145.11  Tax collector.--

(1)  Each tax collector shall receive as salary the amount indicated, based on the population of his or her county. In addition, a compensation shall be made for population increments over the minimum for each population group, which shall be determined by multiplying the population in excess of the minimum for the group times the group rate.

(2)(a)  There shall be an additional $2,000 per year special qualification salary for each tax collector who has met the requirements of the Department of Revenue and has been designated a certified Florida tax collector. Any tax collector who is certified during a calendar year shall receive in that year a pro rata share of the special qualification salary based on the remaining period of the year. The department shall establish and maintain a certified Florida tax collector program.

(b)  In order to qualify for the special qualification salary described in paragraph (a), the tax collector must complete the requirements established by the Department of Revenue within 4 years after first taking office.

(c)  After a tax collector meets the requirements of paragraph (a), in order to remain certified the tax collector shall thereafter be required to complete each year a course of continuing education as prescribed by the department.