Home Inspection Rules in Florida for 2025

Florida has updated its home inspection rules for 2025. These changes aim to make buildings safer, especially older ones. If you own a home, condo, or co-op, it’s important to understand these new rules.

Licensing Requirements for Home Inspectors

To work as a home inspector in Florida, you must have a license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Here’s what you need:

Education: Complete at least 120 hours of approved training.
Exam: Pass a state-approved home inspection exam.
Insurance: Carry at least $300,000 in general liability insurance.
Continuing Education: Complete 14 hours of approved courses every two years.

Only licensed professionals, like engineers or architects, can perform certain inspections, such as milestone inspections.

Milestone Inspections for Condos and Co-ops

Milestone inspections are now required for residential buildings that are three stories or taller. These inspections check the building’s structure to ensure it’s safe.

When Are Inspections Needed?

30 Years Old: Buildings must have their first inspection at 30.
25 Years Old: If the building is within three miles of the coast, the first inspection is at 25 years.
Every 10 Years: After the first, inspections are required every 10 years.

Inspection Process

Phase 1: A visual check by a licensed architect or engineer.
Phase 2: If problems are found, a deeper inspection is done, which may include testing parts of the building.

Deadlines

Buildings that reached 30 years before July 1, 2022, must complete the first inspection by December 31, 2024.
Buildings that will be 30 years old between July 1, 2022, and December 31, 2024, must complete the first inspection by December 31, 2025.

Reporting

Inspection reports must be shared with local building officials and all unit owners within 45 days.

Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS)

Condo and co-op associations must conduct a Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) every 10 years. This study estimates the funds needed for future repairs to key building parts.

Key Points

Deadline: First SIRS must be completed by December 31, 2025.
Scope: Includes roofs, plumbing, load-bearing walls, foundations, and more.
Funding: Associations must have enough reserves; they can’t waive or underfund these.

General Building Safety Inspections

Regular inspections help ensure buildings remain safe over time.

Frequency

Residential Buildings: Every 10 years or as required by local rules.
Commercial Properties: Annually or every two years, depending on local laws.

What’s Inspected?

Structural integrity
Electrical systems
Fire safety
Environmental factors like flood risks

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Not following these rules can lead to serious issues:

Fines and legal problems for association boards.
Buildings can be called unsafe, and people might have to leave immediately.
Increased costs for repairs and insurance.

These rules aim to prevent tragedies like the Surfside condo collapse in 2021, where delayed maintenance led to loss of life.

Staying Safe and Compliant

Florida’s 2025 home inspection rules aim to keep buildings safe and protect the people in them. These rules require regular checks to find and fix problems early, helping to prevent accidents and costly repairs later on. If you own a property, especially a condo or co-op, make sure to:

Hire licensed inspectors.
Schedule required inspections on time.
Maintain adequate reserve funds for repairs.

By staying informed and proactive, you can help ensure the safety and longevity of your building.