FL S0744

Creates licensing programs within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation for property insurance appraisal umpires (Part XVII) and property insurance appraisers (Part XVIII), effective October 1, 2016.

Establishes educational and experience requirements for licensure, including options such as current professional engineer/architect/attorney licenses, contractor licenses within 5 years, baccalaureate degrees in related fields, 40 hours of classroom coursework, or 5 years as a licensed adjuster (3 years for appraisers).

Exempts retired judges and certified mediators from examination requirements; requires applicants to pass examinations, submit fingerprints for background checks, and complete continuing education (30 hours plus 5 hours ethics) every 2 years for license renewal.

Sets maximum fees including $200 application fee, $200 examination fee, $250 initial license fee, and $500 biennial renewal fee; establishes grounds for license denial, suspension, or revocation including fraud, criminal convictions, and violations of ethical standards.

Mandates ethical standards requiring confidentiality, reasonable fee structures not contingent on outcomes, 5-year record retention, honest advertising, and independent judgment free from appointing party control or predetermined results.