Florida has a thriving real estate market, creating a variety of exciting job opportunities in both the construction and real estate industries. If you’re interested in combining an interest in both of these fields, becoming a home inspector may be a good option for you. Learning about what this career involves and the requirements to pursue it may help you determine whether you’re interested in a home inspector role.
In this article, we discuss how to become a home inspector in Florida and provide information on their average salary.
What does a home inspector do?
A home inspector uses their technical knowledge of construction to inspect residential properties to identify potential or existing issues with the structure or its components and systems. Homebuyers typically hire them before finalizing the purchase of a new home. While each inspection varies based on the home inspector and the homeowners’ concerns, they always inspect the home’s foundation, interior, exterior, electrical, plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC).
Inspectors prepare reports to share with homeowners or real estate agents. These reports discuss their findings and maintenance recommendations. Some home inspectors assist further by contacting maintenance specialists on their behalf to discuss possible repairs to complete.
How to become a home inspector in Florida
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) regulates licensure for home inspectors in Florida. The organization offers multiple options for obtaining this credential and beginning the career path. Below are the steps for pursuing an active license as a Florida resident to become a home inspector for the first time:
1. Research the exams
Becoming a home inspector in Florida requires passing a written exam that has approval from the DBPR. There are four approved exams to choose from, and it’s beneficial to learn about the exams at the beginning of the process. This helps you learn about the requirements and what each exam involves, allowing you to better plan your journey.
Here are the four exams that the DBPR approved for becoming a home inspector in Florida:
National Home Inspector Examination
The Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors (EBPHI) offers the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE), which includes 200 multiple-choice questions. You have four hours to complete, but 25 questions are pre-test questions that don’t affect your score. EBPHI uses a scaled system to score the NHIE, and, while scores range from 200 to 800, scores 500 and above are passing.
Costs to take the exam vary by state, and the DBPR requires you to complete this exam in person on a computer at a proctored testing lab. EBPHI offers a range of study materials and practice quizzes to help you prepare for the exam. In addition to state-specific questions, the NHIE assesses your knowledge of:
- Property and building inspection
- Property and building site review
- Professional responsibilities
- Analysis of findings
- Reporting of findings
Florida Home Inspection Exam
The Florida Home Inspection Exam (FHIE) is available from the Florida Association of Building Inspectors (FABI). The exam includes 100 multiple-choice questions, and you have two hours to complete the exam. FABI weighs all questions equally and scores of 70 and above are passing. Fees to take the exam vary, and there may be some discounts available.
FABI offers the FHIE nationwide at proctored testing labs. However, there aren’t official study materials or practice exams available. Questions on the test assess your knowledge of many areas, including Florida standards, contracts, roofing, structure, electrical and more.
Florida Home Inspector Licensing Examination
The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) offers the Florida Home Inspector Licensing Examination. The exam includes 120 randomly-selected questions from a pool of 360 multiple-choice questions, creating a different exam each time someone takes it. There are fees associated with the exam, and you take the exam on a computer in a proctored lab. You have one hour to complete the exam.
InterNACHI doesn’t require you to be a member to take this exam, and it offers some prep materials for the exam or a pre-licensing course you can take. It sections the test into different categories and weights question responses. Passing the exam requires a score of at least 80% in every section. Categories of the exam include ethics, safety, inspection methods, reporting and much more.
Certified Home and Property Inspector Examination
The Certified Home and Property Inspector Examination (CI-PHI) is available from the Association of Construction Industry Certified Professionals (ACICP). The organization offers little information about the exam and its contents, and there aren’t study materials available. You have two hours to complete the exam, and there is a fee to complete it. It’s available to take in the ACICP proctored testing center in Hudson, Florida, or you may take it at home via an online test proctoring service.
2. Finish your education
The DBPR requires you to complete a 120-hour pre-licensing course. There are a variety of department-approved courses you can take, including online and in-person options. The pre-licensing course discusses topics like:
- Structures of homes
- Interior components
- Exterior components
- Site conditions that affect home structure
- Electrical systems
- HVAC systems
- Roof covering
- Plumbing systems
3. Pass the exam
As you finish your pre-licensing course, verify the exam that you want to take, and schedule your test date. Most exams provide you with your results quickly, and they provide a certificate with your results.
4. Obtain insurance
The DBPR requires all home inspectors to have insurance before they can earn their license and begin inspecting homes. It requires each inspector to have a commercial general liability insurance policy for at least $300,000.
5. Complete an application
The DBPR offers multiple options for completing your home inspector license application. Apply via their online portal, or print an application to mail. The application asks for information like your proof of eduction, proof of your examination completion and any other licenses or certifications you have.
6. Pay the fees
There’s an initial fee associated with obtaining your license. Depending on the application method you choose, you can pay the amount online or via check. The DBPR has additional applications available that you can complete to receive a discount on the fee or waive it entirely.
7. Submit your fingerprints
Earning your home inspector license requires passing a background check. The DBPR requires you to visit a LiveScan Service Provider with approval from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to scan your fingerprints. During your scan, provide the Originating Agency Identification (ORI) number for this license, which is – FL 924250Z, and tell the provider what job you’re seeking. It’s important to note it may take up to five days for the DBPR to receive your fingerprints.
8. Maintain your license
Home inspector licenses expire on July 31 of every even year. Renewing your license involves paying a renewal fee and completing at least 14 hours of continuing education courses, with two hours about wind mitigation and hurricanes and 12 hours about home inspection services or components of a home.
Other ways to become a home inspector in Florida
While applying for licensure by examination is the common process, the DBPR offers alternative methods for becoming a home inspector. For example, there’s licensure by endorsement, which is available for people who have a valid license in another state that has similar criteria as Florida and who passed an appropriate examination meeting similar requirements. It involves completing an application, providing proof of your credentials and insurance, submitting fingerprints for a background check and paying the fee.
Licensure by endorsement with 10 years of experience is a similar option. It’s available specifically for people with valid credentials in another state with similar requirements to Florida who also have at least a decade of experience working as a home inspector.
How long does it take to become a home inspector in Florida?
How long it takes to become a home inspector in Florida varies, but it may be possible to complete the process within a few months or less. Factors that affect how long the process requires include how long it takes to complete your credit hours, when you’re able to take the exam and how much time the state requires to review and process your application materials.
Is it expensive to become a Florida home inspector?
The exact costs you pay to become a home inspector in Florida may vary. Candidates pay the DBPR a $230 fee when submitting their application for an initial active or inactive license. There are options available to waive the fee or receive a discount for people, such as veterans and those with low income. The process may include additional fees, such as costs to complete your education requirements, take the exam or acquire your insurance.
How much do Florida home inspectors earn?
Exact salaries for home inspectors in Florida vary, but the average annual salary in the state is $58,816 per year. Factors that may affect earnings include experience, education, qualifications, employer and location. Some cities that offer well-paying opportunities in comparison to the rest of the state include:
- Kissimmee: $38,528 per year
- Davenport: $41,055 per year
- Tampa: $51,920 per year
- Cape Coral: $53,487 per year
- Miami: $54,167 per year
- West Palm Beach: $59,987 per year
- Jacksonville: $64,325 per year
- Sarasota: $66,208 per year
- Oviedo: $87,555 per year
For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the links provided.
Is being a home inspector in Florida a good career?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Florida employs an estimated 9,380 construction and building inspectors. The state has a location quotient of 1.30 and ranks third compared to all other states for the highest employment level of these workers. This suggests Florida may have plenty of job opportunities and good changes for becoming hired as a home inspector.
The BLS also offers specific data about which metropolitan areas offer the most opportunities for construction and building inspectors. For example, it notes the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, Florida, metropolitan area employs approximately 2,800 people in these roles, which, with a 1.36 location quotient, is the sixth-highest city in the country. Two Florida metropolitan areas also rank within the top 10 cities for the highest concentration of jobs throughout the U.S. The Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin area employs 330 people and has a location quotient of 2.05, and the Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach area employs 330 people with a 2.05 location quotient.
