Home Inspector Licensing in Hawthorne city, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, a home inspector must be licensed to perform home inspections for compensation. A home inspection is defined as an inspection of a residential structure's condition, systems, and components performed for a client in exchange for a fee or other consideration.[^1]

If you inspect homes in Hawthorne or anywhere in Florida for payment, you must hold a valid home inspector license issued by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB).

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Meet Qualifications
You must satisfy one of the following:
- Complete 100 hours of home inspection education approved by the CILB and pass the state examination, OR
- Work as a licensed home inspector in another state for at least two years and pass the Florida examination, OR
- Hold a current home inspector license in another jurisdiction and meet Florida's reciprocity requirements.[^2]

Step 2: Pass the State Exam
Apply to the CILB to take the Florida home inspector licensing examination. The exam tests knowledge of building systems, safety standards, and inspection practices.[^3]

Step 3: Submit Application
File your licensing application with the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). Include proof of education completion, exam passage, and any required documentation for your qualification pathway.

Step 4: Receive Your License
Upon approval, you will receive your home inspector license. The CILB is responsible for issuing all construction-related licenses in Florida.[^4]

Local Requirements

Home inspectors working in Hawthorne must comply with Alachua County permitting and local building standards. Contact the Hawthorne Building Department to determine if additional local permits or approvals are required before operating in the city.

Consult the Hawthorne Municipal Code for any local amendments, fees, or restrictions specific to home inspection services within city limits.

Exemptions

The following are exempt from home inspector licensing requirements under Florida law:[^5]

• Employees of structural engineers or architects performing inspections as part of professional services
• Real estate agents performing visual property inspections in their capacity as agents
• Home inspectors performing work on their own residential property (not for compensation)
• Persons performing inspections required by lenders or insurance companies as part of underwriting (in some contexts)
• Licensed contractors performing inspections on properties they own or are constructing

State Licensing Board Contact

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Home Inspector Licensing
- Phone: 850-487-1395
- Website: https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/home-inspectors/

References

[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
[^2]: Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
[^3]: Fla. Stat. § 489.111 — Licensure by examination
[^4]: Fla. Stat. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
[^5]: Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions

• Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
• Fla. Stat. § 489.111 — Licensure by examination
• Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
• Hawthorne Municipal Code

The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)