General Agent

Types of Agents

• Universal agent: authority to do almost anything for the principal, such as under a broad power of attorney.
• General agent: authority over a range of matters in a particular area, like managing a property.
• Special agent: authority for one specific task or transaction, which is how a broker listing a property is usually described.

General Agency in Property Management

A property management agreement typically makes the manager a general agent for operating the property: leasing within set guidelines, collecting rent, paying vendors and handling maintenance. The agreement should state the limits clearly, such as spending caps, lease terms the manager can approve, and decisions reserved for the owner. Florida also regulates who may manage property for others; see Florida property management licensing.

Why the Distinction Matters

The broader the authority, the more the principal can be bound by the agent's actions. Owners should know what their manager can sign. Third parties, like vendors and tenants, often rely on the manager's apparent authority, so limits that aren't communicated may not protect the owner.

A Hypothetical Tampa Example

An out-of-state owner hires a management company for a multifamily property in Tampa. In this example, the agreement makes the manager the owner's general agent for operations, with authority to sign one-year leases at or above set rents and approve repairs up to $5,000. When a hurricane damages the roof, the manager handles emergency repairs and calls the owner before signing the larger replacement contract, as the agreement requires. Hypothetical scenario.

From the Desk

Every owner should be able to answer one question about their manager: what can they sign without calling me? If you don't know, find out before a vendor does.

What is a general agent?

Someone authorized to act for a principal across a range of matters in a particular area of business.

What's the difference between a general and special agent?

A general agent handles an ongoing range of matters; a special agent handles one specific task or transaction.

Is a property manager a general agent?

Typically yes, for the day-to-day operation of the property, within limits set by the management agreement.

Is a listing broker a general agent?

A broker listing a property is usually described as a special agent for that transaction.

Why should owners set limits?

Because a general agent's actions can bind the owner; clear spending and leasing limits reduce risk.

Article Summary

A general agent acts for a principal across an ongoing area of business, like a property manager running a building. Clear written limits protect the owner.

Key Takeaways

• ✓General agents have broad, ongoing authority.
• ✓Special agents handle one task.
• ✓Property managers are typically general agents.
• ✓Their actions can bind the owner.
• ✓Put spending and leasing limits in writing.

About Michael R. Linton

Michael R. Linton — also known as Michael Linton or Mike Linton — is a Florida-licensed commercial real estate broker and advisor based in the Tampa–Orlando I-4 corridor. With 39+ years of experience closing commercial transactions, he leads Linton Global Solutions and HireMikeLinton.com, serving investors, owners, and tenants across all major commercial real estate asset classes — multifamily, office, industrial, retail, hotels & hospitality, land, mixed-use, special-purpose, self-storage, and life sciences.

Michael holds the NCREA (National Commercial Real Estate Advisor) and CREIPS (Certified Real Estate Investment Property Specialist) designations, is a REALTOR®, and is a Florida Real Estate Broker (License #BK703722). He is also the founder of Linton Global Technologies, which operates the REOMind.ai AI-powered REO disposition platform serving a network of banks.

Ready to Talk About Your General Agent Deal?

Get a free consultation with Michael R. Linton — 39 years of CRE experience. Zero pressure.

Works Cited

1. Florida Legislature. "Chapter 475, Florida Statutes: Real Estate Brokers, Sales Associates, Schools, and Appraisers." Online Sunshine, http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0475/0475.html. Accessed Oct 1, 2026.
2. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. "Florida Real Estate Commission." MyFloridaLicense.com, https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/real-estate-commission/. Accessed Oct 1, 2026.
3. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. "License Verification: Michael R. Linton, Florida Broker BK703722." MyFloridaLicense.com, https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp. Accessed Oct 1, 2026.

Disclosure & Compliance

Disclosure: This article discusses proprietary technology developed by Linton Global Technologies. Michael R. Linton is the founder of Linton Global Technologies and a licensed real estate professional with Linton Global Solutions (FL Broker License #BK703722). This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or financial advice.

Compliance Statement: All CREDDS and REOMind.ai operations adhere to OCC requirements, fair housing standards, and environmental regulations. Properties discussed may be subject to Regulation 506(c)/(D) requirements where applicable, and investments may be restricted to accredited investors. Readers should conduct their own due diligence and consult with qualified professionals — including a licensed Florida real estate attorney, tax advisor, and certified public accountant — before making investment decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.