Social Media Policy
Clear, compliant, on‑brand social media for REALTORS® in Southwest Florida. This page outlines what to do, what to avoid, and who to contact.
Golden Rules (Read First)
Truthful, identifiable, and lawful. Your posts must present a true picture, make your licensed status clear, include required brokerage identification, and follow fair housing, copyright, and antitrust laws.
This policy supplements NAR’s Code of Ethics and Florida law. Always follow your broker’s policies first.
Do
- Include your brokerage’s licensed name on ads and profiles.
- Use a true picture in all marketing; identify yourself as a real estate professional.
- Use original content or content you have rights to; credit creators where required.
- Add #ad or disclosure when content is sponsored or an endorsement.
- Use the REALTOR® marks correctly (member only, proper formatting).
Don’t
- Share another brokerage’s listing without permission or outside of your approved IDX display.
- Discuss commissions, fees, or pricing with competitors (antitrust risk).
- Use images/music you don’t have the rights to.
- Use discriminatory terms or target audiences in a way that violates fair housing.
- Use REALTOR® as a job title for non‑members or add descriptors to the mark (e.g., “Top REALTORs”).
Social Media Advertising Checklist
#ad when content is sponsored or an endorsement.If your post behaves like advertising, treat it like advertising—even Stories and Reels.
Using the REALTOR® Marks on Social Media
Only NAR members may use REALTOR®. Use in ALL CAPS with the registered symbol on first use, and only to denote membership—not as a job title. Usernames may include the mark only when paired with your name or firm (e.g., @JaneRealtor), not descriptive phrases (e.g., @TopChicagoRealtors).
Questions about misuse? See the official guidance and report improper use via NAR resources linked below.
Resources: NAR Logos & Trademark Rules · Trademark Use on Social Media
Sharing Listings on Social Media
Do not advertise another brokerage’s listing on social platforms without permission. IDX/VOW rules generally do not treat social posts as compliant IDX displays. Share your own listings, your broker‑approved IDX widgets, or obtain written permission from the listing broker.
Learn more: NAR Code of Ethics (Article 12) · Florida Realtors: Social media sharing & IDX
Florida‑Specific Advertising Requirements (FREC)
- Clearly display your brokerage’s licensed name in all ads and online profiles.
- When using your personal name, use your legal last name as registered with FREC.
- Avoid any false, deceptive or misleading statements in posts or videos.
- Team/group ads must follow Florida’s team advertising rule and broker supervision.
Guidance: Florida Realtors advertising rules overview · FREC 61J2‑10.026 Team/Group Advertising (PDF)
Enforcement & Takedowns
If a post violates this policy or applicable rules, BER may request edits or removal. Repeated or material violations can be referred to your broker, the MLS, or appropriate authorities as required.
- Notify the poster (DM/email) with a short description of the issue and a target correction time.
- Correct the post (add broker name/disclaimer, remove infringing media, add disclosure, etc.).
- Document the correction (screenshot + URL) for your records.
FAQ
Can I use REALTOR® in my handle or username?
Only if you’re a member and it’s paired with your name or your firm’s legal name (e.g., @JaneRealtor). Don’t combine the mark with descriptive words (e.g., @TopRealtorsNaples).
Do Stories/Reels count as advertising?
If they promote your services or a property, treat them like ads: include your brokerage name and necessary disclosures.
Can I repost another brokerage’s listing?
Not without permission. Social platforms aren’t IDX displays. Share a link to your broker‑approved IDX page instead or get written permission from the listing broker.
Do I need to say #ad for sponsorships?
Yes—FTC requires clear and conspicuous disclosures when content is sponsored or you receive something of value for an endorsement.
Who to Contact
BER Communications & Membership
Questions about this policy or how to comply on a specific platform? We can help.