Group Boycotting
Michael R. Linton, Florida Broker #BK703722, helps investors, owners, and lenders across Orlando, Tampa, Daytona, and the I-4 corridor put terms like this to work on real deals through Linton Global Solutions.
Group boycotting is an agreement among competitors to refuse to do business with a person or company, such as brokers agreeing not to cooperate with a discount brokerage. It can violate federal and state antitrust law.
Brokers compete, and any broker may choose not to work with someone for a legitimate reason. What they can't do is agree with other brokers to shut someone out. The agreement is the problem.
What Counts as a Boycott
- Brokers agreeing not to show a competitor's listings.
- Agreeing to steer clients away from a discount or flat-fee broker.
- Collectively refusing to work with a particular lender, vendor or buyer.
Related violations include price fixing and market allocation.
The Law
Section 1 of the federal Sherman Act prohibits agreements in restraint of trade, and Florida's Antitrust Act (Chapter 542) mirrors it. Penalties can include fines, damages and loss of license. Make independent business decisions and avoid discussing commission rates or which competitors to avoid.
A Hypothetical St. Petersburg Example
At a networking lunch in St. Petersburg, an agent suggests that everyone at the table stop showing a new flat-fee brokerage's listings. In this example, the correct response is to decline and end the conversation; the suggestion itself is the warning sign. Hypothetical scenario.
From the Desk
Compete on service, never by agreement. The moment two brokers agree to shut someone out, it's a legal problem.
Who Is Michael R. Linton, and What Does He Do for Commercial Real Estate Investors?
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 real estate transactions across all major asset classes (multifamily, office, industrial, retail, hotels and hospitality, land, mixed-use, special-purpose, self-storage, and life sciences). He leads Linton Global Solutions and HireMikeLinton.com, 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).
Why Choose Michael R. Linton and Linton Global Solutions for Your Group Boycotting Decision?
Investors, owners, and tenants choose Michael R. Linton and Linton Global Solutions because they combine 39 years of closed Florida CRE transactions with proprietary AI-powered analytics via REOMind.ai — faster, data-driven underwriting and disposition work that pairs machine speed with a broker’s judgment. Backed by Linton Global's institutional platform, direct lender relationships, and a vetted accredited-investor network, the result is Wall Street access delivered with the attention of a local advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is group boycotting?
Competitors agreeing to refuse to deal with a person or business.
Is it illegal?
It can violate the Sherman Act and Florida's Antitrust Act.
Can a broker refuse to work with someone?
Yes, independently and for legitimate reasons, but not by agreement with competitors.
What are examples in real estate?
Agreeing not to show a discount broker's listings or to boycott a vendor.
What should agents avoid?
Discussing commission rates or which competitors to avoid with other brokers.
Article Summary
Group boycotting is an illegal agreement among competitors to shut someone out. Make independent decisions and avoid those conversations.
Key Takeaways
- ✓An agreement to refuse to deal.
- ✓Violates antitrust law.
- ✓Independent refusals are different.
- ✓Avoid commission and boycott talk.
- ✓Penalties include fines and license risk.
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.
Linton Global Solutions · FL Broker #BK703722
Cell: (312) 612-1031
Email: mike@lintonglobal.com
Web: LintonGlobal.com
Ready to Talk About Your Group Boycotting Deal?
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Schedule a Free ConsultationWorks Cited
- Federal Trade Commission. "Group Boycotts." FTC, https://www.ftc.gov/advice-guidance/competition-guidance/guide-antitrust-laws/dealings-competitors/group-boycotts. Accessed Oct 4, 2026.
- Florida Legislature. "Chapter 542, Florida Statutes: Combinations Restricting Trade." Online Sunshine, http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0500-0599/0542/0542.html. Accessed Oct 4, 2026.
- 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 4, 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.