I'm typing this from the Ft. Lauderdale, FL home inspector/mold licensing meeting.

[Nick Gromicko]

Jay Schwartz telling department not to waste their time getting courses approved. InterNACHI's courses are already approved nearly everywhere.

[Nick Gromicko]

FABI President Jeff Hooper saying that FABIs exam has about a 30% pass rate, from his audience seat.

[Nick Gromicko]

Jay Shwartz reminding everyone that, unlike FABI, one of InterNACHI's many exams are a requirement PRIOR to joining, and many after.

[Nick Gromicko]

Jay taking questions from the audience. First time this has happened since meetings took place.

[Nick Gromicko]

Jay explaining that when this law goes into effect, it triggers 67 other counties that will have to change. I'm not sure I understood his point. Jay is an elected official and a member of InterNACHI.

[Nick Gromicko]

Exam discussion over.

[Nick Gromicko]

I just spoke in opposition to the state doing credit checks, which are a civil matter, not criminal. In this economy, many inspectors have had their credit reports harmed.

[Nick Gromicko]

Harold Jacobson (a member) asking about E&O insurance.

[Nick Gromicko]

Department looking through statute to answer. They said they'd get back to him.

I happen to know it isn't in there.

Department saying they'll "look into insurance requirement."

[Nick Gromicko]

Another "kumbaya" speaker. I'll spare you all.

[Nick Gromicko]

Non-member complaining that there are now 3 additional fees we'll all have to pay.

Duh.

Department explaining that yes "there are costs to being in business."

Funny.

[Nick Gromicko]

Another speaker wants department to put up application now and that application should require applicant to prove how much education he/she has.

Department explaining that forms for every license are available online, but not for home inspections yet.

[Nick Gromicko]

No. Hooper stayed away from construction inspections (his position is that we are unqualified to do them and that we should be prohibited from doing construction inspections).

[Nick Gromicko]

The problem with that position is that code officials are prohibited by statute from doing anything much more than determining if something was built to the bare minimum code.

Most people buying a new home want more than a "yes it's up to code or no it's not up to code" report.

[Nick Gromicko]

Speaker suggesting that inspectors be required to put their license number on their trucks. Probably a good idea.