Well, here is is almost 2010 and 6 months away from our law going into effect. Has anyone heard anything? I know there are a few of you out there with an inside track. Any news for the rest of us would be beneficial.
Not even a peep
ed
Nothing here. Wish I did. No matter what im ready.
**I am certain that I saw a post from Nick several days ago that stated that the grandfathering issue is going back to the legislature for a re-write. I can’t find the post now. **
I think they have taken a page out of the Washington playbook and are doing this behind closed doors. The only people that will be happy with the end result will be the people crafting the legislation and the dbpr who will collect fees.
I have not heard any thing on this issue either. I do have one question on F H A certification.Where do we in Florida obtain this certification.?
I would suggest that all NACHI members contact your local representatives (both State House and Senate) to voice your concerns regarding the home inspector licensing law in it’s current form as well as your concerns for the changes that are being crafted now. It would also be a good idea to formulate a unified plan on this message board so that we can all approach or representatives with a unified voice across the state. Change to the existing law is for sure (being worked on as we speak). Now is the time for meetings with your reps. to try to influence the changes in a positive way. I can assure you that others are trying to influence the changes that are not in our best interest. We need to organize NOW with a unified plan to influence the next legislative session.
Think about this:
Grandfathering
Education: Current law requres 120 hours. What about us that already have way more than that. Are we required to start over? Thank the inspection school lobby for that one.
Current law allows contractors to offer repairs on homes that they inspect immediately after closing. This clause in the current law vioilates most all professional inspection association ethics and will be the death of our industry. The contractors will take control of our industry by offering free inspections to get the work on the back end. I have serious concerns over that provision.
Mandatory fingerprinting and background checks. I’m sure I will get big disagreements on this one. But, I thought that in this country, it was the governments burden to prove guilt. With the fingerprinting and background checks, we are assumed guilty of something and must prove innocence by submitting to fingerprinting and background checks. This can also be a fishing expedition by the gov. to check for prior unsolved crimes. Just something to think about for discussion.
That should get things started.
Steve Taylor
Taylor Inspection Services, Inc.
Atlantic Beach, Florida
904-206-0370
www.taylorinspectionservices.com
In NC, we have a board comprised of other home inspector’s. I hope this is also not planned for Florida. As home inspectors here are terrified to go in front of the board. In NC, it is better to pay out for any issue true or not to prevent it from going before the board. The board has the power to suspend and revoke licenses and does so for minor issues that may have no relevance to the complaint. Remember the board here is comprised of your competition.
Steve, it looks like home inspector’s in Florida have a real mess coming. There should be plenty of home inspectors there to make changes before it becomes law. I hope enough voice there opinions, because they sure didn’t do it here.
“There should be plenty of home inspectors there to make changes before it becomes law. I hope enough voice there opinions, because they sure didn’t do it here.”
I**t already is law. Now they are writing the administrative portion of it.
**
“I would suggest that all NACHI members contact your local representatives (both State House and Senate) to voice your concerns regarding the home inspector licensing law in it’s current form as well as your concerns for the changes that are being crafted now. It would also be a good idea to formulate a unified plan on this message board so that we can all approach or representatives with a unified voice across the state. Change to the existing law is for sure (being worked on as we speak). Now is the time for meetings with your reps. to try to influence the changes in a positive way. I can assure you that others are trying to influence the changes that are not in our best interest. We need to organize NOW with a unified plan to influence the next legislative session.”
**Contacting your reps at this point is a futal attempt. The law has already been written and passed. The purpose of the stakeholder meetings were to give ideas about grandfathering and education. Unfortunately it turned into a chest pounding affair with different organizations touting their own credentials and agendas. **
Remember, back in the early part of this decade the HI industry was trying to push through its own bill. We had some control over it, but the associations could not agree on certain point. Now we are going to get it shoved down our throats.
Mr. Siegel,
You are correct. The licensing bill is now law. However, the existing law (current law that was passed) is really just a place holder to get their foot in the door to license us. There will be a “glitch” bill or amendment bill to modify/clarify/and shape the current law. I can assure you that there are special interest groups meeting with legislators right now to influence the changes to the existing “law”. I do believe that we can still have an influence on the changes if we can organize and present a clear agenda.
You are also correct that the “administrate portion” a.k.a. “rule making” portion is in process now. I also believe that our legislative reps. can still influence/shape this important piece of the law as well. Special interests have met with legislators since the placeholder law was passed in an effort to influence the rule making process and the glitch bill. With that said, it may be “futile” to contact your representatives Or, it may be worth it to try and positively influence the changes that are coming. I choose to try. I have two meetings scheduled next week with my senator and representative. I would encourage all other small business owners to do the same.
Steve Taylor
Taylor Inspection Services, Inc.
Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233
904-206-0370
www.taylorinspectionservices.com
Mr. Siegel,
The purpose of the stakeholder meetings was “window dressing” or “razzle dazzle” to make us “stakeholders” think that we had a say or stake in the process. The real players are meeting behind closed doors with DBPR and state representatives who are the real ones that will shape the law. Again, I suggest we try and get behind the closed doors.
Steve Taylor
Taylor Inspection Services, Inc.
Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233
904-206-0370
www.taylorinspectionservices.com
Steve:
Thanks again for all you do.
The funny thing about monitoring these posts over the months and seeing the members at the stakeholder meeting, it is strange how some of these folks did not speak. Hiding behind a message board shows that character of the person.
After speaking at the stakeholder meeting, I received some interesting correspondence from people, that frankly, do not have our trade association existence in mind.
I have been working with senators and representatives for more than a year now. They are waiting to see what DBPR comes up with. At that point, I have all the confidence in the world that the elected officials I have spoken to will have direct control of what happens to our industry.
Jay,
“At that point, I have all the confidence in the world that the elected officials I have spoken to will have direct control of what happens to our industry.”
Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
Steve and I attended the meetings together where I spotted something I don’t believe anyone else did: A minor change to the enacted law. The change was insignificant, but the point is that the law was being rewritten even before the stakeholder meetings. I pointed it out to Steve at the meeting and he concurred.
On the bright side, I have had some indication that our 1,062 Florida InterNACHI members will be grandfathered.
Keep up the good work Nick!
Sounds Good To Me… Thanks Nick
Nice holiday page on the website Michael.
I received my newsletter from ESA this afternoon with an update. For the State of Florida, the new requirements will go into effect July 1, 2010 and they include but are not limited to: Possess high school diploma or equivalent. Be of good moral character. Apply to the Dept of Business and Professional Regulation to take the licensure exam (they will accept 120 hrs of interNACHI training according to Nick G). Possess a general liability insurance policy of no less than $300,000.00 and complete a course of study (with approval) of 120 hours and no less that covers structure, electrical, HVAC, roof, plumbing, interiors, exteriors, and conditions that will effect a structure.
Just further government interference. You will need the insurance because once you fall under the DPBR you know it is only a matter of time before you get sued. They don’t have anyones interests at heart except the government pocketbook.