Although Florida passed the home inspector bill SB-2234 in 2007, it did not take effect until July 1st, 2010. The national home inspection associations howled in disapproval, citing dubious reasons why it would not benefit the citizens of the state. After it was law, the ASHI Reporter magazine grumbled in the August, 2010, issue that "Florida ASHI members and their leaders have been beating back bad bills for years, but this year they were up against overwhelming forces. The good guys don’t always win.” Ultimately, though, the national associations accepted their loss of clout as the only certifiers of home inspector competence.

    The licensing requirements include:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Be of good moral characer.
• Complete a course that meets the standards, and approved by, Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
• Passing a state license test.
• Maintaining a general liability policy for not less than $300,000.

    A “grandfather” clause was included to allow an initial brief window for existing home inspectors to qualify for licensing without the required course work and testing. Also, all inspectors must take continuing education courses approved by DBPR at each two-year license renewal cycle.

    Also, see our blog posts Are there any minimum inspection standards that a Florida licensed home inspector must meet? and Can a Florida licensed contractor do home inspections without having a home inspector license? 

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

  To get the best possible home inspection, here’s a few of our other blog posts:

• How can I make sure I don't get screwed on my home inspection? 

• Should I trust the Seller's Property Disclosure Statement?

• Can I do my own home inspection?

• How can homebuyers protect themselves against buying a house over a sinkhole? 

• What makes a house fail the home inspection?

• The seller gave me a report from a previous home inspection. Should I use it or get my own inspector? 

    To read about issues related to homes of particular type or one built in a specific decade, visit one of these blog posts:

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1940s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1950s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1960s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1970s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1980s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1990s house?

• What problems should I look for when buying a country house or rural property? 

• What problems should I look for when buying a house that has been moved?

• What problems should I look for when buying a house that has been vacant or abandoned?

• What are the most common problems with older mobile homes?

    Visit our HOME INSPECTION page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.