Who Can Perform a Home Inspection in Florida?

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In the state of Florida the only requirements to perform a home inspection for Real-estate resale purposes is that they have a business license with the county. There are no tests or certification required by the state or county. The legislature had proposed licensing requirements, which were in part formulated by the Florida Association of Building Inspectors, but the legislation was not acted on & will have to be resubmitted next year.

Some inspectors may have a general contractor’s license but in and of it’s self this does not guaranty competence. Many GC’s have never been in an attic or used a hammer. Others may have a building inspector’s license but this is primarily issued for those who perform inspections of new construction for municipalities. While a good inspector may have one or both of these licenses they do not certify competence as residential inspector of existing & used properties. An extensive history in the trade is invaluable when trying to rout out hidden conditions.

As with any other purchase your best assurance is research into your inspector’s total building experience in the construction industry and references from satisfied customers. You might also want to check the Better Business Bureau, local Chamber of Commerce, & County of residency for a valid occupational license.

There are also no standards as to how & what should be inspected. Standards of performance are up to the individual inspector. Go to How & what we inspect for a description of our inspection process and Why choose John Curtin for my inspection to review my experiences & qualifications