Do I Need to Sign an Agreement Before a Realtor Will Show Me a Home in Florida?

Do I need to sign an agreement before a Realtor will show me a home in Florida?

Short answer:
Yes — because of a law that went into effect in August 2024, buyers must sign an agreement with a Realtor before viewing most homes. But there are a few exceptions… and definitely a few things you should understand before signing anything.

Why You’re Hearing About This New Rule Everywhere

Here’s the deal: the August 2024 rule change requires a written agreement between you and your real estate agent before they can show you a property.
It’s meant to create clarity, but for a lot of buyers, it’s created confusion instead.

The good news? Once you know how the rules actually work, the whole process gets a lot simpler.

Exceptions: When You Don’t Have to Sign First

1. The Listing Agent Can Show You Their Own Listing

Yep — that’s still allowed.
But let’s slow down here, because this is the one buyers get tripped up on.

When the listing agent shows you the property:

• They already have a signed relationship with the seller.

• Some listing agreements include extra compensation if the listing agent represents both sides.

• If no extra compensation is included?
  Then the only way they earn more is by convincing you to sign with them.

Even though Florida assumes “transaction broker” status unless otherwise stated, it’s still hard for any agent to fully balance two clients with opposite goals. It’s something to keep in mind before you rely solely on the listing agent.

2. Open Houses

You can walk in without signing anything.

3. New Construction Model Homes

Same thing — no agreement required.
But remember: the on-site rep works for the builder, not for you.

The Three Agreements Buyers Choose From

1. The Touring Agreement

This agreement allows an agent to show you homes without specifying compensation.

Sounds convenient, right?
But because there’s no compensation structure included, most Realtors don’t use it. So while it exists, it’s not one you’ll see often.

2. The Showing Agreement

This one is address-specific.
Every home you want to tour must be listed on the agreement.

If you find an additional home mid-day?
You’ll have to sign a second showing agreement for that address.

Why you might choose this option:
It gives you a chance to “test drive” the agent without committing long-term.

What you must remember:
If you buy a home that’s listed on that showing agreement, you have to use the agent on that form — or you could accidentally owe more than one Realtor.

3. The Buyer Broker Agreement

This is the most common and the most comprehensive.

It covers:

• Location (ex: all of Florida, Duval County only, etc.)

• Time period

• Property type

• Compensation

• Responsibilities on both sides

Please read this part carefully:
If your agreement says all of Florida, then you’re committed to that agent everywhere — Jacksonville, Orlando, Miami… all of it.

If it says Duval County, then you’re only committed for homes in Duval… leaving you free to choose a different agent in St. Johns or Clay.

Agreements also cannot overlap.
So if you’ve already signed a showing agreement for specific addresses in Duval, you should not sign a buyer broker agreement covering all of Duval unless those addresses are excluded.

Always check:

• County

• Property type

• Dates

• Exclusions

This is where buyers often get stuck, so slowing down helps.

A Buyer Tip Most People Never Think to Ask

Before signing any agreement, ask the agent:

“If I decide I no longer want to work with you, what happens?”

And then listen to how they answer.

• If they say there’s a fee… that’s one kind of agent.

• If they say you’re locked in until the end… that’s another.

• If they say, “Just tell me — if we’re not a fit, I’ll release you”…
  That’s usually someone confident in the service they provide, not someone trying to trap you.

You deserve an agent who values the relationship, not just the contract.

Final Takeaway

The 2024 rule didn’t make buying harder — it just made transparency more important. When you understand the rules, the exceptions, and the agreement options, you’re in a much better position to protect yourself and make confident decisions.

Want to Know More?

We’re here to walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help you feel confident before you sign anything.

Call CrossView Realty at 904-503-0672 or email info@crossviewrealty.com.
Or simply fill out the Contact Us form — we’d love to help.