Florida Divorce Appraisers

Can AppraiseItNow handle divorce appraisals in Florida?

Yes, AppraiseItNow provides divorce appraisals throughout Florida. Our certified appraisers are experienced with the documentation and valuation standards Florida courts require for equitable distribution proceedings.

What kinds of assets can be appraised for a Florida divorce?

We appraise a wide range of personal and business assets commonly divided in divorce, including vehicles, equipment, jewelry, art and collectibles, business interests, and inventory. Our appraisers can value individual items or entire collections depending on what your case requires.

Are AppraiseItNow divorce appraisals USPAP compliant?

Every appraisal we produce follows the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. USPAP compliance is essential for divorce appraisals because Florida courts require valuations to be supported by competent, substantial evidence, and adherence to these standards helps establish that credibility.

Why would someone in Florida specifically need a divorce appraisal?

Florida's equitable distribution law under Florida Statute 61.075 requires courts to divide marital assets fairly, which means every asset needs a defensible fair market value. Florida also has unique considerations like the homestead property tax cap, which creates a significant gap between county assessed values and actual market value, making professional appraisals especially important for accurate division.

Can I get a divorce appraisal done remotely if I'm in Florida?

Yes, many of our appraisals can be completed remotely using photos, documentation, and digital records you submit online. For certain asset types, an in-person inspection may be needed, but our team will let you know what is required for your specific situation.

How is pricing determined for a divorce appraisal in Florida?

Fees depend on the asset type and scope of the assignment. Visit our pricing page for ranges or contact us directly.

How long does a Florida divorce appraisal typically take?

Turnaround times vary by asset type:

• Vehicles: 3 to 5 days
• Personal property and equipment: 7 to 10 days
• Artwork: 5 to 7 days for simple projects, 2 to 3 weeks for complex assignments
• Business valuations: 2 to 4 weeks
• Inventory: 2 to 4 weeks

If your case has a court deadline, let us know upfront so we can plan accordingly.

Who actually prepares the appraisal report?

Your report is prepared by a credentialed appraiser with relevant expertise in the asset type being valued. Appraisers commonly hold designations such as MAI, SRPA, or state certification, and all reports are reviewed for quality and USPAP compliance before delivery.

Are there Florida-specific rules I should know about for divorce appraisals?

Florida Statute 61.075 governs equitable distribution and requires courts to base asset division on fair market value supported by competent evidence. The valuation date matters significantly in Florida, and courts may select the date of separation rather than the trial date depending on the circumstances of the case.

What information do I need to provide to get started?

You will need to provide a description of the assets to be appraised, any relevant purchase records or prior appraisals, documentation of improvements or modifications, and the timeline of ownership. For assets with a marital versus non-marital distinction, records showing the property's condition and value at the time of marriage are especially helpful.

Will a Florida court accept the appraisal AppraiseItNow provides?

Our appraisals are prepared to meet the evidentiary standards Florida courts apply in equitable distribution cases. USPAP-compliant reports prepared by credentialed appraisers using sound methodology and comparable data are the standard courts look for when evaluating expert valuation testimony.

How does the valuation date affect a divorce appraisal when one spouse stays in the home?

Under Florida Statute 61.075 and case law including Bellegarde v. Bellegarde, courts may set the valuation date at the date of separation rather than the trial date when one spouse has remained in and maintained the property. This prevents the non-occupying spouse from sharing in appreciation that resulted solely from the other spouse's efforts, and it can affect whether a new appraisal is ordered if the original one used the wrong date.

Why is the county property appraiser's assessment not reliable for divorce purposes in Florida?

Florida's homestead property tax cap limits annual increases in assessed value to 3% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower, which means the taxable assessed value often falls well below actual fair market value. Courts recognize this discrepancy and generally prefer professional appraisals based on comparable sales analysis over county assessments when determining equitable distribution values.

How should a pre-marital asset that was improved during the marriage be handled in an appraisal?

An appraiser should document the property's fair market value at the date of marriage and at the valuation date, allowing the court to separate non-marital equity from marital equity created through improvements and appreciation during the marriage. Supporting records of renovation dates and costs help the appraiser and the court make this distinction accurately under Florida Statute 61.075.

What credentials should a Florida divorce appraiser have for their report to hold up in court?

Florida courts require valuations to be supported by competent, substantial evidence, which means the appraiser's credentials and methodology are both scrutinized. Appraisers holding designations such as MAI or SRPA, or those certified at the state level, and who follow USPAP methodology including proper comparable selection, are best positioned to have their reports accepted as credible expert evidence.

How does the process work when both spouses disagree on the value of an asset?

Each spouse may present their own expert appraiser, or the parties can agree to a mutually selected neutral appraiser. Florida courts will evaluate the methodology, comparable data, and credentials behind each valuation and are required under Florida Statute 61.075 to support their chosen value with factual findings based on competent evidence.