Quick Answer
Most Tampa Bay listings go through Stellar MLS. Photos must be your own or licensed work (no scraped or watermarked images), free of agent branding or contact info in the image itself, and any virtually staged photo must be disclosed as such. There's no hard MLS-enforced resolution minimum, but low-res or over-edited photos get flagged in listing quality reviews.
Stellar MLS covers most of the Tampa Bay area — Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and surrounding counties. Unlike Illinois' MRED, Stellar's photo rules are less about hard technical specs and more about disclosure and fair representation of the property. Here's what actually matters.
The Core Rules
No Agent Branding in the Photo Itself
Logos, contact information, or watermarks baked into the image are not allowed on MLS photos. Branding belongs on the listing page itself — not layered onto the photo.
Virtual Staging Must Be Disclosed
If a photo has been virtually staged (furniture added digitally to an empty room), it must be labeled as virtually staged, either directly on the image or in the listing photo caption. This protects buyers from confusing digital staging with the home's actual condition.
Photos Must Represent the Actual Property
Heavy editing that misrepresents the property — removing structural issues, altering room dimensions, or combining multiple angles into one deceptive image — violates fair representation standards and can trigger a complaint.
No Watermarked or Licensed Stock Photos
Every photo on a listing must be of the actual property, taken by or licensed to the listing agent or their photographer. Stock photography of a similar-looking home is not permitted.
Practical Technical Recommendations
Even where Stellar MLS doesn't enforce a hard technical minimum, buyers on Zillow and Realtor.com will judge low-quality photos harshly. K94 delivers every listing at these specs by default:
- Minimum 2048px on the long edge, web and MLS ready
- HDR-processed interiors to handle Florida's bright exterior light against darker interiors
- No visible sky blowout from glare off pools or water — a common Tampa Bay problem with unedited photos
- Consistent horizon lines and vertical correction on exterior shots
Common Rejection Reasons
- Undisclosed virtual staging
- Visible agent logo or phone number in the photo
- Photos that don't match the property (wrong unit in a condo building, outdated photos after renovation)
- Excessively edited photos that misrepresent room size or condition
K94 delivers every shoot MLS-ready and pre-checked against these rules — no branding baked in, virtual staging clearly flagged when used, and consistent, honest editing that represents the home accurately.
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