What Unlicensed Assistants Can and Can’t Do in Florida Real Estate

Breaking into the industry before you’re licensed—can be smart. 

In Florida, unlicensed assistants can keep a brokerage running smoothly. But there’s a clear, enforceable line between administrative support and licensed activity. If the line gets crossed, the Florida DBPR or FREC can step in.

The 10-Second Rule of Thumb

If a task involves advice, valuation, negotiation, contract selection &/interpretation, or pay tied to a closing, it requires a license. 

If it’s administrative, it’s typically OK under supervision. 

Green-Light Tasks (Commonly Allowed)

With broker oversight, unlicensed assistants may handle operations, logistics, and data such as:

• Front desk & lead distribution: Answer phones, take messages, provide publicly available facts like broker-approved list price and forward inquiries. 
• Scheduling & access coordination: Book showings & inspections for a licensee, coordinate vendors, order signs/lockboxes, and have keys made. 
• Listing admin: Enter or update licensee-approved details in the MLS and prepare flyers or posts for approval. (Local MLSs often offer restricted assistant logins with broker authorization.) 
• Paperwork preparation: Gather public-record documents, assemble files prepared by the licensee, deliver paperwork for signatures, and check routine status updates. 

Why are these commonly allowed? Because they’re purely administrative—routine, strictly procedural tasks that you do by following instructions, not by using your own judgment or discretion.

Red-Light Tasks (Off-Limits Without a License)

These activities influence client decisions or change the money side of the deal:

• Advice & negotiation: Explaining offers, suggesting what to offer/accept, negotiating repairs/credits, discussing comps or value. 
• Showing & sales talk: Hosting a showing solo or discussing features/benefits beyond printed facts at an open house. Assistants can greet and hand out materials; persuasive talk is for licensees. 
• Contracts & forms: Picking out forms, completing clauses for clients, or interpreting what those clauses mean. Assistants can assemble forms—not draft or interpret. 
• Advertising as a licensee / missing brokerage ID: All real estate ads must include the licensed brokerage name and may not be misleading; assistant posts have to follow all advertising rules. 
• Commission based pay: Compensation should not be contingent for a closing. Use hourly, salary, or flat-fee pay for unlicensed team members. 

Gray Areas to Nail Down with Policy and Scripts

• Open houses: Assistants may set up, greet, collect info, and hand out the flyer. They should not discuss price strategy, property condition opinions, or weigh in on the value of the home—that’s for the licensee. 
• Online chat & DMs: Share broker-approved facts and schedule appointments. Avoid advice or promises; ensure posts include the brokerage name and meet Florida advertising rules. 
• MLS credentials: Many Florida associations, like Stellar MLS and local boards, allow assistants & administrators MLS access with certain restrictions and training requirements. They vary by association. 

Penalties & Complaints (Why This Matters)

DBPR investigates unlicensed activity. Complaints can be filed online or by phone; outcomes include cease-and-desist orders, fines, and broker discipline for failure to supervise. 

Paying an Unlicensed Assistant (Safely)

• Pay hourly/salary/flat fee—not per deal or with closing bonuses.
• Put it in writing: their duties, supervision, MLS access, and advertising rules.
• Train on approved scripts for phones, doors, and direct messages. 

Assistant’s Quick “Do & Don’t” Checklist

Do

• Route calls & leads; share broker-approved facts that are already public.
• Schedule showings & inspections for the licensee; coordinate vendors.
• Enter licensee-approved listing data in MLS; set-up materials for approval.
• Assemble paperwork and deliver documents for signatures.

Don’t

• Advise on pricing or contract terms, or negotiate offers or repairs.
• Host showings alone or “sell” at an open house.
• Decide on forms, fill conditions for clients, or interpret contracts.
• Advertise as a licensee or omit brokerage name in ads.
• Accept commission-based pay. 

FAQs: Unlicensed Assistants in Florida

Do unlicensed assistants have to be supervised by a broker?
Yes. They must work under a Florida-licensed broker or sales associate and stick to administrative tasks. 

Can an unlicensed assistant host an open house alone?
No. They can set up, greet, collect info, and hand out flyers but cannot discuss price, value, or contracts. They are not to “show” property without a licensee present. 

Can they answer questions about a property?
They can share broker-approved, publicly available facts like listing price and open-house schedules. They cannot give advice on value or offers. 

Can they schedule showings and inspections?
Yes. Calendar coordination is fine. Conducting showings & negotiating details is not. 

Can an unlicensed assistant fill in contracts or pick forms?
No. They may put documents together and obtain signatures as directed but they cannot choose which forms to use, fill in contract terms, or explain terms.

Can an unlicensed assistant be paid a commission or closing bonus?
No. Pay should not be based on a sale or a closing. Pay them hourly, on salary, or a flat-fee instead. 

Can an unlicensed assistant have MLS access?
Often yes, through a restricted assistant/admin login if the MLS and broker allow it. Some boards also require MLS training. 

Are unlicensed assistants allowed to run social media or chats?
Yes, but only to share broker-approved facts and book appointments. They can’t present themselves as licensees or give advice, and all Florida ad rules still apply. 

What happens if they cross the line into licensed activity?
DBPR can investigate complaints that are filed online or via hotline. Penalties can include fines and cease-and-desist orders. Brokers risk discipline for failure to supervise. 

Final Thoughts

Unlicensed assistants can keep a Florida brokerage running smoothly as long as they stay in the admin lane. Use broker-approved information, never negotiate or advise, follow advertising rules, and avoid commission based pay. When your day starts to look like client advising, showings, and negotiations, it’s time to level up your career.

Ready to do the high-impact work, earn commissions, and be fully licensed? Get your Florida sales associate license. ‍

Enroll in an approved Florida pre-licensing course, knock out your education, and book the state exam—the sooner you start, the sooner you can represent clients and grow your income.