Important Information (Hot Topics)
Continuing Education Exemption
On May 17, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 382 into law. SB 382 reduces regulatory burdens on Department of Business and Professional Regulation license holders by exempting certain licensees from continuing education requirements. Pursuant to SB 382, a licensee is exempt from continuing education requirements if they meet the following criteria:
- The licensee is licensed by one of the following Department of Business and Professional Regulation Boards, Councils, or Licensing Programs:
- Barbers’ Board
- Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board
- Board of Cosmetology
- Home Inspectors Licensing Program
- Mold-Related Services Licensing Program
- Board of Pilot Commissioners
- Regulatory Council of Community Association Managers
- Board of Veterinary Medicine
- The licensee holds an active license.
- The licensee has held their license continuously for at least 10 years.
- No discipline has been imposed against the license.
Effective July 1, 2024, all licensees who meet the above requirements will be exempted from their current continuing education requirements and will be able to verify their exemption status through their online account or by searching the Department’s online licensing portal, at: https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp?mode=0&SID.
On June 30, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis signed “The Occupational Freedom and Opportunity Act” (HB 1193) which eliminates unnecessary regulations and reduces barriers to entry for certain professions. Effective July 1, 2020 there is a new category of Home Inspectors Licensure by Endorsement for applicants who maintain an insurance policy as required by this state and have held a license for at least 10 years in another state(s) or territory. However such applicants must apply while they hold a valid license in another state(s) or within 2 years after the expiration of such license.
On October 8, 2019, the fee for Continuing Education Providers for Home Inspector and the renewal of that license, was reduced by 50% (from $250.00 to $125.00). The Department of Business and Professional Regulation made this change as part of the “Florida Deregathon”, which took place January 2019. The Deregathon identified unnecessary regulations that creates harmful and costly burdens on businesses.
Paperless Licensing
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation is excited to announce an advancement in how we license home inspectors in the State of Florida.
The Department has implemented an innovative way to expedite the licensing process for home inspectors. The Department will no longer be mailing licenses upon issuance, as licensees can now print their licenses by logging into their secure online account with the Department. This will allow new licensees to enter the work force at least 7 to 10 business days early, whereas, in the past, they would have to wait for the license to arrive in the mail. In addition to new licenses, this process will allow licensees to renew online and print the license at their convenience.
Home inspector licensees should ensure that there are no federal, state, or local licenses or permits that are required to inspect certain elements outside the scope of their license (8 components of a home), including, but not limited to, septic tanks (which require a license from the Department of Health) pools and spas (which may require specialized training or licensure under 489 F.S.), or any other inspections outside the 8 components of a home. It is always the licensee’s responsibility to make sure that no additional licensing or permitting is required before performing any job or inspection. Disciplinary action may be taken against you and/or your license if you perform jobs or inspections you are not qualified to perform.
Continuing Education Update
It is not necessary for Home Inspectors to take any continuing education credits (CE) to renew their licenses for the initial renewal cycle.
The Initial wind mitigation courses approved by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) are listed on the Department website at www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/servop/testing/documents/hur_mit_ce_prov.pdf. This initial course can also be counted as general continuing education credits for home inspectors for the 2012 – 2014 renewal cycle if it is taken after August 1, 2012. The course may meet the home inspectors wind mitigation course credit if the provider of the course is an approved home inspector provider. Two (2) hour wind mitigation courses that meet CE requirements for home inspectors can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/servop/testing/documents/home_ce_prov.pdf.
