What Are the Steps to Become a Real Estate Appraiser in Florida?

Becoming a real estate appraiser in Florida offers a rewarding career path for those interested in property valuation, market analysis, and the dynamic world of real estate. As the Sunshine State continues to attract homebuyers, investors, and developers, the demand for skilled appraisers who can accurately assess property values remains strong. Whether you’re seeking a new profession or aiming to expand your expertise within the real estate industry, understanding the steps to become a licensed appraiser in Florida is essential.

This career combines analytical skills with a deep knowledge of local markets, legal regulations, and appraisal methodologies. Aspiring appraisers must navigate a structured process that ensures they are well-prepared to provide reliable and unbiased property valuations. The journey involves education, practical experience, and meeting state licensing requirements designed to uphold high professional standards.

In the following sections, you’ll discover an overview of what it takes to enter this field, including the qualifications needed and the general pathway to licensure. This guide will equip you with the foundational understanding to confidently pursue a career as a real estate appraiser in Florida.

Educational and Training Requirements

Aspiring real estate appraisers in Florida must complete specific educational courses to meet the state licensing requirements. These courses are designed to provide foundational knowledge and practical skills in real estate appraisal principles, procedures, and ethics.

The Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board (FREAB) mandates that candidates complete approved pre-licensing education hours before applying for a license. The required coursework varies depending on the license level sought:

Trainee Appraiser: Requires 75 hours of qualifying education, including courses on basic appraisal principles and procedures.
Licensed Residential Appraiser: Requires an additional 150 hours, covering residential appraisal and related subjects.
Certified Residential Appraiser: Requires 200 hours, with advanced coursework focusing on residential property valuation.
Certified General Appraiser: Requires 300 hours, including complex appraisal topics for all property types.

These courses can be completed through state-approved education providers, either in-person or online, offering flexibility for candidates.

Experience Requirements and Log

Practical experience is a critical component of becoming a licensed appraiser in Florida. The experience must be gained under the supervision of a certified appraiser and documented meticulously.

The required experience hours differ by license level:

Trainee Appraisers must complete at least 1,000 hours of experience within a minimum of six months.
Licensed Residential Appraisers need 1,500 hours over no less than 12 months.
Certified Residential Appraisers require 2,500 hours spanning at least 24 months.
Certified General Appraisers must accumulate 3,000 hours, including 1,500 hours in non-residential appraisal work, over a minimum of 30 months.

Experience logs must detail each appraisal assignment, including dates, types of property appraised, and the candidate’s role in the process. These logs are submitted to the FREAB for review during the licensing process.

Licensing Examination Details

Once the educational and experience prerequisites are fulfilled, candidates must pass the Florida real estate appraiser licensing examination. The exam is designed to assess knowledge of appraisal concepts, Florida-specific laws, and ethical standards.

Key aspects of the licensing exam include:

Administered by a third-party testing service authorized by FREAB.
Multiple-choice format with a time limit.
Covers topics such as appraisal foundations, procedures, Florida statutes, and USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice).
Requires a passing score, typically set around 75%.

Candidates should prepare thoroughly using study guides and practice exams provided by approved educational institutions or professional associations.

License Application Process and Fees

After passing the exam, candidates submit their application to the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board. The application process includes verification of education, experience, and examination results.

The application must include:

Completed application form.
Official transcripts or certificates from educational courses.
Experience logs signed by supervising appraisers.
Examination score report.
Fingerprints for a background check.
Payment of application and licensing fees.

Below is a summary of the typical fees involved:

Fee Type	Amount	Due At
Application Fee	$100 – $150	When submitting application
Examination Fee	$110 – $150	Prior to taking exam
License Issuance Fee	$150 – $200	Upon approval of application
Fingerprinting Fee	$50 – $75	At time of background check

Applicants are encouraged to verify current fee schedules on the FREAB website, as fees may be subject to change.

Maintaining and Renewing Your Real Estate Appraiser License

After obtaining a license, appraisers must comply with ongoing requirements to maintain good standing. This includes completing continuing education and renewing the license periodically.

Key maintenance requirements include:

Completing 28 hours of continuing education every two years, including a 7-hour USPAP update course.
Renewing the license before the expiration date, typically every two years.
Submitting renewal applications with applicable fees.
Staying informed about changes in Florida appraisal laws and ethical standards.

Failure to meet these requirements can result in suspension or revocation of the license, impacting an appraiser’s ability to practice legally within Florida.

Educational and Experience Requirements for Real Estate Appraisers in Florida

To become a licensed real estate appraiser in Florida, candidates must meet specific educational and experience criteria established by the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board (FREAB). These requirements are designed to ensure appraisers possess the necessary knowledge and practical skills to perform accurate and ethical property valuations.

Educational Prerequisites

Florida mandates completion of appraisal education courses that align with the applicant’s desired license level. The primary license categories include Trainee, Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, and Certified General Appraiser. Each level has progressively more stringent educational requirements:

License Level	Required Appraisal Education	Additional Education Requirements
Trainee Appraiser	Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hours) Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hours) 15-hour USPAP course	None
Licensed Residential Appraiser	All Trainee courses plus Residential Market Analysis and Highest & Best Use (15 hours) Residential Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach (15 hours)	High school diploma or equivalent
Certified Residential Appraiser	All Licensed Residential courses plus Advanced Residential Applications and Case Studies (15 hours) Statistics, Modeling, and Finance (15 hours)	Associate degree or higher (or 30 semester hours of college credit)
Certified General Appraiser	All Certified Residential courses plus General Appraiser Market Analysis and Highest & Best Use (30 hours) General Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach (30 hours) General Appraiser Sales Comparison Approach (30 hours) General Appraiser Income Approach (60 hours)	Bachelor’s degree or higher

Experience Requirements

Hands-on appraisal experience is critical for license advancement. The FREAB requires documented, verifiable appraisal hours supervised by a certified appraiser. Minimum experience hours vary by license type:

Trainee Appraiser: No minimum hours required to register, but must accumulate hours under supervision before applying for a Licensed Residential license.
Licensed Residential Appraiser: 1,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience over at least 6 months.
Certified Residential Appraiser: 1,500 hours of experience over a minimum of 12 months, with at least 50% from residential appraisals.
Certified General Appraiser: 3,000 hours of experience over at least 18 months, including 1,500 hours in non-residential appraisals.

Experience must be logged with detailed reports and verified by the supervising appraiser. This practical training ensures applicants can competently apply appraisal principles in real-world scenarios.

Licensing Process and Examination

Upon completing education and experience requirements, candidates must successfully pass the Florida Real Estate Appraiser Licensing Exam. The exam evaluates knowledge of appraisal principles, Florida laws, and the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Steps to Obtain a Real Estate Appraiser License in Florida

Submit Application: File an application with FREAB including proof of education, experience, and background check.
Receive Approval: Wait for application approval before scheduling the licensing exam.
Pass the Exam: Take and pass the state-approved appraisal licensing exam.
Obtain License: After passing, receive the official appraisal license from FREAB.
Register as Trainee (if applicable): Trainees must register with the board and work under a licensed appraiser’s supervision.

Examination Details

Exam Component	Description	Passing Score	Time Limit
National Portion	Questions on USPAP, appraisal ethics, and federal regulations	75%	3 hours
State Portion	Florida-specific laws, rules, and licensing requirements	75%	2 hours

Applicants are advised to prepare thoroughly using FREAB-approved study materials and practice exams. Passing both portions is mandatory to obtain licensure.

Continuing Education and License Renewal Requirements

Maintaining an active real estate appraiser license in Florida requires compliance with ongoing education and renewal regulations to ensure appraisers stay current with industry standards and legal requirements.

Continuing Education (CE)

Appraisers must complete 14

Expert Perspectives on Becoming a Real Estate Appraiser in Florida

Jessica Martinez (Certified Real Estate Appraiser & Instructor, Florida Appraisal Institute). Becoming a licensed real estate appraiser in Florida requires a combination of formal education, practical experience, and passing the state exam. Prospective appraisers must complete specific coursework approved by the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board and accumulate a minimum number of supervised appraisal hours before applying for certification. Staying current with Florida’s unique market trends and regulatory changes is essential for success in this profession.

David Chen (Senior Appraisal Analyst, Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation). The pathway to becoming a real estate appraiser in Florida is structured to ensure competency and professionalism. Candidates should prioritize gaining hands-on experience through mentorship programs while fulfilling the educational requirements. Additionally, understanding Florida’s legal framework and ethical standards is critical, as these govern appraisal practices and protect consumers in the real estate market.

Linda Gomez (Real Estate Appraisal Consultant & Former Florida Appraisal Board Member). Aspiring appraisers in Florida must approach their career development with diligence and attention to detail. Completing the required 75-hour qualifying education course, passing the national and state exams, and maintaining continuing education credits are foundational steps. Networking with experienced appraisers and joining professional organizations can also provide valuable insights and support throughout the certification process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the basic requirements to become a real estate appraiser in Florida?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, complete the required education hours, and pass the Florida state licensing exam.

How many education hours are required before applying for a real estate appraiser license in Florida?
The number of required education hours varies by license level: 75 hours for Trainee Appraiser, 150 hours for Licensed Residential Appraiser, and 200 hours for Certified Residential Appraiser.

Is experience required to become a licensed real estate appraiser in Florida?
Yes, applicants must complete a specified number of supervised appraisal hours: 1,000 hours for Trainee Appraisers and additional hours for higher license levels as mandated by Florida regulations.

What exams must I pass to become a licensed real estate appraiser in Florida?
Applicants must pass the national Uniform Appraiser Examination and the Florida state-specific exam relevant to their license level.

How do I apply for a real estate appraiser license in Florida?
Applicants must submit an application through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), including proof of education, experience, and exam results, along with the required fees.

Are continuing education requirements necessary to maintain a real estate appraiser license in Florida?
Yes, licensed appraisers must complete 28 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their license and stay compliant with Florida regulations.
Becoming a real estate appraiser in Florida requires a combination of education, practical experience, and successful completion of licensing examinations. Prospective appraisers must first fulfill the state-mandated educational requirements, which include specific appraisal courses approved by the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board. Following this, candidates must accumulate the necessary hours of supervised experience under a licensed appraiser to develop the skills and knowledge essential for accurate property valuation.

After meeting the education and experience prerequisites, candidates must pass the state licensing exam to obtain their appraiser license. Maintaining the license involves adhering to continuing education requirements and complying with Florida’s regulatory standards. It is also important for appraisers to stay updated on market trends, appraisal methodologies, and legal regulations to provide reliable and ethical appraisal services.

Overall, the path to becoming a licensed real estate appraiser in Florida is structured to ensure that professionals are well-prepared to serve the real estate market with integrity and expertise. By committing to the required education, gaining practical experience, and maintaining ongoing professional development, individuals can build a successful career in this specialized field.
Author Profile

Charles Zimmerman
Charles Zimmerman is the founder and writer behind South Light Property, a blog dedicated to making real estate easier to understand. Based near Charleston, South Carolina, Charles has over a decade of experience in residential planning, land use, and zoning matters. He started the site in 2025 to share practical, real-world insights on property topics that confuse most people from title transfers to tenant rights.

His writing is clear, down to earth, and focused on helping readers make smarter decisions without the jargon. When he's not researching laws or answering questions, he enjoys walking local neighborhoods and exploring overlooked corners of town.
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