Becoming a real estate appraiser is a great option if you want to operate your own business with a flexible schedule and a reliable income, but you probably have questions on how to get started. To help you get on the path to your new career, we’re walking you through how to become an appraiser in Florida.
Want to learn more about an appraiser’s earning potential? Download our FREE 2023 Appraisal Salary Guide.
What does a real estate appraiser in Florida do?
Real estate appraisers determine the fair market value of a property. This service is typically needed when a buyer has put in an offer on a property and the mortgage company wants to verify that the property is worth at least what the seller is asking. However, people also need an appraisal to determine a property’s value when they want to refinance or get a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or during a divorce or estate planning.
The appraiser performs a comprehensive on-site inspection that includes:
- Determining the condition of the interior and exterior
- The materials used in the building
- Property amenities (such as a pool, outbuilding or auxiliary dwelling unit, or finished basement)
- Lot size
- Building square footage
The property-specific details are just one factor of the appraisal. The appraiser also researches the current real estate market and comparable local properties, weighing their findings against these factors. With their on-site inspection and off-site research complete, they can draft their appraisal report.
Types of Florida real estate appraisers
In Florida, there are three licensing levels that determine the parameters of your work:
- Trainee Appraisers are at the beginning of their careers and only allowed to perform on-site appraisals, research, and draft reports under the supervision of a Certified Residential or Certified General Supervisor.
- Certified Residential Appraisers only appraise one to four unit residential properties (such as single-family houses, duplexes, and triplexes) of any value.
- Certified General Appraisers appraise any type of property, including residential, commercial, and multi-family units. This is the highest level of certification.
How to become an appraiser in Florida
Your career starts as a trainee appraiser. To become one, you need to be 18 years of age, hold a valid high school diploma or its equivalent, and complete these steps:
- Complete 100 hours of Qualified Education
- This includes 30 hours of appraisal principles, 30 hours of appraisal procedures, the 15-hour National Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (or USPAP) course, and 25 hours of appraisal electives.
- Take a 4-hour Supervisor-Trainee Course
- Connect with a Certified Residential or Certified General Supervisor
- Apply with the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board (this involves paying a fee and having a background check and fingerprint scan completed)
Once you receive your trainee license, you can begin working with your supervisory appraiser to begin getting the experience you need to become a Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser.
After you’ve completed all your coursework hours, you can apply through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for trainee certification. Don’t forget your $230 fee!
How long does it take to become a Florida real estate appraiser?
Getting started as an appraiser in Florida is actually pretty quick compared to other career paths. You can complete your 100 hours of Qualifying Education plus your Supervisor-Trainee course online through self-paced study or through livestream courses, so you have more control over the timeline. The background check and the state board’s processing your application may take a few weeks or longer, but once you have those, you can start working as a trainee.
Benefits to becoming an appraiser in Florida
Becoming a property appraiser in Florida offers a variety of opportunities. Not only do you have the freedom that comes from having your own business, you have greater control over your schedule and your income. Florida is continually growing, which means it also has a stronger, more stable housing market than other states which provides more demand and security for real estate appraisers.
Even if the housing market slows down, appraisers are still needed to perform valuations for foreclosures and estate planning, Plus, there are other “side hustles” you can offer, such as expert witness testimony and tax assessment. We recommend obtaining the Certified General Appraisal license as this offers more opportunities to grow your business.
How much do appraisers make in Florida?
The median salary as of July 2024 for residential real estate appraisers in Florida is $56,7791, but the range is fairly wide, with most salaries falling between $49,000 and $67,000. For Certified General Appraisers, or commercial appraisers, the median salary is $109,8432 with most salaries falling between $94,000 and $128,000.
It’s important to note that several factors will affect the salary for real estate appraisers in Florida:
- License level: The more advanced your certification, the more you’re likely to make. For example, trainees typically don’t earn as much as a Certified Residential or General Appraiser.
- Location: Appraisers in Miami or Boca Raton are more likely to earn more than appraisers in more rural parts of the state.
- The Florida cities with the highest salary for real estate appraisers include:
- Lakeland ($90,319)
- Tampa ($87,029)
- Miami ($79,775)
- Fort Myers ($76,918)
- Orlando ($76,629)
- Jacksonville ($75,979)
- The Florida cities with the highest salary for real estate appraisers include:
- Experience: More experience typically translates into a higher income because you’ll have a larger network, will be more efficient so you can finish jobs more quickly, and take on more projects.
How to Maximize Your Appraisal Salary in Florida
There are a few ways you can increase your salary as a full-time appraiser:
- Move into commercial real estate–if you’re in the early stages of your appraisal career, residential real estate is a great way to gain experience. However, earning your Certified General Appraiser license will allow you to appraise commercial properties, which have a much higher value than the average residence.
- Work as an independent appraiser–while the stability of working as an in-house appraiser at a firm is alluring, working for yourself means you can select only those appraisal jobs you want, meaning you have the flexibility of focusing on high-paying assignments.
- Appraise luxury units–the luxury market offers higher property values, meaning you can charge more for your appraisal.
Florida appraisal license reciprocity
If you’re licensed out-of-state, you can appraise real estate in Florida, so long as you meet a few criteria:
- Have your certified residential or certified general appraiser license in another state
- Answer background questions
- Complete the Florida Supplemental Exam
- File your application, complete with a $351 fee
You also have the option of applying for a temporary practice permit with which you can practice in Florida so long as you are certified elsewhere and are in good standing with their state board. Just submit an application and a $50 fee prior to your assignment. This permit is only good for a single appraisal assignment, although this may be comprised of multiple property appraisals.
Take the first step to become an appraiser in Florida
Now that you know how to become an appraiser in Florida, it’s time to get started, and McKissock will be with you every step of the way. We offer convenient, comprehensive Qualifying Education for appraisers in Florida that meet state requirements and prepare you for success. And when you’re ready to upgrade your license, we have the appraisal classes, exam prep, and Florida continuing education to keep you on track.
Have questions? McKissock’s Education Specialists can help you understand all of the requirements to become a real estate appraiser in Florida. Call us at 877.204.1039.
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