Home Inspector Licensing in Marathon, Florida

Who Needs a License

A home inspector license is required in Florida if you perform home inspections for compensation. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, a "home inspector" is defined as a person who, for a fee, inspects buildings and structures and prepares written reports on their condition.

The license requirement applies to anyone conducting inspections of residential properties, including structural systems, mechanical systems, electrical systems, plumbing, and other building components. If you are paid to inspect homes in Marathon or Monroe County, you must be licensed.

How to Get Licensed

1. Meet qualification requirements per Fla. Stat. § 489.113:
2. Be at least 18 years old
3. Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
4. Complete required education hours (see statute for specific coursework)

5. Maintain errors and omissions liability insurance

6. Pass the state examination administered under Fla. Stat. § 489.111. The exam covers building systems, inspection standards, and legal requirements.

7. Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. Submit your exam scores, proof of insurance, and application materials.

8. Receive your Florida home inspector license issued by the state—not by Marathon or Monroe County. The state board has jurisdiction over licensing.

Local Requirements

Permit and inspection work in Marathon must comply with:

• Marathon Municipal Code — Check the current code at https://library.municode.com/fl/marathon for any local amendments, additional certifications, or registration requirements specific to the city.

• Monroe County requirements — As the county authority, Monroe County may impose additional permitting or notification rules for home inspectors working within the county.

Contact the Marathon Building Department to confirm which permits or local registrations are required before you begin work in the city. Requirements may vary between state licensing and local practice rules.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, exemptions include:

• Work performed by property owners on their own property
• Inspections conducted by public employees in their official capacity
• Structural or systems assessments performed by licensed engineers or architects
• Real estate agents or brokers providing general property observations (not formal home inspections)

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. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
• Fla. Stat. § 489.111 — Licensure by examination
• Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
• Marathon Municipal Code

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