One vital part of a Florida real estate agent’s job is to transport clients to property showings. However, a lot of agents overlook the legal risks and responsibilities involved when using personal or company vehicles for work-related purposes.

Aside from the usual considerations like insurance, there are also specific legal requirements in Florida that agents must always adhere to so they can protect themselves from costly legal disputes.

Let’s explore the most critical considerations to remember when transporting clients and how to avoid common legal pitfalls.

The importance of maintaining a valid driver’s license

If you drive a car or own one, then you know that it’s very important to maintain a valid driver’s license. Having a valid driver’s license is also one of the most fundamental legal requirements for driving clients in Florida.

Florida law imposes very strict penalties for those who are caught driving with an expired license. Real estate agents are not exempt from this. A real estate agent driving with an expired driver’s license can face huge fines and potential criminal charges as well. Therefore, it’s important to always make sure that your driver’s license is not expired. In the event that it is, you must renew it promptly to avoid hiccups.

Always remember that getting fined and having a criminal charge can tarnish your reputation. Clients expect to work with agents who manifest professionalism at all times. Unfortunately, having a criminal charge does not convey professionalism at all.

According to Florida law, driving with an expired license for up to six months is considered a noncriminal infraction. However, once six months have passed, this escalates to a second-degree misdemeanor. If you want to avoid any legal or financial setbacks, you must make sure that your license is renewed on time.

Vehicle insurance coverage

Aside from having a valid license, real estate agents who transport clients should make sure that they have appropriate insurance coverage. Personal auto insurance policies may not always provide the right protection if the vehicle is being used for business purposes. Therefore, you need to make sure to update your vehicle’s insurance coverage.

Business auto insurance or commercial coverage may be necessary to fully cover all the risks involved with work-related driving. If an accident occurs while an agent is driving a client and the coverage is only under personal policy, the insurance company would most definitely deny claims. This would leave the agent financially responsible for damages.

Real estate agents should always check with their insurance providers to make sure that they have the right type of coverage they need. This is very important especially if the vehicle is being used regularly to transport clients, since even small claims can lead to financial burdens if proper coverage is not in place.

Client safety and liability

Client safety must always be top priority when transporting clients to property showings. Real estate agents are 100% responsible for making sure the vehicle is safe, well-maintained and in compliance with Florida road safety regulations. 

Agents must be responsible enough to check their vehicles for safety issues, which includes checking tire pressure, brake function and operational seatbelts. Failing to maintain a vehicle can lead to accidents that the agent will be held liable for.

Understanding employer policies

Some real estate firms have very specific guidelines or requirements for agents who use their personal vehicles to transport clients. These guidelines often cover expectations around vehicle insurance, maintenance and licensing.

Agents should make sure that they are familiar with all of these to prevent future conflicts. If the agency provides a company vehicle, agents will have additional coverage or requirements to meet so they can remain compliant.

Transporting clients is a routine but very important aspect of a real estate agent’s job in Florida. Making sure you are legally covered starts with having a valid driver’s license and avoiding the costly mistake of driving with an expired license. It is also equally important to secure the right type of insurance, maintain vehicle safety, and adhere to any employer policies regarding client transportation. This way, agents can guarantee top-notch service to their clients.