The Florida Senate

¹468.8313  Examinations.--

(1)  A person desiring to be licensed as a home inspector shall apply to the department to take a licensure examination.

(2)  An applicant shall be entitled to take the licensure examination for the purpose of determining whether he or she is qualified to practice in this state as a home inspector if the applicant is of good moral character and has completed a course of study of no less than 120 hours that covers all of the following components of a home: structure, electrical system, HVAC system, roof covering, plumbing system, interior components, exterior components, and site conditions that affect the structure.

(3)  The department shall review and approve courses of study in home inspection.

(4)  The department may review and approve examinations by a nationally recognized entity that offers programs or sets standards that ensure competence as a home inspector.

(5)(a)  "Good moral character" means a personal history of honesty, fairness, and respect for the rights of others and for the laws of this state and nation.

(b)  The department may refuse to certify an applicant for failure to satisfy this requirement only if:

1.  There is a substantial connection between the lack of good moral character of the applicant and the professional responsibilities of a licensed home inspector; and

2.  The finding by the department of lack of good moral character is supported by clear and convincing evidence.

(c)  When an applicant is found to be unqualified for a license because of lack of good moral character, the department shall furnish the applicant a statement containing the findings of the department, a complete record of the evidence upon which the determination was based, and a notice of the rights of the applicant to a rehearing and appeal.

(6)  The department may adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this section.

History.--s. 2, ch. 2007-235.

¹Note.--Effective July 1, 2010.