Posted by Larry Mastropieri on Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 11:30am.
Big changes are coming to how homes are bought and sold across South Florida, and both buyers and sellers need to be ready. Starting mid-2025, a new real estate payment structure will impact everything from how agents get paid to how buyers budget. If you're navigating the Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, or Delray Beach real estate markets, this guide will help you understand what's happening and how to respond.
In 2024, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settled a major lawsuit for $418 million, resulting in a new rulebook for real estate agents nationwide. The goal? Greater transparency and competition in agent compensation.
Key changes include:
MLS platforms can no longer display buyer agent commissions.
Buyers must sign a written agreement with their real estate agent before viewing homes.
Buyers may need to pay their agent’s fee directly, unless negotiated with the seller.
This change alters a long-standing tradition in the real estate industry, where sellers typically paid both their agent and the buyer's agent.
If you're buying in South Florida, including hot markets like Boca Raton and Delray Beach, expect more responsibility on your end.
Buyer's agent services are no longer automatically free.
You must sign a Buyer Representation Agreement that outlines fees and services.
Agent compensation can now take many forms: flat-fee, hourly rate, or traditional percentage.
This gives buyers more flexibility, but it also means you’ll need to factor in agent fees when calculating your home-buying budget.
Ask agents for a detailed breakdown of services and pricing before signing anything. Use this to compare value, not just cost.
For South Florida sellers, this shift offers more control over commission expenses, but also adds strategic decisions.
You are no longer required to offer compensation to the buyer’s agent.
Many sellers in South Florida are still choosing to offer 2% to 2.5% to attract more buyers.
Your listing agent can help you determine whether offering this fee is likely to improve your home’s visibility.
Offering a buyer agent fee can still make your listing more appealing in competitive markets like Fort Lauderdale.
Recent statewide data shows a downward shift in commission averages:
Listing agent commission (seller side): ~2.65%
Buyer agent commission: ~2.55%
Total commission: ~5.4%
This represents a modest decline compared to past years, signaling increased pricing competition and more varied compensation models among agents.
Get pre-approved and add agent fees to your budget.
Interview multiple agents and ask about hourly, flat, or commission-based pricing.
Use a written agreement to ensure clear expectations and legal protection.
Check whether the seller is contributing toward your agent's fee.
Review comps to see how other listings are handling buyer agent commissions.
Ask your agent whether offering a buyer-side fee could attract more offers.
Negotiate your listing agreement to get the best deal on your side.
Use high-quality marketing (photos, 3D tours, drone video) to maximize buyer interest regardless of fee structure.
South Florida remains one of the most active real estate markets in the country. Low inventory in areas like Delray Beach, Coral Springs, and Boca Raton continues to drive competition. Sellers often still offer buyer agent commissions to make their listings stand out, but buyers should be ready to negotiate and understand all their costs upfront.
Who pays the buyer’s agent under the new 2025 rules?
Buyers are responsible unless the seller agrees to contribute. This must be outlined in the buyer representation agreement.
Are buyer representation agreements required in Florida?
Yes, if a buyer wants to work with a licensed real estate professional under the new 2025 model.
Should I still offer buyer agent commission as a seller?
In competitive markets like Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale, offering buyer-side commission can still make your listing more attractive.
Will these changes lower home prices?
Not directly, but lower commission costs could lead to some savings for sellers and more flexible pricing.
The 2025 changes to real estate commissions mean new responsibilities, and new opportunities for South Florida buyers and sellers. Whether you’re trying to save on fees or make sure your home attracts the best offers, the right real estate guidance is more important than ever.
Contact The Mastropieri Group,Realtors® at (561) 544-7000 today. With deep local knowledge and a flexible approach, we’ll help you make confident, well-informed decisions in today’s changing market.