FCC Compliance Changes Postponed Until 2026

What This Means for Your Business

The FCC’s proposed compliance changes, initially set to take effect in 2025, have now been officially postponed until February 2026. This delay comes after significant industry pushback and a recent ruling by the 11th Circuit Court, which found that the FCC overstepped its statutory authority.

While this postponement gives businesses more time to adjust, it also serves as a reminder that compliance is crucial. The lead generation industry narrowly avoided significant disruption, and the responsibility now falls on businesses to implement best practices proactively.

FCC Compliance Checklist for Realtors

To avoid compliance issues and ensure your outreach strategies align with regulations, follow these key guidelines:

Consent Requirements
  • Obtain explicit, written consent for calls and texts.
  • Ensure consent is individualized for your business.
  • Verify consent for leads purchased from third parties.

DNC Registry Compliance
  • Check numbers against the National Do Not Call Registry before outreach.
  • Do not contact numbers on the registry without express consent.

Revocation Procedures
  • Implement easy opt-out methods, such as “Reply STOP.”
  • Honor opt-out requests within 10 business days.

Record-Keeping
  • Log all consents with dates, times, and sources.
  • Track opt-out requests and compliance follow-ups.

Training Your Team
  • Educate your team about new FCC regulations.
  • Ensure all communications comply with consent and DNC requirements.

Pro Tip: Regularly audit your processes and tools to ensure compliance. This not only protects your business but also builds trust with your clients.

Consent Scripts and Templates for Realtors

Having the right consent language is essential for compliance. Here are some templates you can use:

1. Text Message Consent Script
Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] with [Your Company]. I’d love to share updates about [real estate topic, e.g., new listings in your area]. Reply YES to opt-in!

2. Call Consent Script
Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] from [Your Company]. I’d like to provide updates about opportunities in your area. Is it okay if I follow up via text or call?

3. Open House Consent Script
Thank you for stopping by! If you’d like updates about listings, market trends, or future open houses, please provide your phone number or email and sign here: [Consent Line].

4. Follow-Up Consent for Past Clients
Email Version:
Subject: Can I stay in touch?
Hi [Name], I loved working with you and want to share occasional updates about the market. Can I send you a quick note or text from time to time? Click here to confirm: [Link].

Text Version:
Hi [Name], it’s [Your Name]. I’d love to stay in touch and share updates about real estate. Let me know if it’s okay to text you!

5. Updated Website Form Consent Language
By submitting this form, you agree to receive communications from [Your Company], including phone calls, text messages, and emails about [specific topics, e.g., real estate listings, market updates, and promotions]. These communications may use automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. You can opt out at any time by replying STOP or contacting us directly.

6. Revocation Response Script (If Someone Revokes Consent)
Hi [Name], we’ve received your request to opt-out of communications. We’ve updated our records and will no longer contact you. Please let us know if there’s anything we can assist with in the future.

Lead Compliance Tracker

A simple way to track your leads and ensure compliance. Suggested fields include:

  • Lead Name: e.g., John Doe

  • Contact Information: e.g., 123-456-7890

  • Date of Consent: e.g., January 1, 2025

  • Method of Consent: e.g., Text, Call, Website Form

  • Opt-Out Status (Y/N): e.g., N

  • Notes: e.g., “Opted in via website form.”

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