Florida Home Inspector License: Complete 2026 Guide

Official-source review: August 25, 2026

Florida home inspector license: Florida DBPR licenses individual home inspectors. The examination route combines approved prelicensure education, an approved proctored examination, fingerprints, good moral character, application fees and at least $300,000 in general liability insurance.

Fast answer: Complete 120 hours of approved education, pass an approved exam such as NHIE, FABI, InterNACHI Florida or CI-HPI, complete fingerprints, obtain $300,000 general liability coverage and submit the DBPR application. The published state fees total $230 before course, exam, fingerprints and insurance.

Florida home inspector license 120 hour course exam insurance and renewal — Florida requirements summarized from the responsible agencies. Local permits, employers and certifying bodies may impose additional conditions.

What the Florida home inspector license covers

Florida’s route is clear and fully statewide: education, exam, screening, insurance and DBPR licensure. Choose only providers and examinations appearing on current department lists.

Paid inspection of residential building systems and components.
Structure, electrical, HVAC, roofing, plumbing, interior, exterior and site conditions.
Written reporting within the statutory standards of practice.
Individual licensure rather than a contractor business license.
Wind-mitigation services only when applicable qualifications are met.

Inspectors planning paid repairs should check the relevant trade through our license finder.

Florida home inspector license requirements at a glance

Requirement	Current rule or route
Education	120 approved hours
Exam	One approved proctored examination
Fingerprints	Required
Insurance	$300,000 general liability
State fees	$230 total
Renewal	July 31 even years; $105
CE	14 hours including 2 wind mitigation

Do not treat this table as an approval notice. The agency, certification organization or local jurisdiction makes the final eligibility decision and may request additional evidence.

How to complete the Florida home inspector license process

Complete a DBPR-approved 120-hour prelicensure course.
Pass an approved proctored home-inspector examination.
Purchase at least $300,000 general liability insurance.
Complete the approved electronic fingerprint process.
Submit the application, attest to coverage and pay the fees.
After issuance, practice within standards and track 14-hour CE renewal.

Keep copies of every experience certificate, examination result, bond or insurance filing and payment receipt. Names and business entities should match across the application and supporting documents.

Important Florida rules and boundaries

Course completion alone does not issue the license.
The exam is provided by approved national/industry entities rather than administered by DBPR.
A home inspector license does not authorize contractor repairs, engineering, appraisal or mold services requiring another license.
Insurance must remain available even though the application uses an attestation.

Florida may separate the credential held by a worker from the contractor license held by the business, while preserving local authority over permits and inspections. Confirm every applicable layer before bidding, advertising or beginning regulated work.

Florida home inspector license cost and renewal

State application/licensure charges total $230. The 120-hour course, exam, fingerprints, insurance, tools and report software are additional.

Renew by July 31 of even-numbered years with 14 approved CE hours, including two hours of wind mitigation, and maintain insurance.

Government charges are only part of the expected cost. Training, examination preparation, fingerprints, surety premiums, insurance, equipment calibration and local permits can add to the total.

Florida home inspector license checklist

Confirm that this credential matches the exact work you will perform.
Check whether the applicant is an individual, sole owner or separate business entity.
Collect experience and training records before submitting the application.
Use the current official form and fee schedule.
Complete every required examination or approved certification route.
File bonds, insurance and fingerprints when applicable.
Check county, city, water supplier and building-permit rules.
Save the expiration date and renewal requirements.

Frequently asked questions

How many course hours are required?

Florida requires 120 hours of approved prelicensure education.

Which exams are accepted?

DBPR lists NHIE, FABI, InterNACHI Florida and CI-HPI, subject to the current approved list.

How much insurance is required?

At least $300,000 in general liability coverage.

When does the license renew?

July 31 of even-numbered years.

Official sources used

Verified licensing details

Licensing authority: Florida DBPR Home Inspectors Licensing Program
Fees: $125 application, $100 licensure and $5 unlicensed-activity fee; course, exam, fingerprints and insurance are additional.
Experience: 120 hours of approved prelicensure education; no separate apprenticeship hour total for the examination route.
Exams: Pass one department-approved proctored examination.
Insurance or bond: At least $300,000 general liability coverage.
Continuing education: 14 hours per cycle, including at least two hours of wind mitigation.
Renewal period: July 31 of even-numbered years; DBPR lists $105 renewal.

Official sources

Official sources last checked August 24, 2026.

Requirements can change and local rules may apply. Confirm the current requirements with the official authority before paying a fee or beginning work.