INSPECT Home Inspection Service

468.8321 Disclosures.—Prior to contracting for or commencing a home inspection, a home inspector shall provide to the consumer a copy of his or her license to practice home inspection services in this state and a written disclosure that contains the scope and any exclusions of the home inspection.

History.—s. 2, ch. 2007-235.

468.8323 Home inspection report.—Upon completion of each home inspection for compensation, the home inspector shall provide a written report prepared for the client.

(1) The home inspector shall report:
(a)  On those systems and components inspected that, in the professional opinion of the inspector, are significantly deficient or are near the end of their service lives.
(b) If self-evident, a reason why the system or component reported under paragraph (a) is significantly deficient or near the end of its service life.
(c) Any systems and components that were present at the time of the inspection but were not inspected, and a reason they were not inspected.
(2) A home inspector is not required to provide estimates related to the cost of repair of an inspected property.
History.—s. 2, ch. 2007-235

468.8319 Prohibitions; penalties.— (1) A person may not: (a) Effective July 1, 2011, practice or offer to practice home inspection services unless the person has complied with the provisions of this part.
(b) Effective July 1, 2011, use the name or title “certified home inspector,” “registered home inspector,” “licensed home inspector,” “home inspector,” “professional home inspector,” or any combination thereof unless the person has complied with the provisions of this part.
(c) Present as his or her own the license of another.
(d) Knowingly give false or forged evidence to the department or an employee thereof.
(e) Use or attempt to use a license that has been suspended or revoked.
(f) Perform or offer to perform any repairs to a home on which the inspector or the inspector’s company has prepared a home inspection report. This paragraph does not apply to a home warranty company that is affiliated with or retains a home inspector to perform repairs pursuant to a claim made under a home warranty contract.
(g) Inspect any property in which the inspector or the inspector’s company has any financial or transfer interest.
(h) Offer or deliver any compensation, inducement, or reward to any broker or agent therefor for the referral of the owner of the inspected property to the inspector or the inspection company.
(i) Accept an engagement to make an omission or prepare a report in which the inspection itself, or the fee payable for the inspection, is contingent upon either the conclusions in the report, pre-established findings, or the close of escrow.
(2) Any person who is found to be in violation of any provision of this section commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 2, ch. 2007-235; s. 20, ch. 2010-106; s. 12, ch. 2010-176; s. 8, ch. 2011-222.