FAQ
Questions? Good. Here are straight answers.
Everything agents ask before parking their license with us.
Do I keep my license active?
Yes. Your license is held active with the Southern Referral Associates broker. That’s what allows you to legally receive referral fees in Florida — and it keeps your license from going inactive or lapsing.
Can I still buy and sell real estate for myself?
Yes — you can handle your own personal transactions. What you don’t do as a referral agent is list, show, or negotiate deals for clients; you refer those to active agents. (Always confirm specifics with the broker.)
Do I need MLS access or board/REALTOR® membership?
No. Referral agents don’t carry MLS subscriptions or association memberships — which is exactly why parking your license is so much cheaper than active production.
Do I still need continuing education (CE)?
Yes. Any active Florida license requires the state’s standard CE to renew. That’s a state requirement, not ours — and we’ll point you in the right direction when renewal comes up.
How much does it cost?
A low flat annual due to hold your license — [CONFIRM: annual dues] — with no per-deal fees and no hidden costs. No MLS, board, E&O, or desk fees.
How much do I earn per referral?
You receive [CONFIRM: referral %] of the referral fee on each closed transaction you refer, paid directly to you at closing. See the Referral Fees page.
How do I actually refer someone?
Just introduce them to us, or send us their name and contact info with a quick note. We take it from there.
Who handles the transaction?
A vetted, active real estate agent we place your referral with. They manage MLS, showings, contracts, negotiation, compliance, and closing — you don’t.
Can I refer people outside my area, or out of state?
Yes. Because you’re referring (not producing), you can send business from anywhere you have a connection. We’ll route it to the right agent or partner.
How do I move my license to Southern Referral Associates?
It’s a simple license-transfer with the state — we walk you through it during sign-up. Most people are set up quickly.
Is this 1099 income?
Yes. As an independent referral agent, your referral fees are reported as 1099 income.
Can I switch back to active production later?
Yes. If you decide to go back to full-time real estate, you can move your license to an active brokerage. Parking it with us keeps it in good standing in the meantime.