Florida Requirements for Real Estate Inspectors

Inspectors look for structural issues before owners put their homes up for sale. building inspector,woman image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com

Real estate inspectors are responsible for examining a building's interior and exterior structures and systems to ensure they meet building safety codes. Although homeowners typically associate inspections with the process of buying or selling real estate, the American Society of Home Inspectors recommends that owners have an inspection performed every three to five years for maintenance purposes. As do many states, Florida requires home inspectors to obtain a license to practice. The state's Department of Business and Professional Regulation oversees licensing.

Education & Field Experience

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation requires Florida real estate inspectors to complete a home inspection training program in addition to acquiring experience in the field. According to the department's website, prospective inspectors will satisfy these requirements if they complete a 120-hour pre-licensing home inspection course which includes 20 hours of field work. The course must cover all aspects of the home including roofing, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC systems, site conditions and both interior and exterior structures.

Examination

Those planning to obtain licensure as a home inspector in Florida will first have to pass the National Home Inspector Examination. The exam is comprised of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover home components, inspection methods and reporting, according to the National Home Inspector Examination website. Those taking the exam have four hours to complete it. Florida residents must schedule to take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. Exam registration can be completed on the Pearson website or by calling their toll-free number. As of July 2010, there are over 20 testing centers located throughout the state.

Licensure Requirements

Prospective real estate inspectors must complete the home inspector licensure application available for download on the Department of Business and Professional Regulation's website. Applicants are required to provide documentation of their completed academic training, field experience logs and national examination scores. Florida licensed inspectors must also obtain $300,000 of liability insurance, as well as complete a criminal background check with fingerprinting through Pearson VUE. In addition, candidates must provide explanations on their applications of any criminal convictions or disciplinary actions taken against other licenses or certifications. Once inspectors obtain a license they must complete at least 14 hours of continuing education during the two years before each renewal date, according to the Florida statutes.

References

• FL Dept. of Business and Professional Regulation: Initial License by Examination
• FL Dept. of Business and Professional Regulation: Home Inspector License Application
• FL Statutes: Home Inspector-Continuing Education
• National Home Inspector Examination: FAQ
• Pearson VUE: Locate A Test Center

Resources

• National Home Inspector Examination: Training Provider Directory