Florida Referral Brokerage FAQ

These are the questions Florida real estate licensees ask us most often about referral-only brokerage.

What is a referral-only real estate brokerage?

A referral-only brokerage is a licensed real estate brokerage built for associates who primarily refer buyers and sellers to other licensed professionals instead of handling full-service transactions themselves. The associate remains affiliated with an employing broker and follows the brokerage’s referral policies.

Can I “park” or “hang” my Florida real estate license with Basement Realty?

Those are common industry terms for affiliating an active sales associate license with a brokerage while stepping away from traditional production. Basement Realty is designed for Florida licensees who want an active referral-only brokerage relationship rather than a full-service sales platform.

Can I keep my Florida real estate license active without joining an MLS?

Basement Realty does not require its referral associates to join an MLS or REALTOR® association. Your Florida licensing, renewal, and continuing-education obligations still apply.

How much does Basement Realty cost?

The annual membership fee is $99 per year.

How much of my referral compensation do I keep?

Basement Realty associates keep 90% of collected referral compensation, subject to a $200 minimum brokerage portion per closed referral.

Why does the brokerage have to be involved in the referral fee?

Florida law regulates how sales associates receive compensation. Florida Statute 475.42 provides that a sales associate may not collect transaction-related money except in the name of the employer and with the employer’s consent. That is why licensed referral compensation is handled through the brokerages rather than as an informal agent-to-agent side payment.

Can I live outside Florida and keep my Florida license?

Moving out of Florida does not automatically cancel your license. Florida Statute 475.180 addresses nonresident licensees and requires a resident licensee who becomes a nonresident to notify the Florida Real Estate Commission within the statutory time period and comply with nonresident requirements. See our guide: Can I Keep My Florida Real Estate License If I Move Out of State?

Do I still need continuing education?

Yes. Referral-only status does not eliminate Florida renewal and continuing-education requirements. Florida Statute 475.182 governs active-license renewal and continuing education.

What is the difference between active and inactive license status?

An active sales associate is properly registered under an employing broker and can perform licensed activity within the brokerage relationship. Florida also recognizes inactive status under Florida Statute 475.183. If your goal is to continue earning licensed referral compensation, an active referral-only brokerage relationship is different from simply placing the license inactive. Read our active vs. inactive guide.

Can I list homes, show property, or write offers as a Basement Realty referral associate?

Basement Realty’s model is referral-only. It is designed for associates who want to generate and submit referrals, not operate a full traditional sales practice. If you want to resume full-service representation, you should move to a brokerage structure that supports that activity.

How do I move my license to Basement Realty?

After your application and annual membership requirements are completed, Basement Realty handles the brokerage-side activation process with the Florida DBPR. DBPR describes a change of broker/employer as deactivating the associate under one qualifying broker and activating the associate under another.

Can I leave later and return to a traditional brokerage?

Yes. A referral-only brokerage does not permanently lock your license into that model. If your career changes and you want to return to full-service real estate, your license can be moved to another broker in accordance with Florida requirements and your brokerage agreements.

How do I submit a referral?

Active Basement Realty associates use the Agent Portal to submit referral information. The brokerage then handles the referral documentation and broker-to-broker process.

Where can I learn more?

Start with our Florida Referral Agent Resources, review How It Works, or apply to join Basement Realty.

This FAQ is general information, not legal advice. Florida laws and DBPR procedures can change. Confirm current requirements with DBPR and your broker.