2026 Suncoast Tampa Association of REALTORS® Committee & Forum Advisory Team Application Logo

  • 2026 Suncoast Tampa Association of REALTORS® Committee, Councils, Forums, & Alliances Application

    Application Deadline | September 15, 2025

  • Are you interested in serving on one of Suncoast Tampa Association of REALTORS®' 2025 committees? Applications are now being accepted for service in 2026. 

    Members may be considered to serve subject to the following: 

    1. The member must be a member in good standing of the Association. Meaning they have paid their dues and are current with all association dues and fees as well as in compliance with the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics requirements.
    2. The member has no violation of the provisions of Code of Ethics, or Bylaws within the five (5) years that precede the date of the committee application period in which the member seeks appointment. For the purposes of this provision, the date the case is ratified by the Board of Directors shall be the date from which the five (5) year period shall begin to run.  

    All 2026 Committee chairs and vice chairs are selected by the committee, subject to ratification by the Board of Directors.

  • Standing Committees

    • Grievance Committee 

    • The Grievance Committee is established to review ethics complaints and arbitration requests to determine whether a matter should be forwarded to a hearing panel of the Professional Standards Committee in accordance with the procedures outlined in the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual. Committee appointments are for a term of three years. 

      Committee members must have been in good standing with the Association or another REALTOR® Association for at least three years and possess an exemplary record of conduct. Members must sign a confidentiality agreement and complete required Professional Standards training every two years, as mandated by NAR, and attend local supplemental trainings as scheduled. To ensure balanced representation, only two member from any company may serve on the committee at a time.

      The Committee shall consist of a Chair, Vice Chair, and up to thirteen (13) REALTOR® members in good standing, serving staggered three-year terms. The committee will ensure that there are members from industry diverse backgrounds (i.e. Commercial, Broker, Property Management etc...). To promote member development and maintain objectivity in the case review process, members may only serve on the Grievance Committee for one term. 

      Members must serve a full term on the Grievance Committee to be eligible to serve on the Professional Standards or Citation Committee. 

    • Nominating & Credentialing Committee 

    • The Committee is tasked with recommending one candidate for each open Director position. All other candidates who are eligible will be placed on the ballot as long as they meet the requirement as set forth in the Associations policy manual and the following minimum standards:

      1. Minimum 24 months as an active licensed real estate agent or broker.
      2. Leadership training through the District 6 Leadership Institute or equivalent as determined per policy manual.

      The President of the Association will appoint this Committee. The Committee will consist of the Immediate Past President(s), or if unable to serve, a Past President willing to serve; the President(s) of the Board; two additional Past Presidents; and five Association Members in good standing.

      No Member of the Committee will be eligible for nomination for any position.

    • Public Policy/Governmental Affairs - Hillsborough | Pasco | Pinellas  

    • Dedicated to shaping the future of real estate by actively engaging in the legislative process at the local, state, and national levels. These committees meet regularly to discuss critical issues affecting REALTORS® and homeownership, determining whether the association should advocate for or against specific policies. Additionally, the committees play a key role in evaluating candidates for public office based on their stance on real estate matters, making recommendations to the Public Policy Advisory Committee on which candidates to support.

      With a proactive focus on protecting private property rights, these committee members are encouraged to participate in legislative meetings organized by Florida REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Members also promote the objectives of the REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC) to further their advocacy efforts.

      Members are strongly encouraged to be registered voters in Hillsborough, Pinellas, or Pasco counties, and be committed to actively engaging in the political process. Participation requires attending candidate screening training, voting, supporting candidates, and maintaining open communication with elected officials. These committees offer a vital opportunity to make a lasting impact on the real estate industry and homeownership rights in each of the Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties.

    •  

    • Special Interest Committees, Councils, Forums, & Alliances

    • Affiliate Business Partners 

    • STAR Affiliates collaborate with REALTOR® members to deliver innovative products and services that enhance the value and success of all members. By fostering strong relationships and supporting the community through education, networking events, and charitable initiatives, they aim to drive growth and excellence within the real estate industry.

    • Broker Engagement Committee 

    • The Broker Engagement Committee is dedicated to fostering strong relationships between brokers and the association, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met. This committee creates opportunities for brokers to stay informed on key industry issues, provide feedback on association initiatives, and collaborate on strategies that enhance the success of their businesses and agents. By facilitating regular communication and engagement, the committee serves as a vital link between the association and the broker community, promoting leadership, education, and growth in the real estate industry.

    • Commercial Exchange 

    • The Commercial Exchange provides public policy and legislative representation to the Commercial REALTOR® regarding local, state, and national legislative issues and initiatives. The Commercial Exchange also provides a forum for social and business interaction within the Commercial Community as well as provides educational opportunities to advance the level of professionalism therein. The Commercial Exchange promotes and maintains a professional image of high standards of ethical conduct in the commercial real estate profession as expressed in the Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS®.

    • Diversity Committee 

    • The Diversity Committee is dedicated to advancing diversity, opportunity, inclusion, and belonging throughout the real estate industry. Our initiatives are to promote equal opportunity in housing, foster diverse representation in leadership, and create an inclusive environment where all members feel seen, valued, and empowered. We are committed to developing and identifying educational and awareness opportunities that inspire action. Through collaboration with multicultural real estate organizations with the Real Estate For All Alliance, this committee focuses on cultivating a REALTOR® culture that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve.

    • Leasing & Property Management Council 

    • The Leasing & Property Management Council is comprised of members with specialized expertise in leasing and property management, dedicated to helping fellow members excel in these areas. The council collaborates to deliver high-quality networking opportunities, insightful speakers on relevant topics, and focused workshops designed to enhance professional development. Many council members are also active participants in the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM), and together, the Council and NARPM offer affordable, comprehensive educational programs tailored to leasing and property management professionals. Through these efforts, the Council fosters a strong, knowledgeable community committed to elevating industry standards.

    • Outreach Committee 

    • The Outreach Committee is responsible for leading initiatives that strengthen both member engagement and community presence. This committee oversees and implements the STAR Ambassador Program, a key initiative designed to welcome and support new and existing members while also serving as a bridge between the association and the public. Through the Ambassador Program, committee members help promote the REALTOR® brand, represent the association at community events, and build meaningful connections with local organizations and residents. In addition to managing the Ambassador Program, the committee develops outreach strategies that support the association’s mission, enhance member involvement, and foster a positive, inclusive REALTOR® culture.

    • REALTOR® Political Action Outreach & Fundraising Committee 

    • The REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC) Outreach & Fundraising Committee is responsible for designing and implementing fundraising campaigns that support REALTOR®-friendly candidates and legislative initiatives at the local and state levels. By organizing strategic fundraising activities, the committee raises awareness among members about the importance of investing in RPAC and highlights the impact of RPAC in championing real estate industry interests for over 40 years.

      Members who participate in this committee are strongly encouraged to be registered voters in Hillsborough, Pinellas, or Pasco counties. While current RPAC investors are preferred, all members should demonstrate a strong commitment to engaging in the political process, including voting, supporting candidates, and effectively communicating with elected officials. The committee actively engages the broader membership, promoting the value of RPAC and ensuring REALTORS® are well-represented in government.

    • Tampa Bay Global Business Council Committee 

    • The Tampa Bay Global Business Council is your gateway to success in the international real estate market. As Florida remains a top destination for international buyers, the Council offers specialized education and training to help real estate professionals tap into this lucrative sector. From organizing outbound and inbound trade missions to hosting business meetings and networking events, the Council provides valuable opportunities to connect with foreign buyers and sellers in Tampa Bay.

      Annual membership is $25, making this an affordable way to expand your global reach and skills in international real estate.

    • Young Professionals Network Committee 

    • The Young Professionals Network (YPN) is a dynamic group dedicated to empowering newer REALTORS® and Affiliates in the Tampa Bay area. Whether you're a young professional or simply young-at-heart, YPN offers exciting opportunities to grow your career, expand your industry knowledge, and build leadership skills. Through engaging charitable activities, unique networking events, and active involvement in the association, YPN fosters community connections and supports the next generation of real estate leaders. Join us to make a lasting impact on your career and the community!

    •  

    • First Choice

    • Affiliate Mentor Criteria & Responsibilities

      Active Affiliate Member

      • Regularly attends Affiliate Meetings.
      • Has participated in at least three class sponsorships, events, or Connect socials.

      Willingness to Participate in Leadership Development

      • Has participated in or is willing to participate in the District 6 Leadership Institute or equivalent. (next program expected to begin in February, 2026) 

      Helping Hand Attitude

      • Demonstrates a commitment to assisting others and fostering a supportive community.

      Responsibilities:

      Event Participation & Volunteering

      • Attend all Affiliate Orientations (held once per month, alternating between Pinellas and Tampa locations).
      • Serve as a greeter at Affiliate Meetings, facilitate Connect events, sell 50/50 raffletickets, and operate credit card machines for donations, as needed.
      • Volunteer at special events (e.g., Expos, Wine & Food Festival) on a shift basis.

      Meeting & Presentation Engagement

      • Attend quarterly Affiliate Board Meetings (dates and times TBD, all scheduled at the Clearwater office.)
      • Present the "Mentor Minute" at two Affiliate Meetings.

      Time Commitment

      • Dedicate an average of 10 hours per month to Affiliate activities.
         

    • Affiliate Director Criteria & Responsibilities

      Active Affiliate Member

      • Regularly attends Affiliate Meetings.
      • Has participated in at least three class sponsorships, events, or Connect socials.

      Leadership Development

      • Has prior leadership experience.
      • Has participated in or is willing to participate in the District 6 Leadership Institute or equivalent. (next program expected to begin in Feb. 2026) 

      Collaboration Skills

      • Demonstrates the ability to work as a team player and respectfully collaborate with diverse viewpoints.

      Responsibilities:

      Meeting & Event Engagement

      • Attend all Affiliate Board Meetings (dates and times TBD, held monthly, all scheduled at the Clearwater office).
      • Serve as a greeter at Affiliate Meetings, facilitate Connect events, sell 50/50 raffle tickets, and operate credit card machines for donations, as needed.
      • Volunteer at special events (e.g., Expos, Wine & Food Festival) on a shift basis.

      Time Commitment

      • Dedicate an average of 10 hours per month to Affiliate activities.

    • Second Choice

    • Third Choice

    • Affiliate Director Additional Questions

    • Committee chairs, vice chairs, and members assume the duty of fulfilling the objectives outlined for their respective committees upon appointment, with attendance at meetings being an integral component of this responsibility. It is anticipated that committee members will exert their utmost effort to participate in all committee gatherings. In the event that a committee chair, vice chair, or member anticipates their absence from a meeting, a written notice must be promptly submitted to the staff liaison before the scheduled meeting date (an email shall be considered an acceptable form of written notice). If a committee chair, vice chair, or member is absent from more than two consecutive regularly scheduled committee meetings, they will automatically forfeit their committee appointment.

      For a committee meeting to meet quorum, there must be a minimum of 50% of the committee members present.

      Committee members must sign and be bound by the Code of Conduct, the Anti-Trust Policy and the Social Media Policy, along with any other policy forms, approved by the Board of Directors. 

      By submitting your nomination, you agree to adhere the above policies if selected to serve on one of the STAR committees. 

      All committee and special interest committee, council, forum or alliances will be appointed by the committee and confirmed by the Board of Directors at their October Board Meeting. Committee appointment notices will be released in November.

  • Anti-Trust Policy & Statement

  • This will be read at the first meeting of the year and published at all meetings thereafter.

    The policy of the Suncoast Tampa Association of REALTORS®, hereinafter referred to as the “association,” is to adhere to all laws and to encourage and insist that members faithfully adhere to these laws at meetings and avoid even the appearance of unlawful action.

    The following topics shall not be discussed in formal or informal meetings:

    • Price (Discussing of price or price levels)
    • Commission rates
    • Commission splits
    • Market allocation
    • Discounting
    • Competitors’ business practices
    • Boycotting any member
    • Denying services to any member
    • Denying participation by any member

    Antitrust violations occur when:

    • Two or more persons from the same industry or profession discuss suppliers, processes, prices or operations.  Remove yourself from any conversation that would change how business is conducted because of a joint-agreement among competitors.
    • Two or more persons or entities refuse to maintain a relationship with a third party for the purpose of inducing the third party to conform its behavior to the desires of the boycotters.
    • Attempting to reduce or eliminate competition.  Coercion or elimination by collectively refusing to deal with a broker until he/she conforms conduct or goes out of business.
    • Exerting pressure on another party by collectively withholding or inducing others to withhold goods, services, or patronage essential to the competitor’s economic survival.

    Association meetings:  Associations are groups of competitors who come together to promote their common business interests.  As such, they are vulnerable to allegations that agreements by members to use identical business practices are illegal conspiracies.

    Avoid problems by remaining alert to meetings' discussions of commission rates, pricing structures, listing policies, or other brokers' marketing practices.

  • Code of Conduct

  • The Suncoast Tampa Association of REALTORS®,(hereinafter referred to as Association) has adopted the following Code of Conduct that all Association Officers, Directors committees, task force, council, and chapter leadership agree to adhere to by the acceptance of the office to which he or she is appointed or elected, to wit:

    Florida Statutes, Chapter 617, defines the general standards for a Director in Section 617.0830.  These statutes relate to the general operations of not-for-profit corporations in the State of Florida.  They reflect the highest standards of fiduciary responsibilities and the indemnification of volunteer Board members serving.

    Duty of Care
    The duty of care describes the level of competence that is expected of a board member and is commonly expressed as the duty of “care that an ordinary prudent person would exercise in a like position and under similar circumstances.”  This means that a board member owes the duty to exercise reasonable care when he or she makes a decision as a steward of the organization.

    Duty of Loyalty
    The duty of loyalty is a standard of faithfulness; a board member must give undivided allegiance when making decisions affecting the organization.  This means that a board member can never use information obtained as a member for personal gain but must act in the best interests of the organization.

    Duty of Obedience
    The duty of obedience requires board members to be faithful to the organization’s mission.  They are not permitted to act in a way that is inconsistent with the central goals of the organization.  This means that the board member will comply with all governing documents, policies, and procedures of the association

    1. Prohibition Against Private Inurement and Procedures for Managing Conflicts of Interest
    No member of the Board of Directors or Officer shall derive any personal profit or gain, directly or indirectly, by reason of his or her service as a Board Member or Association Officer.  Members of the Board, or Officers, shall conduct their personal affairs in such a manner as to avoid any possible conflict of interest with their duties and responsibilities as members of the Board, or any office of the Association.  Nevertheless, conflicts may arise from time to time.

    1. When there is a decision to be made or an action to be approved that will result in a conflict between the best interests of the Association and the Board Member’s or the Officer’s personal interests, the Board Member, or Officer, has a duty to immediately disclose the conflict of interest so that the rest of the Board’s decision making will be informed about the conflict.
    2. It is every Board Member’s, or Officer’s obligation, in accordance with this policy, to ensure that decisions made by the Board reflect independent thinking. Consequently, in the event that any Board Member, or Officer, receives compensation from a third party relating to the matter before the Board, such compensation will be approved by the full Board in advance.
    3. Any conflicts of interest, including, but not limited to financial interests, on the part of any Board Member, or Officer, shall be disclosed to the Board when the matter that reflects a conflict of interest becomes a matter of Board action.
    4. Any Board Member, or Officer having a conflict of interest shall not vote or use his or her personal influence to address the matter, and he or she shall not be counted in determining the quorum for the meeting.
    5. All conflicts disclosed to the Board will be made a matter of record in the minutes of the meeting in which the disclosure was made, which shall also note that the Board Member, or Officer, with a conflict abstained from the vote, and was not present for any discussion, as applicable and was not included in the count for the quorum for that meeting.
    6. Any new Board Member, or Officer, will be advised of this policy during Board orientation and all Board Members, and Officers, will be reminded of the Association Code of Conduct and of the procedures for disclosure of conflicts and for managing conflicts on a regular basis, at least once a year. 

    2. Prohibition against all forms of Harassment (Bylaws, Article VI, Section 10)
    The Association strives to maintain a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment. While all forms of harassment are prohibited, it is the Association’s policy to emphasize that sexual harassment is specifically prohibited. Any Board Member, or Officer, who engages in discriminatory or harassing conduct towards another person is subject to removal from the Board or from his or her office. Complaints alleging misconduct on the part of Board Members, or Officers, will be investigated promptly and as confidentially as possible by an investigation team as defined in Article VI, Section 10 of the Association Bylaws.

    3. Confidentiality
    Board Members are reminded that confidential financial, personnel and other matters concerning the Association and the Members and staff may be included in Board materials or discussed from time to time. Board Members and Officers shall not disclose such confidential information to anyone.

    4. Whistleblower
    The Association maintains a Whistleblower Policy that encourages all members of the board, staff and volunteers to come forward with creditable information on illegal practices or serious violations of adopted policies of the organization.  The Association will seek to protect the person from retaliation and identifies where such information can be reported. 

    5. Anti-Trust
    The policy of the organization is to adhere to all laws and to encourage and insist that members faithfully adhere to these laws at meetings and avoid even the appearance of unlawful action.  The following topics shall not be discussed in formal or informal meetings:  Price, commission rates, commission splits, market allocation, discounting, competitors’ business practices, boycotting any member, denying services to any member, or denying participation by any member.

    6. Active Participation
    Board Members and Officers are expected to exercise the duties and responsibilities of their positions with integrity, collegiality, and care. This includes:

    • Making attendance at all meetings of the board a high priority.
    • Being prepared to discuss the issues and business on the agenda and having read all background material relevant to the topics at hand.
    • Cooperating with and respecting the opinions of fellow Board Members, and Officers, and leaving personal prejudices out of all Board discussions, as well as supporting actions of the Board even when the Board Member, or Officer, personally did not support the action taken.
    • Putting the interests of the Association above personal interests.
    • Representing the Association with a positive and supportive manner and maintain the highest integrity, honesty, and ethical standards at all times and in all places.
    • Showing respect and courteous conduct in all Board and committee meetings.
    • Refraining from intruding on administrative and directional issues that are the responsibility of management, except to monitor the results and ensure that procedures are consistent with Board policy.
    • Declining to solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan or any other thing of monetary value from a person who is seeking to influence a decision or action, or seeking a contractual or other business or financial relationship with the Association.
    • Declining to seek preferential treatment by the Board, any of its committees, or any contractors or suppliers.
    • Conducting meetings, including Board meetings, annual meetings of the Members, and committee meetings, in a professional and businesslike manner.  Personal attacks against other Board Members, Association Officers or members, management, or guests are not consistent with the best interests of the Association and will not be tolerated.  Language at meetings shall be kept professional and in a businesslike manner.
    • Refraining from defaming anyone in the Association.  Board Members and Officers shall not engage in defamation, by any means, of any other Board Member, Association member, Association Officer, or management and staff.  The Association shall deem any Board Member, or Officer, who engages in defamation to be acting outside the scope of his or her authority as a Board Member, or Officer.

    7.  Hearing Process

    1. An individual observes an action appearing to be in conflict with the Board Code of Conduct. (Could be a REALTOR®, member of the public, a Board member, or an Officer.)
    2. Information is presented to a Board Member or Officer.
    3. If the respondent is a staff member or current President, the information will be presented to the Executive Committee or CEO. It will then be reviewed in Executive Session (without the respondent present) to determine if a violation occurred.
    4. If the deliberations above result in further action, the Executive Committee immediately orders a Professional Standards Committee to review the case and present a finding of facts to the Board of Directors at their next regular scheduled meeting, where the only agenda item is a vote on the appropriate disciplinary action.
    5. Action to be taken against the accused is approved by a majority Board vote, and the President of the Board takes steps to implement the action.

    8. Discipline
    Upon the substantiation of any complaint of the violation of the Code of Conduct, the Association reserves the right to take any necessary and appropriate action against a volunteer member.  Actions may include, but are not limited to, any of the following:

    • Prohibition from attendance at future Association meetings or events
    • Removal from a Committee or Board appointment
    • Censure
    • Expulsion from membership
    • Attendance at specific educational classes
    • Assessment of a fine
    • Non endorsement to Florida Realtor and NAR Committees
    • Referral to a law/governmental enforcement agency

  • Social Media Policy

  • As used in these Social Media Guidelines (Guidelines),"Suncoast Tampa Association of REALTORS®, (hereinafter referred to as association) leaders” include elected and appointed officers, directors, committee chairs and vice chairs, and other members appointed to positions of leadership by the association Leadership Team.

    Social media is a powerful and effective communication and engagement tool, and the association encourages its leaders to utilize social media to help raise awareness of the association’s work and issues of interest to REALTORS® and consumers. These Guidelines for association Leaders are intended to enable its leaders to maintain their ability to express themselves personally on social media while also ensuring that the reputation and work of the association is protected. In furtherance of these objectives, association leaders should try to follow these Guidelines:

    1. While the President is the chief spokesperson for the association, all association leaders are encouraged to use social media to promote the association’s mission, policy positions, advocacy efforts, and other association news.
    2. Unless otherwise stated, it is acceptable to repost or share association published communications and established policy positions.
    3. Always be professional and ethical when engaging in social media and avoid making statements or posting photographs that could reasonably harm the association.
    4. In the capacity of an association leader, avoid making statements contrary to association public positions on issues, including but not limited to contrary statements about appointees, elected officials or candidates, and legislative or regulatory matters.
    5. When reasonably necessary or useful, include a disclaimer that views expressed by the association leaders are personal to the individual and do not represent the official views of the association.
    6. Do not disclose any confidential information.
    7. Do not call for a boycott of a product, service, or company.
    8. Avoid any connection to the association when making personal statements of endorsement or opposition to particular products, services, or companies.
    9. Respect third-party intellectual property and always use NAR’s trademarks in accordance with NAR’s Membership Marks Manual. REALTOR® means a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and must not be used generically as a synonym for the occupation of “real estate agent” or “broker.”
    10. If an association leader is unsure whether a particular communication is appropriate, that association leader should refrain from making the social media post or contact the President or Co-CEOs prior to publishing the post.

    Association leaders who do not adhere to these Guidelines or who otherwise act inappropriately when engaging in social media may be contacted by the President or Co-CEOs to resolve the situation, which may include withdrawing, correcting, or revising the communication at issue.

  • Should be Empty: