General Agent in Real Estate
A general agent is authorized to handle all affairs of the principal within a specific business area. In Florida real estate, property managers are the most common general agents, with broad ongoing authority over rental operations.
Three Levels of Agency
- Special agent: Single transaction (listing agent for one property)
- General agent: All affairs in a business area (property manager)
- Universal agent: All affairs of the principal (power of attorney)
General Agent Authority
- Managing rental properties and tenant relations
- Negotiating and executing leases
- Collecting rents and security deposits
- Authorizing repairs and maintenance
- Handling day-to-day operations
Fiduciary Duties
Loyalty, obedience, disclosure, confidentiality, accounting, and reasonable care. Broader authority means greater fiduciary responsibility and wider principal liability.
Related Terms
- Contract — Management agreements
- Equity — Property equity managed by agent
- Estate for Years — Leases negotiated by agent
Barnes Walker Real Estate
Barnes Walker's attorneys draft property management agreements and advise on agency relationships in Florida real estate. Request a legal inquiry for assistance.
Reviewed by the attorneys at Barnes Walker, Goethe, Shea & Robinson, PLLC