Updated November 4, 2026
Check the license first
Florida law generally requires a real estate license for a person who rents or offers to rent property for others and is paid for it. Chapter 475 defines the licensed broker role this way. The statutes exempt owners who lease their own property, but that exemption does not cover hiring an unlicensed person to do the work for pay.
Ask any manager for their license number and look it up on the Florida DBPR website. Check that the license is active and see if there is any discipline on record.
Know what you are asking them to do
Services differ, so list what you need before you call. Common tasks include:
- Marketing the home and showing it
- Screening applicants
- Writing the lease and handing over the keys
- Collecting rent and holding the security deposit
- Arranging repairs and maintenance
- Sending legal notices and handling move-out
- Sending you regular statements
Ask which of these are included and which cost extra.
Read the management agreement carefully
This is the contract that matters. Before you sign, look for:
- How long the agreement lasts and how either side can end it
- What fees are charged, when, and for what. We do not list typical fees, because they vary; get them in writing
- Who approves repairs and what the spending limit is
- Where rent and deposits are held and how often you are paid
- What happens to your security deposit funds if you leave
- Who handles required disclosures and notices
- What insurance the manager carries and what you must carry
If something is unclear, ask for it in plain words. If the answer is vague, treat that as information.
Questions to ask each manager
- Are you licensed in Florida, and under whom?
- How do you screen applicants, and are the criteria the same for everyone?
- How do you handle the security deposit and where is it held?
- What is your process for maintenance requests and emergencies?
- How and when do I get paid, and what reports do I receive?
- What do you do when rent is late?
- Do you know my city and neighborhood?
- Can I speak to a current owner client?
Compare at least two or three managers using the same questions.
Fair housing is part of the job
The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when renting a home. The protected classes are race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and disability. A good manager should be able to explain how they apply consistent screening. As the owner, you can still be responsible for what is done on your behalf, so ask.
When you are ready, TheBayPros offers a free matching form to connect you with Pinellas property managers. You can compare and decide on your own.
Red flags worth noticing
- No license number, or a license you cannot find on the DBPR site
- Pressure to sign the same day
- Fees that are hard to get in writing
- No clear answer about where deposits and rent are held
- Reluctance to explain how applicants are screened
Any one of these is a reason to slow down and ask more questions. You are hiring someone to handle your biggest asset, so take your time.
Staying involved
Even with a manager, you remain the owner. Ask for regular statements, know the lease terms, and keep your own copies of the lease, move-in condition report and any notices. A good manager will welcome that. You should also know who to call if you cannot reach your manager, and what happens if the company closes or you want to switch.
Self-managing versus hiring help
You are allowed to manage your own rental. Many owners do it successfully, especially when they live nearby and have time. Hiring a manager makes more sense when you live far away, have a busy schedule, or do not want to handle late-night calls and legal notices. You can also start with a manager and take over later, as long as the agreement lets you end it.
Whichever you choose, the same rules apply to the tenancy: the deposit rules, the notice rules and fair housing.
Frequently asked questions
Can a friend or relative manage my rental for pay?
If someone rents property for others for compensation, Florida law generally requires a real estate license. Ask a Florida real estate attorney or DBPR about your situation.
Should I sign a long contract?
That is your call. Check how the agreement can be ended, what notice is required and any fees that apply.
Who pays for repairs?
You, as the owner, typically pay for repairs, but the agreement should say who approves them and any spending limits.