(1) A person desiring to be licensed as a home inspector must apply to the department after he or she satisfies the examination requirements of this part.
(2) An applicant may practice in this state as a home inspector if he or she passes the required examination, is of good moral character, and completes a course of study of at least 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) An applicant for a license shall submit, together with the application, a complete set of electronic fingerprints to the department. The department shall submit the fingerprints to the Department of Law Enforcement for state processing, and the Department of Law Enforcement shall forward them to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for national processing, to determine whether the applicant has a criminal history record. The department shall review the background results to determine if an applicant meets licensure requirements. The applicant is responsible for the costs associated with processing the fingerprints. The authorized agencies or vendors shall collect such fees and pay for the processing costs due to the Department of Law Enforcement.
(7) The department may adopt rules to implement this section.
History.—s. 2, ch. 2007-235; s. 18, ch. 2010-106; s. 10, ch. 2010-176.