Home Inspector Licensing in Fort Myers Shores CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law defines home inspection as a regulated trade under the Construction Industry Licensing Board. A home inspector must be licensed when performing inspections of residential buildings for compensation. Per Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a home inspector is defined as a person who, for a fee, inspects buildings and reports on their condition.

Any individual or entity conducting home inspections in Fort Myers Shores CDP must hold a valid Florida home inspector license issued by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Meet Prerequisite Requirements

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete required classroom and practical training hours through an approved provider

Step 2: Pass the State Examination

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.111, you must pass the Florida home inspector licensure examination administered by DBPR. The exam tests knowledge of Florida Building Code, inspection standards, and inspection practices.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Apply through the DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board. Submit proof of training completion, exam passage, and other documentation required by the board.

Step 4: Pay Fees

Pay applicable state application and licensure fees to DBPR.

Local Requirements

In Fort Myers Shores CDP, Lee County, building permits and inspections are issued through the Lee County Building Department, as Fort Myers Shores is an unincorporated census-designated place within Lee County.

Check the Fort Myers Shores Municipal Code (available here) for any local licensing or registration requirements beyond state law. While Florida State Statutes set the floor for home inspector licensing, local amendments may apply.

Contact the Lee County Building Department to confirm permit requirements and any local registration needs before beginning work in this jurisdiction.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensure:
- Home inspectors employed by government agencies
- Inspections performed by public utility companies on their own property
- Inspections by insurance companies for underwriting purposes
- Structural engineers or architects performing inspections within their licensed scope

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

• Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.111 — Licensure by examination
• Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
• Fort Myers Shores Municipal Code

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