Florida Real Estate Lawyers Blog

How the 2024 Commission Rules Changed Buyer Rebates in Florida — and Why They Matter More Than Ever

Published on: June 11, 2026 | by ESQ.title

If you have shopped for a home in Florida in the last year, you have likely encountered something buyers never used to see: a written agreement, handed to you before you tour a single property, spelling out exactly how your agent gets paid. That document is the most visible result of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement, and the practice changes that took effect on August 17, 2024.

A lot of buyers find the new paperwork confusing, even off-putting. But for anyone paying attention, these changes did something unexpected: they made the buyer rebate more valuable and more transparent than it has ever been. This article explains what actually changed, what did not, and why a commission rebate is now one of the smartest tools a Florida buyer can use.

Selling Your Home “For Sale By Owner” in Florida? Why Having a Real Estate Attorney Matters

Published on: May 28, 2026 | by ESQ.title

ESQWeb-1-3-300x300 By: Alejandro E. Jordan, Esq.

Many homeowners consider selling their property “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) to save on commissions and maintain greater control over the transaction. In the right situation, an FSBO sale can absolutely work. However, what many sellers quickly discover is that selling real estate involves far more than simply finding a buyer and signing a contract.

That is where having an experienced Florida real estate attorney involved can make a significant difference.

Florida’s New Electronic Notices Addendum: What Landlords, Tenants, and Brokers Need to Know

Published on: August 20, 2025 | by ESQ.title

By: Alejandro E. Jordan, ESQ.

On July 1, 2025, Florida took a major step forward in modernizing landlord and tenant communications. With the passage of House Bill 615, the Legislature created Florida Statute § 83.505, known as the Electronic Notices Addendum. This statute now allows landlords and tenants to exchange many legally required notices by email, provided both parties sign a written addendum to their lease.

This change reflects a recognition that email has become the standard form of business communication and provides a faster, more reliable, and more cost-effective way to handle critical housing notices.

Homestead Status in Florida: Essential Insights for Property Owners and Estate Planners

Published on: January 29, 2025 | by ESQ.title

By: Alejandro E. Jordan, Esq.

In Florida, owning a homestead property isn’t just about having a roof over your head—it’s a strategic decision that can lead to significant property tax benefits and robust creditor protection. However, the designation of a property as a homestead brings with it certain legal complexities and restrictions that property owners and estate planners must navigate carefully.

What Qualifies as a Homestead in Florida?

Florida’s Housing Market in 2025: Challenges and Prospects

Published on: January 29, 2025 | by ESQ.title

ESQWeb-1-3-300x300 By: Alejandro E. Jordan, Esq.

As we step into 2025, the housing market in Florida presents a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges, primarily shaped by affordability issues, insurance costs, and fluctuating mortgage rates. However, the state’s strong job market, increasing inventory, and enduring appeal continue to make it a hub for real estate activities. Here’s what experts predict for the year ahead and what it means for various stakeholders in the market.

The Landscape of Florida’s Housing Market

Understanding Buyer Broker Compensation: Navigating Your Options in Florida

Published on: January 23, 2025 | by ESQ.title

By: Alejandro E. Jordan, Esq.

Navigating the real estate market can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding the financial aspects of buying a home. One key element that often raises questions is the compensation of the brokerage firm representing the buyer. In Florida, recent changes to real estate practices have made it mandatory for buyers and their Realtors® to establish a formal agreement—known as a buyer’s broker agreement—before viewing properties. This agreement not only clarifies the relationship but also delineates how the brokerage will be compensated.

Direct Payment to the Brokerage Firm

Understanding the NAR Settlement: Major Changes and Impacts on the Real Estate Landscape

Published on: August 22, 2024 | by ESQ.title

By: Alejandro E. Jordan, Esq.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has reached a pivotal settlement that is poised to reshape the operational landscape of the real estate industry. This comprehensive agreement follows extensive litigation and negotiations, with profound implications for Realtors, brokers, MLS systems, and consumers alike. Here, we’ll break down the key aspects of the settlement, who it affects, and the significant changes in practice it mandates.

Overview of the Settlement

Harnessing the Power of the 80/20 Rule: A Guide for Achievers

Published on: May 9, 2024 | by ESQ.title

By: Alejandro E. Jordan, Esq.

In the complex tapestry of life and business, understanding where true value lies can drastically reshape our strategies and outcomes. This understanding is fundamentally encapsulated in the Pareto Principle, or what is popularly known as the 80/20 Rule. This principle suggests that a minority of causes, inputs, or efforts often lead to a majority of the results, outputs, or rewards.

The Origin of the 80/20 Rule

The concept was first observed by Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto in 1897 when he noticed that 20% of the pea pods in his garden produced 80% of the peas. This observation about disproportionate impact was further extended to economic disparities, where Pareto noted that 20% of the population owned 80% of the land in Italy. The principle gained further academic validation and application over the years, notably by George Zipf and Richard Koch, whose work has helped popularize it in modern management and lifestyle strategies.

Practical Examples of the 80/20 Rule

Across various sectors and activities, the 80/20 Rule finds resonance:

In business, 80% of sales often come from 20% of clients.
On social media, 20% of posts might generate 80% of shares.
In software development, 20% of bugs cause 80% of the glitches.

These examples demonstrate how focusing on the critical 20% can optimize output and efficiency. Understanding this can help businesses and individuals prioritize resources and efforts more effectively.

Key Insights for Applying the 80/20 Rule

Allapattah: The Rising Star of Miami’s Art Scene

Published on: November 29, 2023 | by ESQ.title

By: Alejandro E. Jordan, Esq.

Miami, renowned for its vibrant cultural landscape, is no stranger to artistic hubs that redefine the city’s identity. In recent years, a neighborhood has emerged as a focal point for the arts, transforming itself into the beating heart of Miami’s creative pulse. That neighborhood is Allapattah. In this exploration, we delve into the intriguing narrative of how Allapattah has evolved into the center of Miami’s dynamic art scene.

Unveiling the Past, Charting the Future: ESQ.title’s Guide in Unraveling a Property’s History and Potential

Published on: November 16, 2023 | by ESQ.title

By: Alejandro E. Jordan, Esq.

Embarking on a real estate journey involves more than just the physical aspects of a property. It’s about understanding its narrative, delving into its history, and envisioning its future potential. At ESQ.title, a premier real estate law firm situated in the vibrant Coral Gables, Florida, we recognize the significance of comprehending a property’s story. In this guide, we illuminate how ESQ.title can be your trusted partner in uncovering a property’s past and envisioning its future.