What Can an Unlicensed Assistant Do in Florida? (FREC Checklist for Agents)

The tasks an unlicensed assistant can take off your plate, the ones that need a license, and the pay rule most agents get wrong.

Broadwell Management 7 min read
Real estate office where assistants handle admin work
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The short answer

An unlicensed assistant in Florida can handle almost all of your admin: MLS entry, scheduling, paperwork, marketing drafts and calls. What they can't do is anything that needs a license, like showing homes, giving opinions on a property, or negotiating. And they can't be paid based on a deal closing.

  • ✓Admin and paperwork: yes, with your approval.
  • ✓Showing, advising or negotiating: no.
  • ✓Pay must not depend on a closing.

Why the line matters

Florida law (Chapter 475) says only licensed people can do real estate activities for pay, like selling, showing, negotiating or advising on a property. The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) enforces it.

If your assistant crosses that line, you and your broker carry the risk. The good news is that the line is clear, and almost everything that fills your evenings falls on the safe side of it.

What an unlicensed assistant can do

Based on Florida Realtors' widely used guidance. Anything client-facing should use information you or your broker have approved.

Listings & marketing

  • ✓Enter listings and changes in the MLS
  • ✓Draft ads, flyers and posts for your approval
  • ✓Place signs and get keys made
  • ✓Gather data for a CMA

Scheduling & calls

  • ✓Answer and forward calls
  • ✓Schedule showings for you
  • ✓Share facts from the approved listing sheet
  • ✓Order repairs you've requested

Transactions & paperwork

  • ✓Fill in contract forms for your review
  • ✓Assemble documents for closing
  • ✓Track loan status after contract
  • ✓Deliver documents and pick up keys

Office & records

  • ✓Pull public records
  • ✓Record and deposit escrow funds as directed
  • ✓Keep files and license records current
  • ✓Update your CRM

What they can't do

These need a license. Keep them with you.

  • ✕
    Show property
    They can book the showing, not lead it.
  • ✕
    Give opinions or advice
    No views on value, neighborhoods, financing or title.
  • ✕
    Negotiate anything
    Price, terms, commission splits or referral fees.
  • ✕
    Run an open house alone
    They can be there for security and hand out flyers, not answer questions about the home.
  • ✕
    Cold-call to solicit listings or buyers
    Prospecting for real estate business is treated as licensed activity. Keep their calls to scheduling and follow-up you've directed.

The pay rule most agents miss

In Florida, you can't pay an unlicensed person a share of a commission, or any bonus that only happens when a deal closes. That includes "$100 per closing" arrangements.

Not allowed
  • ✕  A percentage of your commission
  • ✕  A bonus paid per closing
  • ✕  Pay that depends on a deal going through
Allowed
  • ✓  Salary or hourly pay
  • ✓  A flat monthly fee
  • ✓  Pay that's the same whether deals close or not

How to set it up the right way

  1. 1

    Write down their duties

    A one-page list of what they handle, built from the can-do list above.

  2. 2

    Get your broker's sign-off

    Your broker supervises your business. Share the duties and pay setup before day one.

  3. 3

    Give them approved scripts

    Clear wording for calls and texts, plus a simple rule: "If it's an opinion, hand it to me."

  4. 4

    Pay them a fixed rate

    Hourly, salary or flat monthly. Never tied to closings.

The admin side, already handled.

Broadwell works on the admin side of the line: MLS entry, CRM, scheduling, paperwork and marketing drafts. One flat monthly rate that never depends on a closing. You keep the licensed work.

See pricing → Book a free call
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Common questions

Can an unlicensed assistant show property in Florida?

No. They can schedule showings and be at an open house for security or to hand out materials, but can't show the home or discuss it beyond the approved listing information.

Can they enter my listings in the MLS?

Yes. Entering listings and listing changes is administrative work, using information you've approved.

Can I pay them a bonus per closing?

No. Pay an unlicensed assistant a salary, hourly rate or flat fee that doesn't depend on any deal closing.

Can they answer buyer questions?

Only with facts from the approved listing, like price or square footage. No opinions, financing talk or negotiating.

Does my broker need to approve them?

Yes. Your broker supervises your business, so confirm duties and pay with them in writing before the assistant starts.

Not legal advice. This is a general summary of Florida Statutes Chapter 475 and Florida Realtors' guidance on unlicensed assistants. Rules can change, and your broker has the final say. Sources: Florida Statutes Ch. 475, Florida Realtors Legal.