FL S1552

Creates registration requirement for appraisal management companies with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, with exemptions for entities owned primarily by certified/licensed appraisers and certain financial institutions.

Requires fingerprinting and criminal history checks for persons controlling appraisal management companies and establishes qualifications standards similar to those for individual appraisers.

Expands disciplinary grounds to include appraisal management companies and adds specific prohibitions on influencing appraiser independence through payment withholding, compensation promises, removal from panels, or provision of predetermined valuations.

Establishes registration and renewal fees for appraisal management companies (not to exceed $150 for initial application and $150 annually for renewal) and requires rules protecting appraiser signatures.

Extends appraisal record retention requirements to appraisal management companies for 5 years or per Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, whichever is longer, effective July 1, 2010.