Q: As a broker, may I pay a referral fee to my sister, who lives in a country without real estate licensing laws?
A: Section 475.25(1)(h), Florida Statutes, permits a “licensed broker of this state to share a real estate brokerage commission with a broker licensed or registered under the laws of a foreign state so long as the foreign broker does not violate any law of this state.”
It’s been FREC’s position that a Florida broker may pay a referral fee or share a commission with someone from a foreign country that lacks licensing requirements so long as: 1) the person has not violated the laws/regulations of the country where the referral is being made and; 2) the person has not violated Florida law.