Who can receive referral fee?

[Tara Lambert]

Hi All, 

I've recently gotten my NC Real Estate License and am looking to invest in my first vacation property in Gatlinburg, TN. The agent I've been speaking with there, says I have to be actively working under a firm to receive the referral fee. Is that true? My Mother (who is also an NC agent, not actively working under a firm) has sold her 2 homes and her realtor has given her both referrals at 6%. Are there separate laws in TN? 

Thanks, 
Tara