What is the typical time frame for depositing earnest money into a broker's trust account after contract execution?

EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT TIMING is specified by state law and the purchase contract. Most states require deposit within: 1 business day (strict states); 2-3 business days (most common); some states specify 'promptly' which is interpreted as 1-3 business days. Holding earnest money for longer than required — even temporarily — may constitute an improper 'float' on client funds. Some purchase contracts specify the deposit timeline regardless of state minimums (e.g., 'deposit within 48 hours of contract acceptance'). The contract governs; if the contract requires deposit sooner than state law requires, the contract timeline controls for that transaction. Delayed deposit is a civil violation even when eventually corrected.