Do You Have a Complaint Concerning a REALTOR®?
The Greater Tampa REALTORS® Association is proud to adhere to and support the Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS®. The Code ensures that consumers are served by requiring REALTORS® to cooperate with each other in furthering clients’ best interests.
Greater Tampa REALTORS®’ Professional Standards department offers its members and their clients a vehicle to expedite ethics complaints and/or arbitration requests without going to court. Ethics complaints brought before a local association gives those parties involved an opportunity to be educated about the Code and REALTORS® are judged by their peers as opposed to others who may be far less familiar with the practices and customs of the real estate industry. Many difficulties between real estate professionals result from a misunderstanding, miscommunication or lack of adequate communication.
If you have a problem with a real estate professional, you may want to speak with them or with a principal broker in the firm. Open, constructive discussion often resolves questions or differences, eliminating the need for further action. If, after taking these steps, you still feel you have a grievance, you may want to consider filing an ethics complaint.
Ethics Complaints
REALTORS® are different from non-member licensees in that they voluntarily subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics. If you believe that a REALTOR® has violated one or more Articles of the Code of Ethics, you can file an ethics complaint alleging a violation(s) through the local association of REALTORS® where the REALTOR® holds membership, or participates in a REALTOR® association-owned/operated MLS.
Please consider using our alternative dispute resolution services (Ombudsman and/or Mediation) prior to filing a formal complaint.
Ombudsman
The Ombudsman Program is the first step in conflict resolution. It is an informal, neutral, independent, and highly confidential way for GTR members as well as their clients and customers to express their concerns and explore options to help resolve those concerns. An ombudsman is an individual appointed to receive and resolve disputes through constructive communication and advocating for consensus and understanding.
Click here to learn more about the Ombudsman Program.
Mediation
Traditionally, real estate industry disputes rely on negotiation for solutions. Mediation is a process in which one or more neutral third party mediators assist disputing parties to reach an agreement. If negotiation fails, litigation is often initiated in arbitration (see below).
NAR: Appendix VI to Part Ten — Mediation as a Service of Member Boards
Arbitration
Boards and Associations of REALTORS® provide arbitration to resolve contractual issues and questions and specific non-contractual issues and questions that arise between members, between members and their clients, and, in some cases, between parties to a transaction brought about through the efforts of REALTORS®. Disputes arising out of any of the four above-referenced contractual relationships may be arbitrated.
Other Resources
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Florida Advertising Laws for Real Estate
Florida Attorney General’s Economic Crimes Office
Florida Attorney General’s Mortgage Fraud Division