Key Takeaways

• Agents earn income through commissions, typically a percentage of the sale price. The average commission in Florida is 5.53%, split between buyer and seller agents and further divided with brokerages.
• Tampa’s thriving housing market, driven by population growth, job opportunities, and a favorable business climate, positions agents for significant earnings. However, rising home prices and seasonal fluctuations can impact income.
• Experience, work ethic, niche focus, and market conditions play a major role in determining an agent’s income. Florida real estate agents earn an average of $181,250.

Overview of the Tampa Real Estate Market

Despite challenges like hurricanes, Tampa Bay’s housing market remains resilient. In fact, Tampa recently ranked fourth among the top real estate markets to watch in 2025.

The report, produced by PwC and the Urban Land Institute, highlights Tampa-St. Petersburg’s strong population growth, favorable business climate, and job growth forecast at 2.3 times the national average are key drivers of continued demand for real estate. However, affordability concerns persist due to rising home prices (up 66% in four years) and high homeowners’ insurance costs. Despite these issues, lower business costs and falling interest rates position the region for strong real estate returns.

According to Zillow, the median home price in Tampa reached $375,818 as of December 2024. This is an important factor, as real estate agent’s commissions are typically based on a percentage of the property’s sale price.

Importance of Understanding Earnings for Prospective Agents

Understanding potential earnings is essential for anyone considering a career change. If you’re looking to become a real estate agent, it’s important to note that real estate is typically a commission-based profession. So, how much can you earn as a real estate agent in Tampa? Here’s what the latest income studies reveal.

Average Salary of Real Estate Agents in Tampa

Finding accurate data on how much real estate agents earn in a specific metro area can be challenging. Complicating matters further, many agents work part-time while holding another job, which can skew already widely varying salary figures.

Statistics on average earnings

Full-time real estate agents in Florida have an average earning potential of $181,250, according to the data from our 2025 Florida Real Estate Salary Guide.

How Do You Get Paid as a Real Estate Agent?

Real estate agents are typically paid at the closing of a real estate transaction, which occurs when all final paperwork is signed, and funds are distributed. But how is the amount determined? Here are a few factors.

Commission agreement

Real estate commissions are negotiable. The commission percentage is typically determined when the seller signs a listing agreement with their agent. This agreement outlines the agent’s role in marketing and selling the property in exchange for a specific percentage of the final sale price.

It’s worth noting that buyers must sign a buyer’s representation agreement with their agent before touring a property, specifying how the agent will be compensated. Depending on the agreement, the buyer may pay their agent representative directly. However, many buyers still ask the seller to pay their agent out of their earnings from the property as a term of the contract.

FastExpert reports that the average commission percentage in Florida is 5.53%, often divided between the buyer’s and seller’s agents.

Brokerage split

As mentioned, each agent’s earnings are further split with their brokerage. This split can vary widely depending on the agent’s experience and the terms of their brokerage contract. New agents might have a 50/50 split, while experienced agents often retain a higher percentage, such as 70/30 or 90/10.

Funds disbursed at closing

The escrow company or attorney managing the transaction at closing handles the funds. Here’s how agents are paid:

• The agreed-upon commission is typically deducted from the seller’s proceeds.
• Payment is sent to the brokerages involved in the transaction.
• Typically, each brokerage distributes the agent’s portion based on their split agreement.

How Much Does a Real Estate Agent Make Per Sale?

Let’s break down an example:

Sale Price: $375,818

Total Commission: 5.53% ($20,783)

Listing Agent’s Share: $10,391

Buyer’s Agent’s Share: $10,391

Assuming a 30% brokerage split, each agent keeps $7,274

Agents are only paid when a deal successfully closes, meaning their income is directly linked to their performance. This commission-based model motivates agents to work diligently to close deals while delivering exceptional service.

In short, while the process may appear complex, it ensures agents are fairly rewarded for managing a transaction from start to finish. The rewards can be substantial for those willing to put in the effort.

Income is an important factor when choosing a profession, but it’s not the only thing to consider. Before enrolling in real estate pre-licensing coursework for Florida, learn what it’s like being an agent to know if the field is right for you.

Factors Influencing a Real Estate Agent’s Salary

Now that you understand how real estate agents are paid, here are some of the most common factors that impact how much real estate agents earn in Tampa and the rest of the country.

• Experience: Seasoned agents typically have established networks and greater market knowledge, leading to higher earnings.
• Market conditions: A hot real estate market can increase the number of transactions and overall income potential. According to Zillow, Tampa has an optimistic one-year market forecast. Get your license quickly to take advantage of this growth.
• Work ethic: In a commission-driven field, an agent’s effort and ability to generate leads significantly influence earnings.
• Niche: Some real estate niches are more lucrative than others. While residential real estate can certainly help you earn a great income, some agents find a lot of success focusing on commercial real estate or serving members of the armed services.

Of course, several other factors, including your targeted neighborhood and the number of hours you can put into your business, affect how much you can earn in the real estate industry.

Seasonal fluctuations in sales

Tampa’s real estate market experiences seasonal shifts, with spring and summer typically seeing higher transaction volumes. These fluctuations impact agents’ monthly income. Budgets, effective savings strategies, and multiple income streams help to navigate slower months.

Earning money through your own real estate investments

One often-overlooked benefit of being a real estate agent is that you’ll have access to inside information should a good investment opportunity come your way. Your net worth may increase with savvy real estate investments.

Thanks to Tampa’s thriving housing market, real estate agents enjoy competitive earning potential. With the right approach, dedication, and understanding of the market, real estate can be a lucrative and fulfilling profession.

Learn how to get your license in Tampa with Gold Coast Schools. Gold Coast offers flexible learning options, including in-person, livestream, and at-your-own-pace online courses.

Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only, based on an August 2024 survey of Gold Coast Schools alumni and publicly available industry sources. While Gold Coast Schools strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, reliability, or applicability of the information. Earnings and outcomes vary widely based on factors like location, experience, and market conditions and should not be considered guarantees. This guide does not constitute professional advice. Users should consult additional sources for personalized guidance. 

The post How Much Does a Real Estate Agent Make in Tampa, Florida? appeared first on Gold Coast Schools.

Key Takeaways

• Real estate brokers in Florida typically earn more than agents. This increased earning comes from higher commission splits, brokerage ownership, and offering additional services like property management.
• A broker’s income can be influenced by controllable factors such as the number of hours worked and specializing in niches like eco-friendly properties or luxury homes, as well as uncontrollable factors like the overall state of the economy.
• Becoming a broker offers advantages such as higher income, more control over business operations, diversified income streams, and professional growth. However, it also presents challenges like regulatory compliance, increased liability, and potentially less client interaction.
• Deciding to become a broker involves weighing the increased income and control against the additional responsibilities and challenges.

How Much Does a Broker Make a Year in Florida?

According to the latest income data collected by GlassDoor, the full-time average gross income for a real estate broker in Florida is $167,630. How does that compare with what you earn as a real estate salesperson? Of course, your income as a broker depends on many factors, which we will outline in the next section.

Factors Influencing Earnings for Real Estate Brokers

Your income as a real estate professional depends on your actions and decisions – as well as factors you cannot control. After all, the overall state of the economy and industry may cause peaks and valleys in your earnings. However, working more hours or focusing on an underserved niche can help weather a down market.

Here are factors you can control that may influence how much you can make as a real estate broker.

1. Number of hours you work per week

A real estate professional’s average income increases steadily the more hours they invest in their business per week. After downloading the report, you’ll notice that real estate professionals working more than 51 hours per week earn double that of those working 40 to 50 hours!

2. Niche or specialty

Real estate professionals who focus on one or more specializations earn more than those who don’t associate themselves with a particular niche. The most profitable specializations are condos, investment properties, and luxury homes.

3. Other factors that influence earnings

Your location and length of time in the industry also may heavily influence your earnings.

Related: Florida’s Real Estate Boom: Navigating the 2024 Market Surge

Some Florida markets are growing faster than others (Polk County is hot now!). In addition, take heart in knowing that statistically, real estate professionals earn more with increased experience.

Have you survived at least two years in the competitive real estate industry? You may be considering increasing your earnings by becoming a broker. Let’s compare the earning potential of a broker vs an agent in Florida.

Comparing Earning Potential: Brokers vs. Agents

Real estate brokers must have at least two years of experience before earning this license designation. But it’s not simply experience that automatically increases a broker’s earning potential.

Here are a few reasons why brokers typically earn more than agents.

Higher commission splits

Brokers often can negotiate to keep a larger percentage of their sales commissions. They require less supervision since they can complete transactions on their own.

Brokerage ownership

Some brokers own their own brokerage firms or take leadership positions in their existing firms. This allows them to earn income from the overall profitability of the business, including fees from agents, property management, or other services the brokerage offers.

Advanced training and education

You must take 72 hours of broker license courses to become a broker in Florida. These classes may enable you to complete more complicated transactions and will help you improve your negotiation skills. Knowledge is power, and power yields higher commissions.

Additional services

Brokers can offer additional real estate services, such as property management. Some brokers become licensed to diversify their income.

Advantages and Challenges of Brokerage Ownership

It’s important to note that there are advantages and challenges that come with being a broker. Here are some to consider as you make decisions about your career.

Advantages of being a broker

Besides higher income potential, here are some additional advantages of becoming a real estate broker in Florida.

Makes you more marketable: Having a broker license makes you more marketable. Clients are more likely to trust you for commercial or luxury real estate transactions, which can increase your income even if you decide not to take a leadership role in your firm.

Control: Brokers have more control over business operations, policies, and the company’s overall direction. This includes setting commission splits, choosing marketing strategies, and managing the company culture.

Diversified income: Brokers can offer various real estate services, such as property management, training, and consulting. This allows for multiple revenue streams, which is essential in a slower real estate market.

Professional growth: Running a brokerage can enhance your personal and professional development and allow you to improve your leadership and management skills.

Challenges of being a broker

It won’t always be sunshine and roses when working as a broker – even though the Sunshine State is currently experiencing a hot real estate market. Here are some drawbacks of being a broker.

Regulatory compliance: Brokers must ensure their brokerage complies with all local, state, and federal real estate laws and regulations, which can be complex and time-consuming.

Liability and legal issues: Brokers are responsible for the actions of their agents, and any legal issues or disputes can result in significant liability and financial consequences for the brokerage.

Less time “doing” real estate: If your favorite part of being a real estate agent is working with clients, you may have less time to spend with them if you become a broker with a leadership position. Of course, this may be a benefit of becoming a broker if you are ready to be less client-facing.

Is It Worth Getting a Broker License in Florida?

We have shown that brokers tend to make more money, have more control of their business operations, and can diversify income streams. However, you may still wonder, “Is it worth getting a broker license in Florida?” While we can’t answer this highly personal question for you, we can tell you that becoming a real estate broker is easier than ever. Gold Coast Schools can help.

Gold Coast Schools has been Florida’s leader in real estate education since 1970. Advance your career to the next level by completing the Florida broker course at one of our in-person locations. You can also complete your 72-hour course from the comfort of your home or office by participating in livestream or at-your-own-pace online classes.

Questions? One of our Florida real estate licensing experts can help! Contact Gold Coast Schools today to learn more about earning your broker license in Florida.

The post Do Brokers Make More Than Agents in Florida? appeared first on Gold Coast Schools.

Related article: Understanding the NAR Lawsuit Settlement and Its Impact

Key Takeaways

• Real estate commissions remain negotiable. Despite regulatory changes affecting how buyer agent compensation is listed on MLS following the settlement, the flexibility to negotiate commissions is unchanged. The settlement does not directly impact the fees that sellers and buyers pay for services.
• As home prices rise, even potential changes in commission percentages could be offset by the increasing total value of commissions.
• Despite speculation about the end of traditional real estate models due to digital platforms and discounted services, the majority of U.S. home sellers continue to use agents or brokers.

What You Need to Know About Real Estate Commissions

Here’s what you need to know about U.S. real estate commissions post-settlement.

1. Real estate commissions have always been negotiable.

Real estate commissions have always been and will continue to be negotiable. Typically, residential real estate commissions range between 5-6% of the price of the property. Traditionally, sellers would pay the entire commission, which would be shared among the seller’s agent, buyer’s agent, and the respective brokerages.  Before the settlement, it was common practice for the seller’s agent to share the buyer’s agent commission amount in the agent-only section of an MLS (multiple listing service.)

Following the settlement, the seller’s agents are restricted from posting the buyer agent compensation on the MLS. However, commissions will remain negotiable. The proposed settlement does not influence the actual fees that sellers and buyers will incur for services.

2. Commissions increase alongside home prices.

While commissions have varied regionally and been negotiable over time, home prices have been rising across nearly every U.S. market.
Should there be shifts in commission structures, agents might receive a smaller percentage of each sale. Nevertheless, as home prices climb, the total value of commissions is likely to increase.

3. Efforts by companies offering low-cost real estate services have generally not been successful.

Despite predictions about the decline of buyer’s agents with the rise of online property listings, attempts by firms like Purplebricks and Redfin to capture market share through flat fees or reduced commissions have largely not succeeded. According to a 2024 study by NAR, 89% of home sellers in the U.S. engaged an agent or broker.

Predicted Changes in Real Estate Commissions After the NAR Lawsuit Settlement

The future of real estate commissions post-settlement is still uncertain. Here are some thoughts about common predictions:

Related content: What Real Estate Professionals Need to Know About the NAR Settlement

More buyer’s agents may offer alternative payment structures.

Post-settlement, it’s anticipated that buyer agents might increasingly adopt reduced commission percentages, flat fees, or hourly rates. NAR member buyer agents will need to secure written buyer agency agreements prior to providing brokerage services, leading to more upfront discussions about compensation.

The traditional commission structure may continue to be the norm.

There is a possibility that the longstanding commission framework will continue, with buyers and sellers accustomed to the usual 5-6% commission for a seamless transaction process.

Buyer agent commissions might eventually be rolled into a mortgage.

Some first-time homebuyers would have difficulty coming up with a substantial amount of cash to pay their agent when putting money down on the loan and paying for moving expenses. For now, buyers aren’t allowed to roll buyer’s agent fees into their mortgage. However, according to NPR, a change in mortgage underwriting rules may allow this practice.

The need for smart, customer-focused real estate agents will continue post-settlement. Don’t wait to go through the licensing process. Get started today by enrolling in your pre-licensing courses with Gold Coast Schools.  Gold Coast Schools offers online, livestream, and in-person Florida real estate classes. Begin your real estate career in Florida with Gold Coast today.

Sources:
“2024 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report.” National Association of REALTORS®. Accessed June 10, 2024. https://cdn.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2024-home-buyers-and-sellers-generational-trends-04-03-2024.pdf.
Horsley, Scott. “If You Recently Sold Your Home, You Might Get Part of Your Realtor Fee Back.” NPR, March 22, 2024. https://www.npr.org/2024/03/22/1239486107/realtor-fee-commission-homes-for-sale.

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