Real estate appraisers provide impartial, credible estimates of a property’s value. This valuation is important for mortgage lending, property taxation, and real estate transactions in Florida. The profession offers specialized expertise and professional independence. The licensing process is overseen by the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board (FREAB), which mandates a clear progression of credentials.
Understanding the Florida Appraisal Licensing Tiers
The path to full licensure in Florida is structured around a tiered system that determines the complexity and value of the properties an appraiser is authorized to evaluate. This progression is established by the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board and is outlined in Chapter 475, Part II, of the Florida Statutes. Each level builds upon the previous one, requiring additional education and experience to advance.
The initial level is the Registered Trainee Appraiser, which allows an individual to gain experience only under direct supervision. The next step is the Licensed Residential Appraiser, which grants the authority to appraise non-complex residential properties of one to four units up to a specific transaction value. The Certified Residential Appraiser can appraise all residential properties of one to four units regardless of transaction value or complexity. Finally, the Certified General Appraiser holds the highest credential, authorized to appraise any type of real property, including complex commercial and industrial assets.
General Prerequisites for Florida Licensure
All individuals seeking to enter the appraisal profession in Florida must meet several baseline requirements before beginning their education or application process. An applicant must be at least 18 years of age and must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. These standards apply universally, regardless of the specific license tier being pursued.
The application process requires a character and background check conducted by the state. Applicants must submit electronic fingerprints using a LiveScan Service Provider registered with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). This process facilitates the criminal history disclosure required by the FREAB. All applicants must also possess a valid United States Social Security number to complete their application.
Step 1: Becoming a Registered Trainee Appraiser
Registering as a Trainee Appraiser is the foundational step for accumulating experience hours. This initial status requires 100 hours of approved qualifying education courses. The curriculum must include the 30-hour Basic Appraisal Principles course, the 30-hour Basic Appraisal Procedures course, and the 15-hour National Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) course.
The remaining hours are electives, including specific courses on Florida law and rules, and the supervisory/trainee relationship. A Trainee Appraiser cannot work independently and must operate under the direct supervision of a Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser. The Trainee must secure a Supervisory Appraiser who agrees to mentor them and register this relationship with the state.
The supervisor is responsible for overseeing the Trainee’s work and signing off on all experience logs. This mentor must be in good standing with the FREAB and must also complete a course specific to the duties and responsibilities of a supervisor.
Step 2: Upgrading to a Licensed Residential Appraiser
Upgrading to a Licensed Residential Appraiser permits the appraiser to work independently on specific types of property. To qualify, the applicant must complete additional qualifying education, bringing the total to 150 classroom hours. This coursework focuses on advanced residential appraisal topics, such as market analysis, site valuation, and the income approach.
The Trainee must accumulate a minimum of 1,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience over a period of at least six months under a supervisor. This experience must be documented on state-approved work logs, detailing the dates, property type, and hours spent on each assignment. Once requirements are met, the applicant becomes eligible to apply for the state licensing examination.
The scope of practice for the Licensed Residential Appraiser is limited to specific types of one-to-four unit residential properties based on complexity and transaction value. This license allows the appraiser to work independently. It serves as a bridge while the appraiser continues to accrue the necessary hours and education for the Certified Residential credential.
Advancing to Certified Levels
Certified Residential Appraiser
To become a Certified Residential Appraiser, an applicant must complete a total of 200 classroom hours of approved qualifying education. This credential requires a minimum of 1,500 hours of appraisal experience accumulated over no less than 12 months. Applicants must also satisfy a mandatory college-level education requirement by holding an associate’s degree or higher in any field of study.
Certified General Appraiser
The Certified General Appraiser holds the highest credential, offering the broadest scope of practice. This level requires a total of 300 classroom hours of qualifying education and a bachelor’s degree or higher. The experience requirement is 3,000 hours over a minimum of 18 months, with at least 1,500 of those hours dedicated to non-residential property appraisals.
The Final Licensing and Examination Process
Once all education and experience requirements are satisfied, the administrative phase of the licensing process begins. The applicant must submit a comprehensive application package to the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board (FREAB) for review and approval to test. This application includes supporting documentation, such as course completion certificates and verified experience logs.
The FREAB must approve the application before the candidate is authorized to schedule the required state examination. The exam is a standardized test covering appraisal principles, procedures, and Florida law, administered by a state-contracted testing vendor. A passing score of 75% is required to successfully complete the examination. Upon passing, the applicant submits their final application and pays all state fees to receive their official license or certification.
Maintaining Your Florida Appraisal License
The requirements for a Florida appraisal license do not end once the credential is issued, as the state mandates continuing education (CE) to maintain professional competency and compliance. Appraisers must complete a minimum of 30 hours of FREAB-approved continuing education during each two-year renewal cycle. Licenses expire on November 30 of even-numbered years.
Mandatory education includes a 7-hour National USPAP Update course, which must be taken every two years. Additionally, a minimum of three course hours must be dedicated to a review and update of the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Law and Board Rules. Timely license renewal and completion of all CE hours are necessary to avoid late fees or license expiration.