---
title: How are referral fees paid and documented?
description: Learn how referral fees are paid and documented and what records are required to stay compliant with Easy Realty and Florida law.
---
[Skip to content](https://kb.easy.realty/how-are-referral-fees-paid-and-documented#main-content)
[Get Support](https://kb.easy.realty/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en-us) [Agent Portal](https://hq.easy.realty/agent-portal?hsLang=en-us)
[](https://kb.easy.realty/?hsLang=en-us)
- [KB Home](https://kb.easy.realty/)
- [Agent Hub](https://hub.easy.realty/)
- [Agent Journal](https://agents.easy.realty/)
- [Get Paid](https://hub.easy.realty/getpaid)
- [Signature Request](https://hub.easy.realty/broker-signature-request/)
Open main navigation
Close main navigation
- [KB Home](https://kb.easy.realty/)
- [Agent Hub](https://hub.easy.realty/)
- [Agent Journal](https://agents.easy.realty/)
- [Get Paid](https://hub.easy.realty/getpaid)
- [Signature Request](https://hub.easy.realty/broker-signature-request/)
- [Get Support](https://kb.easy.realty/kb-tickets/new)
- [Agent Portal](https://hq.easy.realty/agent-portal)
- [Join Easy Realty](https://join.easy.realty/)
[Join Easy Realty](https://join.easy.realty/)
How can we help you?
- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.
1. [Easy Realty Knowledge Base](https://kb.easy.realty/?hsLang=en-us)
2. [Getting Paid](https://kb.easy.realty/getting-paid?hsLang=en-us)
September 21, 2026
# How are referral fees paid and documented?
## Short answer: Referral fees are paid brokerage to brokerage and must be documented with an executed referral agreement and proof of payment.
**Referral fees** are compensation paid for introducing a buyer, seller, or other party to a transaction without providing representation. A complete referral transaction file must include a fully executed referral agreement and written proof of payment. Even though the involvement is limited, referral transactions must still be fully documented for compliance and record retention purposes.
## How are referral fees paid?
All referral fees are paid brokerage to brokerage. A referral fee is never paid directly to an individual agent whose license is not associated with the paying brokerage’s license. This structure ensures compliance with Florida law and proper brokerage oversight.
Referral fees are commonly paid at closing through the settlement process and reflected on the closing statement or handled through brokerage disbursement after closing, depending on the referral agreement. In all cases, the payment must be clearly documented.
### Required documentation for referral fees
A complete referral transaction file must include a fully executed referral agreement outlining the referral terms and fee structure. The file must also include documentation showing how and when the referral fee was paid, such as a closing statement, commission disbursement authorization, or brokerage accounting record.
## How are referral fees documented when paid at closing?
When a referral fee is paid at closing, the payment should be reflected on the closing statement or supported by a CDA showing the disbursement. This documentation becomes part of the transaction file and serves as proof of compensation.
## How are referral fees documented when paid outside of closing?
If a referral fee is paid outside of closing, written proof of payment must still be retained in the transaction file. This may include brokerage accounting records or other documentation showing the date, amount, and recipient of the referral fee.
### Common mistakes
Agents sometimes fail to upload the executed referral agreement, rely on verbal referral arrangements, or omit proof of payment from the file. Referral compensation must always be supported by written agreements and payment documentation.
## Key principle
If you received compensation for making a referral, your transaction file must clearly show the referral agreement and how the referral fee was paid.
### Compliance reference
This guidance is based on Florida Statute § 475.5015 and Easy Realty’s internal compliance standards, including compensation documentation and record retention requirements for real estate transactions.
- [Transactions and Compliance](https://kb.easy.realty/transactions-and-compliance?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [Transaction Files and Record Retention](https://kb.easy.realty/transactions-and-compliance?hsLang=en-us#transaction-files-and-record-retention)
- [Agency Disclosure](https://kb.easy.realty/transactions-and-compliance?hsLang=en-us#agency-disclosure)
- [Home Buying Process](https://kb.easy.realty/transactions-and-compliance?hsLang=en-us#home-buying-process)
- [New Construction / Builders](https://kb.easy.realty/transactions-and-compliance?hsLang=en-us#new-construction-builders)
- [Commissions](https://kb.easy.realty/transactions-and-compliance?hsLang=en-us#commissions)
- [Listings](https://kb.easy.realty/transactions-and-compliance?hsLang=en-us#listings)
- [Offers](https://kb.easy.realty/transactions-and-compliance?hsLang=en-us#offers)
- [Getting Paid](https://kb.easy.realty/getting-paid?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [Commission Agreements](https://kb.easy.realty/getting-paid?hsLang=en-us#commission-agreements)
- [Support](https://kb.easy.realty/support?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [Accessing Support](https://kb.easy.realty/support?hsLang=en-us#accessing-support)
- [Response and Escalation](https://kb.easy.realty/support?hsLang=en-us#response-and-escalation)
- [Support Process](https://kb.easy.realty/support?hsLang=en-us#support-process)
- [Support Requests](https://kb.easy.realty/support?hsLang=en-us#support-requests)
- [Onboarding & Getting Started](https://kb.easy.realty/onboarding-getting-started?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [Getting Started](https://kb.easy.realty/onboarding-getting-started?hsLang=en-us#getting-started)
- [Broker Questions & Approvals](https://kb.easy.realty/broker-questions-approvals?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [When to Contact the Broker](https://kb.easy.realty/broker-questions-approvals?hsLang=en-us#when-to-contact-the-broker)
- [Broker Guidance vs Legal Advice](https://kb.easy.realty/broker-questions-approvals?hsLang=en-us#broker-guidance-vs-legal-advice)
- [Tools & Systems](https://kb.easy.realty/tools-systems?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [Stellar MLS](https://kb.easy.realty/tools-systems?hsLang=en-us#stellar-mls)
- [Agent Portal](https://kb.easy.realty/tools-systems?hsLang=en-us#agent-portal)
- [My State MLS](https://kb.easy.realty/tools-systems?hsLang=en-us#my-state-mls)
- [Email](https://kb.easy.realty/tools-systems?hsLang=en-us#email)
- [Services](https://kb.easy.realty/services?hsLang=en-us#main-content)
- [Listing Coordiation](https://kb.easy.realty/services?hsLang=en-us#listing-coordiation)
- [Contracts & Disclosures](https://kb.easy.realty/contracts-disclosures?hsLang=en-us)
- [KB Home](https://kb.easy.realty/)
- [Agent Hub](https://hub.easy.realty/)
- [Agent Journal](https://agents.easy.realty/)
- [Get Paid](https://hub.easy.realty/getpaid)
- [Signature Request](https://hub.easy.realty/broker-signature-request/)
[](https://easy.realty)
[mailto:email@email.com](mailto:email@email.com)
Copyright © 2026, Easy Realty