Written Listing Agreements

Chapter 475, Florida Statutes, requires that written listing agreements include the following:A specific expiration dateA description of the propertyThe listing price and termsThe broker’s compensation (fee or commission)The signatures of all owners of recordFlorida law also prohibits listing agreements from requiring owners to notify the broker if they choose not to renew the listing after it expires. In addition, a broker must provide the owner with a copy of the signed listing agreement within 24 hours of execution. Automatic renewal clauses are not allowed; any extension must be separately negotiated. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) may issue a $400 citation for including an automatic renewal clause or for failing to timely deliver a copy of the listing agreement to the owner.A listing agreement is not a contract to sell the house; it is a contract to employ you to find a buyer. It is between the Broker and the Seller.