SoThank you for contacting the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) regarding Home Inspectors.

Home Inspectors [last updated 9/11/09]
Senate Bill 2234 (2007), effective July 1, 2010, provides for licensure and regulation of home inspectors. Senate Bill 2234 does not provide for a Board of Home Inspectors. The program will be administered by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Prior to the effective date of the bill, the department will begin its implementation process, because rulemaking is necessary to establish education, examination and experience criteria.
Implementation: Over the summer of 2009, we will begin working with stakeholders to establish a regulatory structure for this profession. The department will work with its stakeholders to explore every feasible option, including certification examinations offered by nationally recognized organizations. Our desired goal is to have all requirements in place, including application forms and Web information, by July 1, 2010, so that we may begin accepting applications for licensure on that date. However, please bear in mind that the rulemaking process may be subject to challenges by interested parties that may require workshops or hearings. The department will ensure that all affected parties have ample opportunity for grandfathering or licensure prior to taking any enforcement activity.
Grandfathering: With regard to grandfathering, Section 468.8324, Florida Statutes, provides that persons who perform home inspections "may qualify to be licensed by the department…if the person meets the licensure requirements of this part by July 1, 2010." As written, there appears to be no clear distinction between a grandfather applicant and applicants who have no prior home inspection experience. Part of our work this summer will be to work with stakeholders to develop recommendations to the Legislature to clarify the standards applicable to businesses who have historically provided this service.
Enforcement: After the law becomes effective, the department will ensure that all affected parties have ample opportunity for grandfathering or licensure prior to taking any enforcement activity.

You may view a schedule of stakeholder meetings in September through October and register your email address to receive updates as they become available on the Construction section of the website. Go to www.myfloridalicense.com > DOING BUSINESS WITH US > Construction Industry > Home Inspectors.

I trust this information will be helpful to you. If you need further assistance, call the DBPR Customer Contact Center at (850) 487-1395 or contact us through email at call.center@dbpr.state.fl.us

This response prepared by C Bernhardt
me information that may be of help to Florida Inspectors.