There are three designations available to property appraisers and their employees through the Department of Revenue. The Certified Florida Appraiser (CFA) designation is for the elected or appointed constitutional officer in each county serving as property appraiser. The Certified Florida Evaluator (CFE) and Certified Cadastralist of Florida (CCF) designations are for property appraiser or Department of Revenue employees. Only the CFA has recertification requirements. While the courses needed for the CFA and CFE designations are the same, the CCF requirements are totally different.

To qualify for one of the professional designations, an applicant must have two years experience with a tax collector, property appraiser or the Department of Revenue. Elected officials must meet all criteria within four years of taking office to receive their special qualification salary. All applicants must attend a minimum of 120 total hours of approved courses and pass their tests. IAAO courses are offered three times annually in central Florida by the department to satisfy this requirement. All designation holders must pay renewal dues and all certifications expire when the holder leaves the employment of the property appraiser or the department.

To be recertified, Certified Florida Appraisers and Certified Florida Collectors must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 24 hours of instruction approved as described in Rule 12-9.001(11), each calendar year and pay a recertification fee. Certified Florida Evaluators must complete a minimum of 24 hours of instruction over a five year period and Certified Cadastralist of Florida designees must complete a minimum of 24 hours of instruction over a three year period.