🏡 Florida Realtors® October Form Updates: What They Mean for Buyers, Sellers & Agents

The real estate landscape in Florida continues to evolve — and staying up to date with legal and procedural changes is essential for every professional involved in a transaction. As of October 1st, 2025, Florida Realtors® has officially rolled out several new and revised forms designed to promote transparency, protect consumers, and adapt to today’s digital communication standards.

These updates impact disclosures, leases, listing agreements, and electronic communication, reflecting the industry’s move toward greater accountability and flexibility.

🌊 Flood Disclosure Requirements (FD-2 & LFD-1)

One of the most notable changes is the new Flood Disclosure Form (FD-2) and Lease Flood Disclosure (LFD-1).

With climate events becoming more frequent in Florida, flood risk has become a major factor in property valuation and insurance. These new forms require:

• Sellers to disclose any known flooding events, claims, or damage that occurred during their ownership.

• Landlords to inform tenants about past flood events or whether a property lies within a designated flood zone.

This transparency benefits both sides — helping buyers and renters make more informed decisions while protecting sellers and landlords from future liability.

💻 Electronic Delivery of Notices (OED-1)

Communication in real estate is moving faster than ever. The OED-1 Form (Authorization to Use Electronic Delivery of Notices) now allows landlords and tenants to agree to receive official notices electronically — whether via email or another preferred digital method.

This is a practical step forward, especially for out-of-state owners, property managers, and tenants who rely heavily on remote communication. It modernizes how we handle documentation while maintaining legal validity.

🏠 Listing Agreements & Marketing Flexibility (ERS Series Updates)

The Exclusive Right of Sale Listing Agreement (ERS series) was also updated to incorporate the NAR’s new Multiple Listing Options for Sellers.

What this means: sellers now have more flexibility in how their listings are marketed and shared across platforms. It also gives agents room to tailor marketing strategies — whether through Private Exclusive listings, limited MLS exposure, or full public marketing campaigns — depending on the seller’s goals and privacy preferences.

For teams like ours, this opens new doors for creative listing strategies, especially when combined with data-driven marketing and AI-based visibility tools.

⚖️ Why These Updates Matter

Beyond compliance, these changes represent a broader shift in how Florida real estate operates:

• Transparency builds trust. Buyers and tenants will feel more secure when they know the full history of a property.

• Digital communication is the new standard. Streamlined processes mean faster closings and fewer logistical barriers.

• Flexibility empowers strategy. Agents can better customize their marketing approach, whether aiming for exclusivity or maximum exposure.

📈 Final Thoughts

As the market evolves, so must we. Understanding these updates is more than a legal requirement — it’s part of offering a higher standard of service.

By staying informed and adapting early, we continue positioning ourselves as trusted advisors for clients in Fort Lauderdale and across South Florida.

If you’d like to learn more about these updates or how they might impact your next transaction, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Written by Lourdes Maestres

The MPH Team – Compass Florida

Weekly Market Insights for Broward & Fort Lauderdale