling for, how quickly they’re going under contract, and other current market trends.
You can learn more about how to sell your home. An agent can walk you through the home sales process from start to finish, and provide tailored advice for marketing your property to homebuyers.
To get started, check out our guide on the best ways to find real estate agents — or you can sign up for Clever’s free agent matching service below to connect with top realtors in your area right now (and save on commission).
Read more about selling your home
Still learning about the process and weighing your options? Check out these additional guides for home sellers in Florida:
- 8 Steps to Selling a House in Florida
- How Much it Costs to Sell in Florida
- Florida Real Estate Transfer Taxes
Explore realtor alternatives
There are other ways to sell your house besides listing with an agent. Learn more below:
Methodology
Our Florida commission rate data is based on a Clever Real Estate survey of 915 of agents, in which we asked for the typical rates for both buyer's and seller's agents in their area.
Additionally, this article utilized the following data from Zillow and Realtor.com:
- Home values, list prices, and sale prices: Based on Zillow data as of May 2022
- Listing inventory: Based on Realtor.com data as of May 2022
We surveyed Florida real estate agents in May 2021, and we're in the process of updating our data.
Florida realtor commission FAQs
If you're planning to sell, you have a better shot at negotiating a lower rate if you own a high-priced and well-maintained home, and if you're in a market where homes tend to sell quickly.