If you’re considering a career as a real estate agent in Florida, understanding commission rates can help you estimate how many properties you need to sell to meet your income goals. A career in real estate offers unlimited income potential, and knowing the numbers is the first step toward building your success.
This guide explains how to calculate real estate commissions in Florida, who pays them, and the average commission rates in Florida’s most populated cities. We’ll also explain how to use a commission calculator to your advantage.
Key Takeaways
- Average Commission Rate: Florida’s average real estate commission rate is 5.53% of a property’s sale price, which is slightly below the national average of 5.57%.
- Commission Payment: The seller typically pays the real estate commission in Florida.
- Agent Earnings: With an average home value of $374,697, real estate agents in Florida can earn approximately $20,721 per transaction before splits with their brokerage.
- Negotiable Rates: Real estate commission rates have always been negotiable, and factors like market conditions and property type can influence the final negotiated commission rate.
Understanding Real Estate Commissions in Florida
Most real estate agents work exclusively on commission rather than earning a regular salary. This commission-based model has been standard for decades, but recent changes are expected to evolve this structure, especially for buyer’s agents. Despite these potential shifts, the demand for skilled real estate agents in Florida is projected to remain strong.
How commission structures work
Typically, a seller’s agent agrees to a set commission rate with their client, which is often shared with the buyer’s agent. The commission is calculated by multiplying the final sale price by this rate. While this system has been the standard, recent legal settlements may alter how commissions are advertised and shared. Seller’s agents might still share commissions, or sellers and buyers may negotiate to compensate the buyer’s agent directly.
Current Average Commission Rates in Florida
The average real estate commission rate in Florida is 5.53%, according to a 2025 survey by FastExpert. This is just under the national average of 5.57%. While this rate provides a good baseline, remember that commissions can vary based on your location within the state and the specifics of each deal.
According to data collected by Colibri Real Estate, the average income for a real estate agent in Florida ranges between $100,000 to $200,000. Your earning potential is directly tied to the number of transactions you close and the value of the properties you sell.
Average Florida real estate commission rate by city
Below are the average home values in Florida’s ten most populated cities. Based on a 5.53% commission rate, here’s what real estate professionals might earn by selling an average property in these areas.
| City | Average Home Value | 5.53% Real Estate Commission |
| Jacksonville, FL | $281,507 | $15,567 |
| Miami, FL | $575,173 | $31,807 |
| Tampa, FL | $369,925 | $20,457 |
| Orlando, FL | $371,780 | $20,559 |
| St. Petersburg, FL | $346,430 | $19,158 |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $383,231 | $21,193 |
| Cape Coral, FL | $338,218 | $18,703 |
| Hialeah, FL | $442,602 | $24,476 |
| Tallahassee, FL | $285,492 | $15,788 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FL | $507,697 | $28,076 |
| Source for Average Home Value: Zillow, December 2025. |
This total commission is typically split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents and their brokerages.
Who Pays the Real Estate Commission in Florida?
In Florida, the seller has traditionally paid the real estate commission for both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. This fee is usually paid from the seller’s proceeds at closing. However, this convention is evolving. Following the recent National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) settlement, it’s expected that more buyers may pay their agents directly. A key change is that buyer’s agents must now have written agreements with their clients that clearly outline their compensation structure.
Factors Influencing Commission Rates
While the average commission rate provides a useful benchmark, several factors can influence the final negotiated rate for a specific transaction.
- Market Conditions: In a seller’s market with high demand, agents may have more leverage to maintain their standard rates. In a buyer’s market, agents might be more open to negotiation to secure a listing.
- Property Type: Commissions for residential properties often differ from those for commercial real estate, land, or luxury homes. Commercial deals, for instance, may use a graduated structure where the rate changes based on the sale price.
- Agent’s Experience: Highly experienced agents with a proven track record of selling homes quickly and for top dollar may command higher commission rates.
- Legal Changes: As seen with the NAR settlement, legal and regulatory changes can directly impact how commissions are structured and negotiated across the industry.
Commission Splits and Agent Earnings
The total commission from a sale is rarely kept by a single agent. It’s typically divided between the seller’s agent, the buyer’s agent, and their respective brokerages. A common arrangement is a 50/50 split of the total commission between the two brokerages, with each brokerage paying its agents according to individual agreements.
Here’s an example of how a commission split might work on an average-priced Florida home.
Example Commission Split for a $374,697 Property
| Item | Amount |
| Sale price of home | $374,697 |
| Total commission (5.53%) | $20,721 |
| Seller’s agent brokerage commission | $10,360 |
| Buyer’s agent brokerage commission | $10,360 |
From there, each brokerage pays its agent. If an agent has a 50/50 split with their brokerage, they would earn $5,180 from this transaction.
Impact of Industry Changes and Legal Settlements
The recent NAR settlement is set to bring significant changes to the real estate industry, particularly regarding commission transparency. The key change is that listing agents will no longer be able to advertise buyer’s agent commission offers on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This is intended to encourage more direct negotiation between buyers and their agents about compensation.
Florida Housing Market Trends and Their Effect on Commissions
The Florida housing market is dynamic, with trends that can influence commission rates. For example, in a hot market with rising home values, the dollar amount of a commission increases even if the percentage rate stays the same. Conversely, during a market slowdown, increased competition for fewer listings might lead some agents to be more flexible with their rates to attract clients. Staying informed about local market trends can help you better understand the context for commission negotiations.
Interactive Tools and Calculators
To better plan your finances, whether you’re a home seller or an aspiring agent, using online tools can be incredibly helpful. A real estate commission calculator for Florida can give you an instant estimate of the commission on a property sale, helping you understand potential earnings.
Take the Next Step in Your Real Estate Career
Becoming a real estate agent can be a rewarding full-time career or a lucrative side gig with unlimited income potential. The sooner you begin the licensing process, the sooner you can start earning impressive commissions.
Colibri Real Estate’s Florida real estate classes are convenient and affordable. Our online, self-paced courses allow you to complete your studies anytime, anywhere. You’ll receive a quality education designed by local experts, preparing you to become a top-producing real estate agent in Florida. Sign up today for your pre-licensing courses to build a career defined by your success.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only, based on a September 2025 survey of Colibri Real Estate alumni and publicly available industry sources. While Colibri Real Estate strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, reliability, or applicability of the information. Earnings and outcomes vary widely based on factors like location, experience, and market conditions and should not be considered guarantees. This guide does not constitute professional advice. Users should consult additional sources for personalized guidance.
