The title on a business card does not tell the whole story
A buyer may work with a real estate professional. The legal relationship can differ from one deal to another.
Ask what role applies. Read the written agreement before you make assumptions.
Florida law recognizes different brokerage relationships
Florida Statutes section 475.278 names three key roles. They are transaction broker, single agent, and no brokerage relationship. The duties differ.
Florida law starts with a transaction broker presumption. A written record can set a different role instead.
A limited form of representation
A transaction broker gives a limited form of representation. This role is not the same as a single agent.
The law lists duties for this role. They include honesty, care, handling funds, and limits on what can be shared.
The facts still matter. Ask the broker what role applies to your deal.
A different relationship with different duties
A single agent has a different set of duties. They include loyalty, privacy, obedience, full disclosure, and care.
Florida law requires these duties to be given in writing.
Do not assume you have a single agent relationship just because someone is helping you.
A licensee may have no brokerage relationship with a buyer
Florida law also allows a no brokerage relationship status. The licensee still has some duties set by law.
Know this role before you rely on the person as your agent.
The agreement can define how the working relationship operates
A written buyer agreement may cover services, time limits, duties, and pay terms.
The terms can vary. Read the actual document that applies to you.
A broker or agent can explain their role. A Florida real estate attorney should answer legal questions about the contract.
They are connected, but they are not the same question
The brokerage relationship tells you the legal role. The written agreement may add terms for working together.
Do not assume one document answers every question. Ask what role applies. Ask what the agreement requires.
A buyer pauses before signing
A Florida buyer plans to tour new homes with a real estate professional.
Before signing, the buyer asks what role applies. The buyer also asks what duties come with that role.
The buyer reads the agreement. The buyer asks about its length, services, pay terms, and ending rules.
For legal meaning, the buyer asks a Florida real estate attorney.
Know the relationship and read the agreement
Know the role. Read the written agreement.
Ask two questions. “What role applies?” “What does this agreement require from each side?”
Ask clear questions
- What brokerage relationship applies to me?
- Are you acting as a transaction broker or single agent?
- Is there no brokerage relationship?
- What duties come with this relationship?
- What services does the agreement cover?
- How long does the agreement last?
- How can the agreement end?
- How is compensation addressed?
- Is the agreement exclusive?
- Who should answer my legal questions?
Use the right person for the question
Buyer's Real Estate Broker or Agent
Can explain their role, services, and business terms within their scope.
Brokerage
Can verify its forms, policies, and the role it offers.
Florida Real Estate Attorney
Can explain legal rights, contract terms, duties, and legal effects.
Check the idea, not a score
This is a learning check. There are no grades and no passing score.
1. Which Florida role is presumed unless another status is set in writing?
2. Does help from a real estate professional prove a single agent role?
3. What should a buyer do with the written agreement?
4. Who should answer legal questions about the agreement?
Review the relationship before you rely on assumptions
The AI Professor can explain general ideas. It can help you prepare questions for your broker, agent, or attorney.
