Crist signs home inspector licensing bill

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – June 28, 2007 – It’s official: Gov. Charlie Crist signed SB 2234, which creates a program to license home inspectors, mold assessors and remediators working in Florida. The Florida Association of Realtors (FAR) issued a Call-to-Action on Monday asking members to call Gov. Crist in support of passage.

Don’t expect quick changes, however. The new law becomes effective July 1, 2010. The three-year gap until implementation gives the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) time to create a program for certification, establish licensing fees and draft rules.

The newly signed law, which covers 30 pages and establishes the maximum fees DBPR may charge for applications and renewals. Home inspectors, for example, would pay a maximum of $200 for an initial license fee; and the law requires 14 hours of continuing education every two years and 120 hours of pre-license education.

In creating the bills, the Legislature said it “recognizes that there is a need to require the licensing of home inspectors and to ensure that consumers of home inspection services can rely on the competence of home inspectors, as determined by educational and experience requirements and testing.” In 2006, a similar bill, also promoted by FAR, died in committee.
 
To read SB 2234, go to: http://www.flsenate.gov. On the left side, select 2007 session and search using the bill number.

© 2007 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
 

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