MLS rules · Florida · Stellar MLS
Stellar MLS: three places to disclose a staged photo
Stellar is the strictest board we have read. The same fact has to appear in a text field, in a checkbox and in the opening words of the public remarks, and some listings cannot be staged at all.
The rule, quoted
Disclosure of virtually-staged photo(s) is required in the specified field, namely the photo description entry field by adding the words “Virtually staged” and by checking the virtually staged field. Additionally, the first words of the public remarks must read “One or more photo(s) was virtually staged.” Photos must always present a “True Picture” of the property.
Stellar MLS Rules and Regulations, Article 04.04: Virtually Staged Photos (amended 1/2021). Page last updated 2026-09-27; checked 2026-11-01.
The three placements
Photo description field
Add the words “Virtually staged” to the description attached to the photo itself.
The staged-photo field
Tick the virtually staged checkbox. The field is separate from the text and both are required.
First words of the remarks
The public remarks must begin with “One or more photo(s) was virtually staged.” Not end with it, and not paraphrase it.
Where Stellar bans staging outright
- Pre-construction and under-construction listings.
- Exterior staging, except unattached furniture and décor.
- Permanent fixtures that are attached, removed, altered or added.
- Visual elements outside the owner’s control, including gulf or ocean views, landmarks and lighting.
- Removing a negative visual element: a hole in the wall, exposed wiring, damaged flooring.
- Branding, people, or words placed on the photo.
- Distorting the dimensions of a room.
What a breach costs
The article states that failure to comply results in the virtually staged photos being removed from the service and an automatic fine under the Automatic Fine Schedule, Level I, referring to Article 11, Section 4.3.
Questions
Can I put the sentence anywhere in the remarks?
No. The rule says the first words of the public remarks must read that sentence. Put it first, then write the rest.
Do I need the original photo too?
Stellar’s published article does not require the unaltered image in the listing. CRMLS and ARMLS do, so a listing that goes to both needs it anyway.
Can I stage a new-build listing?
Not while it is pre-construction or under construction. The article bans staging for those listings outright.
Sources
- Stellar MLS, Article 04.04: Virtually Staged Photos — page last updated 2026-09-27.
Next: the remark sentence, copy-paste · all boards · rule changes.
Not legal advice; refer to the official rule text.