Updated Home Inspectors Information – Nov. 2013

On October 22, 2013, Rule Chapter 61-30, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), became effective. These rules, along with Chapter 468, Part XV, Florida Statutes, are the result of many coordinated efforts between the Department and industry stakeholders and are now final. Some parts of the pre-licensing and continuing education programs for home inspectors have changed as a result of these new rules. Some key changes are detailed below:

• 1. Per Rule 61-30.501, F.A.C., the fee to renew or obtain a new provider license was reduced from $500 to $250.
• 2. Per Rule 61-30.503(5)(b) and (5)(c), F.A.C., the 14 hours of continuing education required for licensed home inspectors must include 12 hours based on the components of a home as described in the rule, as well as 2 hours of instruction regarding hurricane mitigation training. Courses approved prior to October 22, 2013, will meet the existing education requirements for the 2014 license renewal cycle, but will not be renewed after the course’s expiration date. If a provider desires to continue offering the continuing education course after it expires, the provider will be required to submit a new course application that complies with the new requirements.
• 3. Per Rule 61-30.503(6), F.A.C., the course topics included in the initial 120-hour pre-licensure education course must be based on the components of a home as described in the rule, and no longer include a live, field-based component. Courses approved prior to October 22, 2013, will continue to be accepted but will not be renewed after the course’s expiration date. If a provider desires to continue offering the pre-licensure education course after it expires, the provider will be required to submit a new course application that complies with the new requirements.
• 4. Per Rule 61-30.503(9)(a), F.A.C., all instructors must hold active or inactive licenses as home inspectors. Unlicensed individuals may not serve as instructors for any approved course.