Starting your career as a real estate agent in Florida is exciting—but also a bit overwhelming. One of the first things you'll need after passing your state exam is a sponsoring broker. But what exactly do they do, and why is choosing the right one so important, especially in your first year? Let’s break it down in plain English. What Is a Sponsoring Broker?  A sponsoring broker is a licensed real estate broker who agrees to oversee and support newly licensed agents. In Florida, you can’t legally practice real estate without being sponsored by a broker. It’s like having a team leader who shows you the ropes, keeps you compliant with state laws, and helps you grow. Why You Need One to Start Working  You may have your license, but you’re not allowed to list homes, show property, or get paid commissions without a broker. That’s because: Florida law requires all new agents to work under a broker. Brokers hold responsibility for your real estate activities. They provide the systems, contracts, and legal coverage you need. What a Good Sponsoring Broker Should Provide  Not all brokers offer the same experience. Here’s what to look for—especially in your first year: Training & Mentorship Your first year is about learning—fast. A great broker gives you access to: Contract workshops Local market knowledge Shadowing opportunities One-on-one coaching Business Tools From CRMs to transaction coordinators, your broker should equip you with tools to help you succeed: Listing and marketing platforms Lead generation support MLS access and transaction systems Support & Supervision A sponsoring broker helps when you're stuck—whether it’s a contract question or a nervous client. They also: Review your paperwork Keep you compliant with Florida real estate laws Guide you on best practices Culture & Community Being part of a supportive office makes a huge difference when you’re new. Look for: Team collaboration Regular training sessions An open-door policy with your broker or team lead Why It Matters Most in Your First Year  Your first year is when you build habits, confidence, and your first deals. The right sponsoring broker: Helps you avoid rookie mistakes Gives you real-world experience Keeps you motivated and growing Think of your broker as your business partner. If they’re invested in your success, you’re more likely to thrive. How MainStreet Realty Helps New Agents Succeed  At MainStreet Realty, we know what new agents need because we’ve helped dozens grow from licensees to top producers. Here’s how we support you: ✔ Personalized Mentorship Get matched with experienced local agents who guide you through your first transactions. ✔ In-House Training We offer Florida-focused onboarding, weekly workshops, and live support to make sure you’re never lost. ✔ Local Expertise Serving areas like Deltona, DeLand, Lake Nona, Kissimmee, and St. Cloud, we’ll help you learn the local markets fast. ✔ Agent-First Culture We’re not just about numbers—we’re about people. Our brokers and staff are here to help you every step of the way. FAQs About Sponsoring Brokers What is the difference between a sponsoring broker and a broker associate? A sponsoring broker supervises agents, while a broker associate holds a broker license but chooses to work under another broker. Can I switch sponsoring brokers later? Yes, you can transfer to another broker in Florida by filing a change with the DBPR. Just make sure you understand your current brokerage agreement. Does a sponsoring broker take part of my commission? Yes, usually. Brokers may offer different commission splits depending on the level of training, leads, and tools they provide. How do I find the right sponsoring broker in Florida? Ask about training, leads, support, and local expertise. Talk to agents who work there. Trust your gut—it’s more than just a business relationship. FAQs About MainStreet Realty Where is MainStreet Realty located? We serve Central Florida, with agents across Deltona, DeLand, Orange City, Lake Helen, Lake Nona, St. Cloud, and Kissimmee. Does MainStreet Realty hire new agents? Absolutely! We welcome both new and experienced agents and offer mentorship, training, and full support. How do I apply to join MainStreet Realty? It’s easy—click here to schedule a call with our broker and we’ll walk you through the next steps. Final Thoughts Choosing a sponsoring broker is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your real estate career—especially in your first year. Don’t settle for a name on your license. Find someone who will invest in your success. At MainStreet Realty, we’re here to help you not just start—but thrive. Email: info@mainstreetrealtygroup.com Address: 2 Volusia Drive Debary, FL, 32713 Phone Number: Orlando: 407-789-0925  |   Volusia: 386-259-2426   |   Lake:352-729-1425

What a Real Estate Sponsoring Broker Does (And Why It Matters in Your First Year)

July 11, 20254 min read

Starting your career as a real estate agent in Florida is exciting—but also a bit overwhelming. One of the first things you'll need after passing your state exam is a sponsoring broker. But what exactly do they do, and why is choosing the right one so important, especially in your first year?

Let’s break it down in plain English.

What Is a Sponsoring Broker?

A sponsoring broker is a licensed real estate broker who agrees to oversee and support newly licensed agents. In Florida, you can’t legally practice real estate without being sponsored by a broker. It’s like having a team leader who shows you the ropes, keeps you compliant with state laws, and helps you grow.

Why You Need One to Start Working

You may have your license, but you’re not allowed to list homes, show property, or get paid commissions without a broker. That’s because:

  • Florida law requires all new agents to work under a broker.

  • Brokers hold responsibility for your real estate activities.

  • They provide the systems, contracts, and legal coverage you need.

What a Good Sponsoring Broker Should Provide

Not all brokers offer the same experience. Here’s what to look for—especially in your first year:

Training & Mentorship

Your first year is about learning—fast. A great broker gives you access to:

  • Contract workshops

  • Local market knowledge

  • Shadowing opportunities

  • One-on-one coaching

Business Tools

From CRMs to transaction coordinators, your broker should equip you with tools to help you succeed:

  • Listing and marketing platforms

  • Lead generation support

  • MLS access and transaction systems

Support & Supervision

A sponsoring broker helps when you're stuck—whether it’s a contract question or a nervous client. They also:

  • Review your paperwork

  • Keep you compliant with Florida real estate laws

  • Guide you on best practices

Culture & Community

Being part of a supportive office makes a huge difference when you’re new. Look for:

  • Team collaboration

  • Regular training sessions

  • An open-door policy with your broker or team lead

Why It Matters Most in Your First Year

Your first year is when you build habits, confidence, and your first deals. The right sponsoring broker:

  • Helps you avoid rookie mistakes

  • Gives you real-world experience

  • Keeps you motivated and growing

Think of your broker as your business partner. If they’re invested in your success, you’re more likely to thrive.

How MainStreet Realty Helps New Agents Succeed

At MainStreet Realty, we know what new agents need because we’ve helped dozens grow from licensees to top producers. Here’s how we support you:

✔ Personalized Mentorship

Get matched with experienced local agents who guide you through your first transactions.

✔ In-House Training

We offer Florida-focused onboarding, weekly workshops, and live support to make sure you’re never lost.

✔ Local Expertise

Serving areas like Deltona, DeLand, Lake Nona, Kissimmee, and St. Cloud, we’ll help you learn the local markets fast.

✔ Agent-First Culture

We’re not just about numbers—we’re about people. Our brokers and staff are here to help you every step of the way.

FAQs About Sponsoring Brokers

What is the difference between a sponsoring broker and a broker associate?

A sponsoring broker supervises agents, while a broker associate holds a broker license but chooses to work under another broker.

Can I switch sponsoring brokers later?

Yes, you can transfer to another broker in Florida by filing a change with the DBPR. Just make sure you understand your current brokerage agreement.

Does a sponsoring broker take part of my commission?

Yes, usually. Brokers may offer different commission splits depending on the level of training, leads, and tools they provide.

How do I find the right sponsoring broker in Florida?

Ask about training, leads, support, and local expertise. Talk to agents who work there. Trust your gut—it’s more than just a business relationship.

FAQs About MainStreet Realty

Where is MainStreet Realty located?

We serve Central Florida, with agents across Deltona, DeLand, Orange City, Lake Helen, Lake Nona, St. Cloud, and Kissimmee.

Does MainStreet Realty hire new agents?

Absolutely! We welcome both new and experienced agents and offer mentorship, training, and full support.

How do I apply to join MainStreet Realty?

It’s easy—click here to schedule a call with our broker and we’ll walk you through the next steps.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a sponsoring broker is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your real estate career—especially in your first year. Don’t settle for a name on your license. Find someone who will invest in your success.

At MainStreet Realty, we’re here to help you not just start—but thrive.

Email: [email protected]

Address: 2 Volusia Drive Debary, FL, 32713

Phone Number: Orlando: 407-789-0925  |   Volusia: 386-259-2426   |   Lake:352-729-1425

Back to Blog