How Much Do Property Managers Charge in Florida? (2024)

If you are planning to move to Florida or within Florida, then you must be eager to find out about the fee property managers typically charge.  

Although hiring a property manager is an intelligent step, landlords have to consider different aspects, out of which the most important one is the average property management fees in Florida.

However, professional property management does not come for free. But, the average property management fee is worth considering everything managers do for you. 

Let's discover how these property managers make your life easier and how much you must pay a property management company in Florida. 

How Much is the Average Property Management Fee In Florida?

Property management is on the rise in the U.S. Although about 44 million units are renter-occupied, many rental property owners need help managing them. 

While landlords already have to handle various expenses, they usually consider hiring a reliable property management company an unnecessary cost. They need to prioritize paying for a professional to manage their property. What landlords may not realize is the average fees for managing property are reasonable considering the value they bring. 

Each Florida property management company operates uniquely, both in the services they offer and their fee collection practices. 

When seeking Florida property management services, it's crucial to be ready to discuss fees and their structures with potential property managers. 

While the price is a consideration, the value you receive is paramount. Ensure you understand the scope of services included in the property management fees and what you can expect in return for the investment. 

Being well-informed about the services provided will help you make the best decision for your property management needs.

How Much Does A Property Management Company Charge?

Professional property management companies charge landlords in 2 ways:

• Percentage of Rent

• Flat Fee

Percentage of Rent

Property managers generally charge between 8% to 12% of the total monthly rent. Note that the final cost might vary depending upon several factors, but this range is set for the average fee. Additionally, managers typically apply a reduced percentage fee when handling 10 units or more. 

Flat Fee

Property management companies occasionally employ a flat monthly fee instead of a percentage-based approach tied to the rent. When it comes to flat fees, the average cost of property management will be contingent on the property size.

Influencing Factors on the Average Fee for Property Management

Property management fees can be influenced by five key factors: the property's location, size, condition, type, and nature of services required. Let's delve into each of these factors below.

1. Location of the Rental Property

Location is the most crucial factor in real estate. Higher management fees are typically associated with expensive neighborhoods, primarily due to the higher rental income generated from properties in such areas.

2. Size of the Rental Property

Managing a large rental property is more challenging than handling a smaller one. Consequently, property managers often charge a higher fee for overseeing sizable properties, mainly if they come with numerous amenities.

3. Condition of the Rental Property

The condition of the rental property is also a determining factor. Newer properties generally demand less maintenance or repairs, while older properties require more attention. Due to the increased maintenance issues with older properties, their management costs will likely be higher.

4. Rental Property Type

The type of property can also impact the average fees for property management. Management companies handle a diverse range of property types, such as:

• single-family homes 

• condo units

• apartments

• commercial properties

• vacant properties, and more. 

Certain property types pose more challenges in management than others, leading to varying fee structures.

5. Nature of Services for Rental Property Management

Property management companies offer a broad spectrum of services. If you require assistance with only a few specific tasks, there may be room for negotiating a lower fee. However, opting for full-service assistance would likely result in a higher cost.

What’s the Difference Between Rent Due & Rent Collected? 

"Rent Due" and "Rent Collected" are two terms used in property management to refer to different stages of the rent payment process. The difference between them is whether the tenant has fulfilled their payment obligation in full and on time. 

Rent Due

“Rent Due" refers to the amount of rent a tenant must pay to the landlord or property management company fees based on the terms of their lease agreement. 

It is the total amount of rent that the tenant owes for a specific period, such as a month. Rent is typically due on a particular date each month, as outlined in the lease agreement.

Rent Collected

"Rent Collected" refers to the rent the landlord or property management company receives from the tenant. It represents the portion of the "Rent Due" that the tenant has paid on time or within a certain period. 

For example, if a tenant's monthly rent is $1,000 and pays $900 on the due date, the "Rent Collected" for that period would be $900.

Property managers closely track rent payments to ensure that tenants pay their rent as agreed upon in the lease, and they may follow up with tenants who have yet to pay on time. 

Understanding the distinction between these terms helps property managers keep track of the financial health of their rental properties and ensures that rent is collected promptly.

Understanding the Expenses of Rental Property Management: Is It a Valuable Investment?

Considering everything a property manager does for you in Florida, a fee ranging from 8% to 12% is low. But other than the property management fee, you'll also pay some additional fees according to the property management contract.  

Startup Fees

The startup or initial setup fee is levied by companies to cover the setup of your rental property. These fees enable your property manager to initiate the management process efficiently and ensure everything is properly organized and prepared for smooth operations.

This encompasses tenant notifications, document input, setting up owner and tenant portals, and creating new management postings, onboarding procedures, and initial property inspections. 

It's important to note that not all companies impose this fee, and it is typically a one-time payment. You can expect the initial setup fee to be $500 or less on average. 

Maintenance Fee 

Typically, the monthly management fee covers the maintenance expenses. However, in cases where repairs are required, the property manager may dip into a separate reserve fund that landlords must maintain, either with or without explicit permission from the landlord. 

The specific amount in the reserve fund may vary, but landlords are generally advised to have at least one month's rent set aside for this purpose.

Tenant Placement Fee 

The tenant placement fee is a charge imposed by companies to secure suitable tenants for your property. The process of finding tenants can be time-consuming and come with additional costs. 

It typically involves advertising the property, reviewing applications, conducting tenant screenings, performing move-in inspections, and preparing the lease agreement. On average, landlords should anticipate paying a fee equivalent to a month's rent for this service.

Vacancy Fee 

The vacancy fee is a charge collected by property managers for unoccupied properties. Despite being vacant, the property still necessitates maintenance and regular care. 

Rather than applying the typical monthly management fee, usually a percentage of the rent, companies opt for a vacancy fee to cover the costs during the non-occupancy period. 

Lease Renewal Fee 

The lease renewal fee is a charge imposed by managers to cover the expenses involved in processing lease renewals. 

When it's time to renew a lease, managers typically handle tasks such as sending out lease renewal notices, negotiating with tenants, and preparing the new lease agreement.

Eviction Fee 

Dealing with evictions is a labor-intensive and challenging process. Consequently, management companies usually levy a fee if a landlord requests assistance handling tenant evictions. 

This fee typically amounts to a few hundred dollars and related court costs.

Early Termination Fee 

The early termination fee is an amount companies charge when a contractual agreement ends before expiration. 

Should you decide to terminate your contract with the manager prematurely, this fee will be applicable. The specific dollar amount will vary based on the provisions outlined in the agreement. 

In some cases, failure to adhere to the contract's terms may lead to potential legal action taken by the company. To avoid substantial termination costs and potential liabilities, it is highly advisable to thoroughly review all contract details before finalizing any agreement.

Summing Up

When managing your property, assessing both the services provided and the associated costs is essential. Remember that professional property managers bring valuable expertise, service, and knowledge to the table, which should be considered. 

While it may be challenging to quantify the peace of mind they offer, a great property management company is working diligently to reduce costs and increase profits, which often justifies the management fees. 

Moreover, remember that you can deduct your property management fees on your taxes, making professional property management advantageous in multiple ways.

However, before committing, it's crucial to carefully review the contract. Familiarize yourself with the fee schedule and the specific services you can expect from your chosen company. This way, you can make an informed decision and ensure a beneficial partnership in managing your property.

Please contact us for more information at the Central Florida property management company. We'll be happy to assist you with our fees and any questions you may have regarding Florida property management.

You might also be interested in: Squatters’ Rights in Florida - The Complete Guide (2023)