Do You Have to Use a Realtor If They Show You a House in Florida?
If a Realtor shows you a house in Florida, are you required to use them to buy it?
The answer is: it depends on what you signed.
And after the law change in August 2024, what you sign matters more than ever.
Let’s break this down clearly, because there’s a lot of confusion around this right now.
First: Open Houses Are Different
If you walk into an open house — no, you are not automatically committed to that agent.
You’re just visiting.
Same thing if you call the listing agent directly and they show you their own listing without having you sign a buyer agreement.
In those two situations, you are not automatically obligated to use that agent.
But outside of those scenarios? Things have changed.
The August 2024 Law Change in Florida
As of August 2024, buyers must sign some form of written agreement before an agent can show them property (outside of open houses and certain listing-agent situations).
This isn’t optional. It’s law.
There are generally three types of agreements you might see:
Touring Agreement
Showing Agreement
Buyer Broker Agreement
Not every brokerage uses all three.
Some use one. Some use two. Some use customized versions.
But you will be asked to sign something.
And that document explains how compensation works and confirms that commissions are negotiable.
What Happens If You Sign a Showing Agreement?
This is where buyers need to pay attention.
A showing agreement typically applies to specific properties. It should list the addresses of the homes that particular agent is showing you.
If you sign it, and then you decide to buy one of those homes during the agreement period — yes, you are obligated to use that agent for that purchase.
That’s the point of the agreement.
It protects both sides.
But it should be property-specific.
So if the agreement lists:
123 Main Street
456 Oak Drive
You’re committing to that agent for those homes only, during the timeframe outlined in the agreement.
What About a Buyer Broker Agreement in Florida?
A buyer broker agreement is broader.
And this is where buyers really need to read carefully.
Depending on how it’s written, it could:
Cover all properties in a specific county (for example, Duval County)
Cover multiple counties
Cover all properties within a price range
Cover any home that fits the agreement terms
If you sign one that says you’re using that agent for all homes in Duval County, then yes — you would be obligated to use that agent for purchases in Duval County during the agreement period.
That’s a much wider commitment.
Now remember — these agreements also define how long they last. Some are short-term. Some are several months.
Every brokerage structures them a little differently.
Can You Cancel a Buyer Agreement?
Most agreements include a cancellation clause.
But here’s the important part: they are not all the same.
Some brokerages:
Allow easy cancellation.
Require written notice.
Include a cancellation fee.
Or outline specific termination conditions.
Some create their own versions. Others use Florida-approved forms.
We’re not attorneys at CrossView Realty, so we always tell buyers: read what you sign. Ask questions before signing. Understand the cancellation terms upfront.
That prevents misunderstandings later.
What If an Agent Isn’t Making You Sign Anything?
This is the part that should concern you.
If an agent is showing you homes — not at an open house, not as the listing agent — and they are not having you sign a written agreement, that is not compliant with the current law.
And that’s a big deal.
Agents can face fines and even license issues for ignoring this requirement.
At CrossView Realty in Jacksonville FL, we are not willing to risk our license or operate outside the law. So yes — we require the proper agreements before showing homes in Northeast Florida.
If someone isn’t requiring it, you have to ask:
Do they not know the law?
Or are they choosing to ignore it?
And if they’re ignoring one of the biggest industry changes in decades… what else might they be overlooking?
That’s not meant to scare you. It’s just reality.
So… Do You Have to Use a Realtor If They Show You a House in Florida?
If you signed an agreement — yes, you’re likely obligated within the scope and timeframe of that agreement.
If you did not sign anything and it wasn’t an open house or listing-agent scenario — that’s a red flag.
The real takeaway here is simple:
Before you go see homes in Jacksonville, St. Johns, Nocatee, Ponte Vedra Beach, Orange Park, or anywhere in Northeast Florida, decide who you want representing you.
Don’t treat showings casually anymore.
Because now, they come with paperwork.
Final Thoughts
This law wasn’t designed to trap buyers. It was designed to create clarity around agency and compensation.
But clarity only works if you understand what you’re signing.
If you ever have questions about a showing agreement or buyer broker agreement in Florida, we’re happy to walk you through it before you sign anything.
Give us a call at 904-503-0672, email info@crossviewrealty.com, or visit https://www.crossviewrealty.com/.
We’d rather you understand it upfront than feel stuck later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you have to use a Realtor if they show you a house in Florida?
If you signed a showing agreement or buyer broker agreement, yes — you’re typically obligated to use that agent within the scope of that agreement. If you walked into an open house and didn’t sign anything, you’re not automatically committed.
Q: What is a buyer broker agreement in Florida?
A buyer broker agreement is a written contract outlining how an agent represents you, how long the agreement lasts, and how compensation works. After August 2024, some form of written agreement is required before most property showings.
Q: What happens if I sign a showing agreement for one house?
A showing agreement usually applies only to the specific properties listed in that document. If you buy one of those homes during the agreement period, you’re obligated to use that agent.
Q: Can I cancel a buyer broker agreement?
Many agreements include cancellation terms, but they vary by brokerage. Always read the agreement carefully and ask about termination policies before signing.
Q: Does this apply in Jacksonville FL and surrounding areas?
Yes. The written buyer agreement requirement applies throughout Florida, including Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beach, Orange Park, Fleming Island, and surrounding Northeast Florida communities.
