Gov. Charlie Crist signed SB 2234 to license home inspectors. Virtually everyone in the real estate industry must be licensed but up until today, home inspectors did not.

Unfortunately, this bill does not take effect until July 1, 2010. This gives the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) time to come up with a certification program along with licensing fees and to draft the rules.

Until the law takes effect it is caveat emptor or buyer beware. Until then it is best to get recommendations from your real estate professional and to make sure your home inspector is a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

It is highly recommended for all buyers to get a professional home inspection.

For more information on home inspectors there is great information available on the ASHI website http://www.ashi.org/.