A group boycott occurs when competing brokerages collectively agree to exclude, refuse to cooperate with, or economically punish another business or individual. Common examples include brokers agreeing not to show listings from a discount brokerage or refusing to cooperate with a broker who charges lower commissions. A single broker independently deciding not to work with someone is generally permissible.
If several full-service brokerages agree to refuse to show properties listed by a flat-fee discount brokerage, they have engaged in a group boycott. This coordinated refusal to cooperate is designed to drive the discount brokerage out of business.
The critical distinction is between an individual business decision (legal) and a coordinated agreement among competitors (illegal). If the question mentions multiple brokers agreeing to exclude someone, it is a group boycott.
Related Terms
Related Concepts
Brokers in Florida have strict responsibilities for managing escrow accounts, including monthly reconciliation and proper handling of trust funds.
Florida brokers are required to maintain transaction records and escrow records for a minimum of five years.
Commingling is the illegal act of mixing client trust funds with a broker's personal or business operating funds; conversion is the misappropriation of those funds.
Florida real estate licenses must be renewed biennially, and sales associates have specific post-license education requirements for their first renewal.
FREC has the authority to impose fines and other disciplinary actions on licensees who violate real estate laws and rules.
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