canadafloridaThe reference manual

Chapter 02 · Topic 02.4 · Maintenance & remote

Choosing a Florida property manager: license, services, contract

FL property manager: broker license required for renting (F.S. §475.01). Without renting: no license. Fees 8-12% rent or $50-200/mo watch. Essential for Canadian snowbird vacancy clause.

Published 2026-04-28Last reviewed 2026-04-29Reading time ≈ 8 minAuthor CanadaFlorida Editorial Team

Direct answer · 60-second summary

The 60-second version

A Florida property manager manages a property for an absentee owner. If management involves renting (collecting rent, negotiating leases), the manager must hold a FL Real Estate Broker license (F.S. §475.01) or be a broker's employee. For non-rental management (maintenance, watch only), no license required. Typical fees: 8-12% of gross rents for full rental management, or $50-200/month for a "watch the home" service without renting. For Canadian snowbirds: essential to satisfy insurance vacancy clauses, handle plumbing/hurricane emergencies, pay local bills.

REFERENCE · ACRONYMS USED IN THIS GUIDE

Acronyms used in this guide

Service types

  • Full rental management: marketing, tenant screening, leases, collection, accounting, maintenance, evictions. 8-12% rent + placement fee (50-100% of a month).
  • Snowbird watch / home concierge: monthly or bi-monthly visits, season open/close, bill pay, emergencies. $50-200/month.
  • HOA-level concierge: some condos offer optionally to unit owners.
  • Specialty: post-storm cleanup, hurricane prep, key management.

License required (or not)

  • If renting: F.S. §475.01 requires broker license. Verify: myfloridalicense.com.
  • If watch only: no FL license.
  • An unlicensed manager collecting rent commits a third-degree felony (F.S. §475.42).

Contract to demand

  • Precise definition of included services (visits, frequency).
  • Fees and pricing grid.
  • Authority limit (spend up to $X without approval).
  • Manager's professional E&O insurance.
  • 30-60 day termination clause.
  • Monthly or quarterly accounting.

For Canadians

  • Essential for the vacancy clause in most home insurance policies.
  • The manager can be your emergency contact with utility/plumbing/security companies.
  • Prefer a bilingual manager or one easily reached in French.
  • Check references from other Canadian clients.

Formulaires officiels et pages de référence

Responsabilité du lecteur

Toujours utiliser la dernière version disponible sur le site officiel cité ci-dessous. Les seuils, taux et délais évoluent. CanadaFlorida ne se substitue pas à un professionnel licencié.

Editorial team

CanadaFlorida Editorial Team

Research drawn from primary public sources cited at the bottom of every guide: U.S. and Florida statutes, U.S. and Canadian federal agencies, official Florida county and state authorities, and Canadian provincial bodies where applicable.

Every figure, rate, threshold, and deadline in this guide is drawn from a verifiable primary source listed at the bottom of the page. The article is updated whenever the underlying rules change, with a fresh review date stamped at the top.

Sources and references

Public sources verified as of the last review date (Florida Statutes, Florida Department of Revenue, Citizens, FEMA, DBPR).

  1. F.S. §475.01 — Real estate broker definition. §475.01
  2. F.S. §475.42 — Violations and penalties. §475.42
  3. DBPR — Division of Real Estate. myfloridalicense.com/dre

Disclaimer

This guide is for educational purpose only. Figures, rates, thresholds, timelines and rules are drawn from public sources at the date shown and may change.

For any concrete decision, consult a Florida-licensed attorney, a cross-border tax attorney, or a Florida-licensed insurance broker.