If you\’re looking for a career change and want to know how to become a home inspector in Florida, you\’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we\’ll walk you through the process of becoming licensed in Florida and tell you everything you need to know about staying in good standing with the state.
First, you\’ll need to go through a vetting and training process. This is where you\’ll learn all of the necessary skillsets for conducting home inspections. Once that\’s done, it\’s time to get your license from the state.
But don\’t worry – we won\’t leave you hanging there! We\’ll also provide a few resources so that you can stay up-to-date on industry changes and best practices. So bookmark this guide and get started today!
Initial Resources To Know
DBPR: The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation is the government agency you\’ll be working with to get your business license.
InterNACHI: The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors is a professional trade association for home inspectors. InterNACHI is the country\’s largest home inspector organization. Being a member isn\’t necessary, but it is usually seen as a sign of legitimacy in the community. They provide training, certifications, and discounts on software and equipment.
FABI: The Florida Association of Building Inspectors (FABI) is a professional association made up of licensed home inspectors in the state of Florida. FABI provides its members with training, resources, and a forum for networking and sharing information.
ASHI: The American Society of Homes Inspectors (ASHI) is another national home inspector association. Like InterNACHI, it\’s not required but it\’s a good way to set yourself apart from the competition. ASHI also offers training and certifications.
Florida Home Inspector Exam: You will need to pass an exam in order to become a licensed home inspector in Florida. The exam is administered by Prometric and covers a variety of topics related to home inspection.
Continuing Education: Once you\’re licensed, you\’ll need to complete continuing education (CE) hours to renew your license. In Florida, you\’ll need to complete 14 hours of CE every year.
What Do I Need To Become a Home Inspector in Florida?
Before you begin the process of becoming a licensed home inspector in Florida, there are four requirements you must meet:
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- You must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- You must complete an accredited home inspection training program.
- You must pass the State\’s Home Inspection Exam.
- You must submit a completed application to the Florida Home Inspector Licensing Board
Once you have met all of these requirements, you will be able to obtain your license and start working as a home inspector in Florida.
Take 120 Hours of Coursework
The DBPR requires that you take 120 hours of classes, which have been divided into a few different courses with a test concluded at each one\’s end. The 30 approved course providers offer these courses either online, in-person, or as hybrids. You need to cover the eight essential components of a home through the coursework provided before taking the final exam. Prices could differ based on where you choose to study, but InterNACHI will charge $1,899 for access to their standalone package. Other companies may be cheaper though so it is advised that shop around some first.
Although the initial investment may seem pricey, you can join InterNACHI for only $50 a month and gain access to all of their coursework. Not to mention, InterNACHI has plenty of resources specifically for new home inspectors. If you\’re still not convinced, they offer a free trial so that you can see if it\’s worth it before committing any money.
Be sure to either have your provider send your course competition information to the DBPR, or send proof of completion yourself.
Pass the Florida Home Inspection Licensing Exam
Like the coursework, you take the state exam from an approved provider. The state will provide you with a list of approved providers, and you can usually find these online. The Florida Home Inspection Exam is notorious for being difficult, with 120 questions spread out over fourteen parts. I\’ll be honest: on my first try, I didn\’t pass the test. You not only have to pass each section (scoring 50% or higher), but you need an overall score of 80% to pass the examination.
The fee for taking the exam is $125, and it must be taken in person under supervision. If you don\’t pass on your first try, you are allowed to take the test again; however, a new fee will apply each time. The questions will also be randomized so that some new questions may appear during repeated attempts.
After you\’ve completed your Florida Home Inspection Exam and received a passing grade, submit evidence of your success to the Department of Business & Professional Regulation and then apply for your license. The fee will be $230.
Get Fingerprinted and Pass a Background Check
The state of Florida recommends that you complete home inspection license requirements at least five days before you apply for your home inspection license. Your fingerprints can be taken by an approved provider. When you get fingerprinted, you\’ll give your provider an ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) so that they can send it to the correct agency for your background check. The ORI code for home inspectors is FL 924250Z. Fees vary, but I was charged $75 when I got my fingerprints done.
Start Your Home Inspection Business and Get Insurance
If you want to operate your own business, you\’ll need to inquire with your County Tax Collector about the necessity of a license. The Department of Revenue must be notified of your company\’s existence. Then it\’s time for the IRS! Continue having fun by obtaining insurance for your firm, which is required by law.
OR Get Hired by Another Home Inspector
Several multi-inspector businesses in Florida are looking for licensed inspectors. You may get valuable experience while also avoiding the trouble of marketing and developing your business. While you won\’t make as much money, you will almost certainly receive a constant stream of inspections right away. HOMESHAPE Inspections has been searching for committed team members to join our team since we opened our doors in 2021. Here is a list of home inspection companies near you and their contact information.
How Long Should All This Take?
The process of becoming a home inspector in Florida can vary in length, depending on individual circumstances. However, most people can complete the necessary training online in a couple of weeks, and then take the licensing exam with a proctor. After passing the exam, you will need to undergo a background check, which can take 3-5 days to process. You will also need to obtain a state business license and register for state taxes. Overall, it is possible to become licensed in a month or less. However, it may take longer to get your home inspection business up and running.
How Much Should It All Cost?
There are a few key costs associated with starting a home inspection business. The first is the cost of the training and licensing. There are 120 hours of coursework to complete, and the Florida license exam costs $125. The license itself costs $230, and fingerprinting costs $75. You\’ll also need a business license, which costs $100, and insurance, which can be around $200/month. Your website will likely cost around $1500 to set up. Finally, home inspection software can cost around $50/month. The initial investment for a home inspection firm may range from $4200 to $24,000. However, the cost of acquiring your license and working for a multi-inspection business should be around $2400.
What To Expect in Your First Year as a Home Inspector
I will be honest with you working for a home inspection company comes with a lot of immediate benefits. The majority of inspection firms are commission-based, independent contractors, or full-time employees on an hourly or salary basis. Along with working under an experienced inspector, you will also learn what it takes to be a home inspector with first-hand experience. Furthermore, the employer will be managing your licensing and association dues as well as continuing education costs. Although most of the training for new inspectors usually points them towards starting their own business, if having a stable career is what you desire, then that might not be something you\’re willing to risk.
Many home inspectors start out working for an inspection company. This can have several advantages, including:
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- Learning the ropes from a more experienced inspector
- Gaining industry contacts and referrals
- Not having to worry about marketing and advertising your new business
- Having someone else handle the business side of things, so you can focus on inspecting
Although you won\’t make as much money working for someone else, you will almost certainly get a steadier stream of inspections than if you were starting from scratch.
What To Expect in Your First Year as a Home Inspection Company
I\’ve seen many businesses fail when they first open in Florida\’s ever-changing real estate market, with some shutting down within 6 months. With over 5000 active home inspectors, Florida has the most of any state. Competition is fierce in this field. If you\’re a sole operator, then you\’ll have to wear multiple hats including being the home inspector, call center representative, salesman, and more — all while trying to establish a reputation for your new company.
However, you can succeed and grow your business with dedication and learning as much as you can through your first year. Here are some home inspection business tips for newbies that should help you get started on the right foot:
Join a home inspector association. This will help you network with other home inspectors in your area and stay up-to-date on the latest industry news and trends. It\’s also a great way to get referrals from other home inspectors who don\’t serve your area.
Invest in quality home inspection tools and equipment. You\’ll need a few key pieces of equipment to get started, including a moisture meter, thermal imaging camera, and ladder. In addition, you\’ll need a reliable vehicle that can transport all your equipment to and from each home inspection site.
Develop a marketing plan. Once you have your home inspector license and equipment, it\’s time to start marketing your services. You\’ll need to develop a strong online presence and create a website that showcases your home inspection services. You should also consider creating flyers, business cards, and other promotional materials. In addition, you\’ll need to join home inspector directories and online listings.
Stay up-to-date on industry changes. The home inspection industry is always changing, so it\’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends. This will help you provide the best possible service to your clients. You can do this by reading industry-related articles, attending home inspector conferences, and taking continuing education courses.
By following these home inspection business tips, you\’ll be well on your way to success in this competitive industry. The home inspection industry is a great business to get into, but it\’s important to be prepared for the challenges that come with it. With dedication and hard work, you can build a successful home inspection business.
