(**) Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning RealEstateCareerHQ.com will get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through the links, but at no additional cost to you.
The role of a home inspector is to conduct a thorough evaluation of a home before its sale. This inspection allows potential buyers to identify any major problems with the property that could potentially cause costly repairs down the line.
In addition, home inspectors often provide helpful advice on repairs or maintenance that could improve the overall value of the home. Ultimately, a home inspection can give buyers peace of mind knowing that they are making a sound investment.
Personally, I always hire a home inspector before closing any of my real estate transactions. It helps me to understand the property better and make sure that there are no hidden surprises.
To become a home inspector in Florida, the candidate must:
- complete 120 hours of home inspector courses
- pass the 1 of the 4 Home Inspector exams,
- obtain a minimum of $300,000 general commercial liability insurance,
- go through a criminal background check,
- submit a home inspector license application and fee to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation is the State agency that issues licenses to qualified home inspectors, sets standards for the profession, and oversees and regulates the home inspection industry.
Being a home inspector could be a good career because it offers many job satisfactions. Primarily, home inspectors get to help people. When you’re looking for a career that is both personally and financially rewarding, becoming a home inspector is a great choice.
To save you time, I read through the home inspector licensing rules and did extensive research on this career.
In this article, you’ll learn the steps to becoming a licensed home inspector in Florida, income updates, and FAQs on this profession. So if you’re thinking of becoming a home inspector in Florida, I’m sure this career guide will be helpful to you.
Before we start, just a brief disclaimer that the information in this post is for general information only and is not intended to provide any advice. Although I tried my best to obtain the info as accurately as possible, they are subject to change without any notice and are not guaranteed to be error-free. You should always follow your State Laws and home inspection best practices.
The first step to begin in this career is to equip yourself with the necessary home inspection knowledge and obtain the Home Inspection Certification. ICA has years of experience in providing high-quality home inspection training. Here’s the link to their classes. (**)
Table of Contents
- 7 Steps to Become a Certified Home Inspector in Florida
- Career Advice from a Licensed Home Inspector
- FAQ on the Home Inspector Profession in Florida
- (Video) Florida Home Inspector License Requirement
- Other Helpful Resources:
7 Steps to Become a Certified Home Inspector in Florida
Step 1: Complete the home inspection education
Home inspector license applicants may complete 120-hour of home inspection courses from an approved education provider. It should equip you with adequate skills and comprehensive home inspection knowledge in performing home inspections.
Route A: Complete the 40-hour home inspection education
Home inspector license applicants may complete 40-hour of home inspection courses from an approved education provider. It should equip you with adequate skills and comprehensive home inspection instruction in performing home inspections.
Typically speaking, the course curriculum will cover the following key components of a home inspection:
- Roofing
- Exterior
- Interior
- Structural
- Plumbing
- Electric
- Heating and Cooling (HVAC)
- Insulation
- Fireplace and Chimney
- Ethical Business Practices,
- Professional Standards and Report
Step 2: Pass the Home Inspector Exam
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation needs to ensure you have adequate home inspection knowledge. You may do so by passing one of the four home inspector exams when obtaining a license.
- InterNACHI Florida Home Inspector Licensing Examination: (120 questions| 1 hour| $125)
- Florida Association of Building Inspectors (FABI): (100 questions| 2 hours| $200)
- Association of Construction Industry’s Certified Home & Property Inspector Examination (CI-HPI): (2 hours| $250 for in person or $150 for online)
- National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) (200 questions| 4 hour| $225)
As I’m looking at the time allowed in writing the exam, the InterNACHI one has the shortest. Just an educated guess, this should be the easiest one to pass.
On the other hand, the NHIE is the most widely used exam across different states. So if you’re planning to work in multiple states or might move to another state, this one should be more transferrable than the other exam.
Step 3: Obtain insurances
As a home inspector, you are responsible for providing accurate and objective information about the condition of a home. Your clients rely on you to help them make informed decisions about buying or selling a home, and if something goes wrong, they may hold you liable.
To my understanding, commercial liability insurance is a type of coverage that helps protect businesses from financial losses resulting from damages or injuries due to their business operations.
According to the 468.8322, the 2022 Florida Statutes, all licensed home inspector must maintain a commercial general liability insurance policy with coverage amount not less than $300,000.
Some home inspector trade associations may offer this to their members. The insurance premium could vary among industries, coverage amount, terms, and conditions. It’s important to discuss your insurance needs with an insurance agent who has experience working with home inspector clients.
Step 4: Complete a Background Check
To protect the public interest, the Florida Department needs to ensure that all home inspector licensees are trustworthy. Thus, all applicants must submit a criminal background check through an FDLE-approved Livescan Service Provider. The code for the Home Inspector license is FL 924250Z.
I checked with numerous providers, and the screening cost is around $70 to $100.
However, it doesn’t mean that applicants with a felony record will stand no chance of having their license application approved. It depends on the nature and severity of the conviction. The Florida Administrative Code 61-30.102 (4) has more info on what defines a good moral character.
Step 5: Register with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
To obtain the home inspection license, you must complete and submit the Home Inspectors Application for Licensure to the State Department. Most of the questions on the application are pretty straightforward, where you will provide basic info such as your full name, date of birth, phone number, and mailing address.
There are also background questions, such as whether an applicant had been convicted of a crime before or had any professional license revoked. If you answer ‘yes,’ you will need to provide further documents or explanation.
There is a $230 application fee. You can send them a check/money order made payable to Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
In addition to the application and fee, you also need to provide the following:
- A copy of Home Inspector Examination result
- Completion proof of 120 hours of home inspection education
- Electronic fingerprint
Once you have all the necessary document, you may submit them to:
- Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Central Intake Unit, 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783
Alternatively, you may complete the application through State Department online portal. I personally would use online submission whenever possible. It eliminates the mailing process and significantly speeds up the registration process. Besides, less paper consumption is better for the environment.
If you have any questions about the home inspection license registration, you may contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at:
- Division of Professions, Home Inspectors Licensing Program
- 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0791
- Telephone: 850.487.1395
- Facsimile: 850.488.8040
Step 6: Start working as a home inspector
You may work for a company that is licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Perhaps, some of them could be hiring so you can start gaining some field experience with a mentor.
You may find an Florida licensed home inspector in the InterNACHI License Database or the NHIE Database. Alternatively, you may try searching through LinkedIn. This is how I build my connection with many real estate professionals!
Alternatively, you may start your own business. Depending on your goal, you may consult an accountant the business structure suitable for you (i.e., sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation.)
There are many benefits of running your own home inspecting business. You are in control of your own destiny, you can set your own hours, and you get to be your own boss. You also have the potential to make more money if your business is successful.
On the other hand, it could take time to build a sustainable client base. At the initial stage of the business, you could be spending a significant amount of time prospecting for new business and building relationships with clients and referral partners.
Step 7: Renew the license
All licensed home inspectors in Florida must renew their licenses every even year no later than July 31st. Typically speaking, the State Department will send you a reminder 90 to 120 days before the expiration.
But to avoid interruption of your home inspection practice, it’s better to put the renewal due date in your calendar. (Just set it on your phone or laptop.)
In addition to the renewal application and the $105 renewal fee, you must complete 14 hours of approved continuing education for each licensing term.
Career Advice from a Licensed Home Inspector
“Earning potential will vary based on your market and your effort. It really is unlimited. There is plenty of opportunity in this industry….
Do your research, and go on a ride alongs with an inspector to make sure it is going to be the career for you. The overhead is pretty low in this business, but there is somewhat expensive equipment you will want to get that can add up. Plan for growth, and use your resources.“
Ford Shadwell, Home Inspector from National Property Inspections
If you want to know what a day in the life of a home inspector is, the career outlook, and the challenges faced on the job, here’s an exclusive interview I had with Ford Shadwell.
In there, he shared with us his journey and insight about the home inspecting profession. So be sure to check it out.
FAQ on the Home Inspector Profession in Florida
How long does it take to become a home inspector in Florida?
It takes about 4 weeks to become a home inspector in Florida. This includes the time it takes to complete the 120-hour education, pass the exam and prepare all the necessary documents required by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
However, the actual duration could vary as it really depends on how long it takes to complete the education requirement, obtain the commercial liability insurance policy, pass the home inspection exam, go through the background check and the time it takes the Florida Department to review your application.
One way to speed up is by taking online courses from an approved education provider. This way, you may study at your own pace whenever and wherever. And online application submission would be another way to reduce the wait time.
How much does it cost to become a home inspector in Florida?
It costs approximately $1,020 to become a home inspector in Florida, including the application and license fee, home inspector education, exam fee and background screening fee.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Application and license fee: $230
- Background check screening fee: $70 to $100
- Exam fee: $125 to $250
- Home inspection courses $595 to $795
But that hasn’t included the premium for the general commercial liability insurance and E&O insurance. Also, if you want greater confidence in passing the exam on the first trial, you may invest in exam prep. Usually, that would be $100 more.
Of course, these are just the entrance fee for obtaining the license. If you want to run a home inspection business, you need to account for other business expenses such as car, gas, phone, offices, websites, marketing, home inspection equipment and software, legal and accounting fees.
But even so, the startup cost of a home inspection business is significantly lower than many brick-and-mortar businesses.
Low-income applicants, active duty military personnel, and veterans may qualify under the fee waiver program. Here are more details:
- Florida Military Veteran Fee Waiver
- Florida National Guard Fee Waiver
- Military Personnel, Veterans and Military Spouses Licensing Fee Waiver
- Low Income Waiver of Licensing Fee
How much do home inspectors make in Florida?
According to ZipRecruiter (Sept 20, 2022), home inspectors in Florida make an average yearly income of $50,690. The annual income typically ranges between $37,620 and $57,050. Top earning Montana home inspectors make over $66,145.
Florida home inspector income depends on several factors, including experience, geographical location, size of the property, and the type of inspection performed.
Home inspectors in Florida who have been in the business for several years can expect to earn more than those just starting out. Inspectors who work in areas with a high cost of living can also expect to make more than those who work in other parts of the state.
>> Be sure to check out our “Florida Home Inspector Income Guide” <<
Is there a demand for home inspectors in Florida?
“The state of Florida has seen explosive growth in housing demand in recent years. In fact several regions of the Florida Golf Coast experienced 150-300% price growth compared to the national average.“
Quote from REALAdvisor.com- Florida housing market update report
Florida has a population of over 21.22 million. When positioning your home inspection business, you may consider areas with solid growth in home sales. According to the market updates by RealAdvisor, Tampa, Miami, Palm Beach, Daytona Beach and Orlando are the top areas of home sales.
As long as people want to find out more about the home they purchase, there will be demand for home inspectors in Florida.
Personally, I always hire a home inspector before closing any of my real estate transactions. It helps me to understand the property better and make sure that there are no hidden surprises.
(Video) Florida Home Inspector License Requirement
If you are reading up to this point, I bet you must be interested in the home inspector profession. Your first step is to complete the pre-licensing courses. You should select one that has an excellent reputation and long-term track record of satisfying students. ICA is exactly that! You may click here to check it out yourself. (**)
Other Helpful Resources:
- How Much do Home Inspector Make in Florida? (Complete Income Guide)
- Career Talk with Ford Shadwell (What is it like to be a home inspector?)
- How to Pass the Home Inspector Exam? (coming soon)
- Statutes and Rules
(**) Affiliate Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you. Our company, JCHQ Publishing will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking on the link. Please understand that we include them based on our experience or the research on these companies or products, and we recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions we make if you decide to buy something through the links. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals.
Disclaimer: The information in this post is for general information only, and not intend to provide any advice. They are subjected to change without any notice, and not guaranteed to be error-free. Some of the posts on this site may contain views and opinions from individual not related to JCHQ Publishing. They do not necessarily reflect our view or position.
Reference:
- Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (source)
- Home Inspector (source)
- National Home Inspector Examination Candidate Information Bulletin (source)
- ZipRecruiter – Home Inspector Florida (source)
- RealAdvisor – Florida Real Estate Market Update (source)
