Dispute Resolution
REALTOR® Professional Standards
Suncoast Tampa Association of REALTORS® (STAR) is proud to adhere to and support the Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS®. The Code ensures that consumers are served by requiring REALTORS® to cooperate with each other in furthering clients’ best interests.
STAR’ Professional Standards department offers its members and their clients a vehicle to expedite ethics complaints and/or arbitration requests without going to court. Ethics complaints brought before a local association gives those parties involved an opportunity to be educated about the Code and REALTORS® are judged by their peers as opposed to others who may be far less familiar with the practices and customs of the real estate industry. Many difficulties between real estate professionals result from a misunderstanding, miscommunication or lack of adequate communication.
If you have a dispute with a real estate professional, you may want to speak with them or with a principal broker in the firm. Open, constructive discussion often resolves questions or differences, eliminating the need for further action. If, after taking these steps, you still feel you have a grievance, you may want to consider filing an ethics complaint.
Ombudsman Program
The Ombudsman Program is the first step in conflict resolution. It is an informal, neutral, independent and highly confidential way for STAR members as well as their clients to express their concerns and explore options to help resolve those concerns. An ombudsman is an individual appointed to receive and resolve disputes through constructive communication and advocating for consensus and understanding.
Ombudsman Overview Ombudsman Process FAQs REQUEST AN Ombudsman
Ethics Complaints
REALTORS® are different from non-member licensees in that they voluntarily subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics. If you believe that a REALTOR® has violated one or more Articles of the Code of Ethics, you can file an ethics complaint alleging a violation(s) through the local association of REALTORS® where the REALTOR® holds membership, or participates in a REALTOR® association-owned/operated MLS.
Please consider using our alternative dispute resolution services (Ombudsman and/or Mediation) prior to filing a formal complaint.
Mediation & Arbitration
STAR has adopted a mandatory Mediation before Arbitration policy, with a $500 fee to file an Arbitration complaint and a $100 deposit due at the time of filing. Mediation, facilitated by a neutral third-party mediator, helps disputing parties reach an agreement before arbitration is considered. Arbitration, provided by the association, resolves contractual and specific non-contractual issues between members, members and their clients, or parties involved in transactions facilitated by REALTORS®. Disputes arising from these relationships may be resolved through arbitration.
Other Resources
Florida Business Resources
Still have Questions about STAR's professional standards process?
If you have Questions regarding complaints, arbitrations, disputes or mediation, please contact our Professional Standards department.