By Robert Urban, Experienced FSBO Seller, Money Saving Advocate, Writer of FSBO Blogs
So you’re thinking about selling your house in Florida, and you’ve found yourself standing at the crossroads of one big, hot real estate question:
“Do I need a real estate agent to sell my home in Florida?”
Short answer:
Nope.
Longer answer:
Nope—but you do need to know what you’re doing.
Welcome to the sunny world of FSBO—that’s For Sale By Owner, and yes, it’s legal in Florida. In fact, many Floridians are ditching the traditional agent route to pocket more of their home equity and take control of the sale process themselves.
But before you bust out the DIY “For Sale” sign from Home Depot and start hosting impromptu open houses in your flip-flops, let’s dig into what it really takes to sell your home without an agent in the Sunshine State.
Is It Legal to Sell Your House Without a Realtor in Florida?
Yes. 100% legal. Florida law doesn’t require sellers to use a licensed real estate agent. You, the homeowner, are fully empowered to market, negotiate, and close the sale on your own.
But legality ≠ simplicity. FSBO means you’re not just the seller—you’re also the marketer, negotiator, scheduler, paperwork handler, and legal safety net.
Why People Go FSBO in Florida
Let’s not kid ourselves—most FSBO sellers are here for one reason:
They don’t want to pay a 5–6% commission.
On a $400,000 home, that’s $24,000 in savings. That could pay for a new car, college tuition, or one weekend at Disney World with churros and parking.
Other reasons include:
- Control over pricing and communication
- More personal involvement in showing the home
- Selling to someone you already know (e.g., a family member or neighbor)
- Previous bad experience with agents
But going FSBO isn’t for everyone—and it’s not always cheaper when you factor in your time, marketing costs, and potential mistakes. HOYONOW.com is a platform that can walk you through every single part or you can figure it out on your own. If you do want to do it completely on your own, read below to find out what that entails.
What You’ll Need to Sell Without an Agent in Florida
Here’s what you’re signing up for if you go the DIY route:
1. An Accurate Price
Overprice it and it’ll sit like a warm tuna sandwich at a summer picnic. Underprice it and you’re leaving money on the table.
✅ Solution: Use recent comps (Comparable Sales), pay for a flat-fee appraisal, or try a CMA from a local title company.
2. Marketing That Works
No agent means no MLS (unless you pay for a flat-fee MLS listing). You’ll need to:
- Take quality photos
- Write your own listing description
- Post on Zillow, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, FSBO.com, etc.
- Buy signs and create flyers
✅ Pro tip: Curb appeal and killer photos matter. Your home’s first showing happens online.
3. Time to Handle Showings
You’ll need to:
- Coordinate showings around your schedule
- Be responsive to inquiries
- Be safe—verify buyers before letting them into your home
✅ Safety Tip: Consider having someone with you during showings or hold open houses when others are around.
4. Negotiation Skills
Once offers come in, you’ll be in the driver’s seat. That’s exciting—and stressful. You’ll have to:
- Handle counteroffers
- Understand contingencies
- Know what’s “normal” and what’s a red flag
5. Legal Documents & Disclosures
This is where FSBO sellers in Florida can run into trouble. You’ll need to complete and file:
- Seller’s Property Disclosure
- Purchase & Sale Agreement (contract)
- Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (for homes built before 1978)
- Other local and county-specific forms
✅ Help Available: You can buy FSBO legal kits online or consult with a real estate attorney (recommended). (HOYONOW.com has everything you need all in one place)
Should I Still Hire a Real Estate Attorney?
While Florida doesn’t require an attorney for a home sale, it’s highly recommended for FSBO sellers.
An attorney can:
- Draft and review contracts
- Help with closing procedures
- Make sure you’re complying with all laws and disclosures
Think of them like a safety net. You’ll spend a few hundred bucks, but it could save you thousands in the long run.
What About the Buyer’s Agent?
Here’s the thing: even if you go FSBO, many buyers will still be working with an agent. That agent will expect you to pay their 2.5–3% commission.
If you refuse? Some agents may steer their clients away from your listing altogether.
✅ Common compromise: Offer to pay the buyer’s agent commission while skipping the listing agent commission. That way, you’re still saving half.
What Does the FSBO Timeline Look Like?
Here’s a rough sketch of how it typically plays out:
- Prep your home (clean, repair, stage)
- Set your price
- List and market your property
- Host showings and open houses
- Receive and negotiate offers
- Sign a purchase agreement
- Buyer conducts inspections and appraisal
- Resolve contingencies
- Close the sale at a title company or attorney’s office
Total time? Anywhere from 30 to 90 days, depending on your market and how savvy you are.
Pros & Cons of FSBO in Florida
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Save up to 6% in commission | Takes significant time and effort |
| Full control over pricing & sale | Legal risk if done improperly |
| Direct communication with buyers | Limited exposure without MLS |
| Ideal for off-market buyers | Can be emotionally stressful |
FSBO Is Legal, Doable—and Not for Everyone
Selling your house without an agent in Florida is absolutely doable. In fact, in hot markets or unique situations (like selling to a friend), it can make a lot of sense.
But going FSBO isn’t just about putting up a sign and waiting for offers to roll in. It’s about knowing the process, being willing to hustle, and having a backup plan when the paperwork gets confusing or the buyers get flaky.
Should You Go FSBO?
Here’s the honest breakdown:
- If you’re organized, proactive, and willing to learn? FSBO could save you serious cash.
- If you’re busy, uncomfortable with negotiation, or unsure about the legal steps? You still can, but this is really where you should consider using HOYONOW.com for a step-by-step guide.
Either way—knowledge is power. And now you’ve got a lot more of it.
Good luck, it’s a lot, but when you finish and realize how much you saved overall you will agree- it was worth it.
Robert Urban