Florida Home Inspector License Exam
questions and answers with rationales
2025
1. What is the minimum height for a residential guardrail in Florida?
A. 30 inches
B. 36 inches
C. 42 inches
D. 48 inches
Florida code requires guardrails to be a minimum of 42 inches in height
for safety.
2. Which of the following is considered a major defect during a
home inspection?
A. A missing light bulb
B. A cracked tile
C. A foundation crack wider than 1/4 inch
D. Peeling paint on a shed
A significant foundation crack may indicate structural failure and
requires professional evaluation.
3. A GFCI is required in all the following locations EXCEPT:
A. Bathrooms
B. Kitchens
C. Living rooms
D. Garages
,Living rooms do not typically have water sources; hence, GFCI
protection isn't required.
4. What is the required slope away from a home’s foundation?
A. 1 inch per 10 feet
B. 6 inches per 10 feet
C. 3 inches per 5 feet
D. 12 inches per 10 feet
6 inches over 10 feet helps ensure water drains away from the
foundation properly.
5. What is the typical life expectancy of an asphalt shingle roof in
Florida?
A. 10–15 years
B. 15–20 years
C. 25–30 years
D. 30–40 years
Due to Florida’s intense sun and storms, asphalt shingles typically last
15–20 years.
6. What component of a home’s HVAC system is located outdoors?
A. Blower
B. Evaporator coil
C. Condenser unit
D. Heat exchanger
The condenser unit is the outdoor portion of a split-system AC.
7. What is the acceptable range for water pressure in a residential
home?
, A. 20–30 psi
B. 30–50 psi
C. 40–80 psi
D. 80–100 psi
Pressures between 40 and 80 psi are standard for residential plumbing.
8. Double tapping is a defect involving:
A. Roofing shingles
B. Electrical panel connections
C. Water heaters
D. HVAC units
Double tapping refers to two wires on a single breaker terminal, which
is a code violation.
9. The purpose of a weep hole in a window is to:
A. Prevent pests
B. Provide fresh air
C. Allow water to drain
D. Reduce noise
Weep holes allow water that collects in window frames to escape.
10. A cracked heat exchanger can lead to:
A. Low humidity
B. Carbon monoxide leaks
C. Poor insulation
D. Inefficient cooling
Cracks in the heat exchanger can release carbon monoxide, posing a
safety hazard.
questions and answers with rationales
2025
1. What is the minimum height for a residential guardrail in Florida?
A. 30 inches
B. 36 inches
C. 42 inches
D. 48 inches
Florida code requires guardrails to be a minimum of 42 inches in height
for safety.
2. Which of the following is considered a major defect during a
home inspection?
A. A missing light bulb
B. A cracked tile
C. A foundation crack wider than 1/4 inch
D. Peeling paint on a shed
A significant foundation crack may indicate structural failure and
requires professional evaluation.
3. A GFCI is required in all the following locations EXCEPT:
A. Bathrooms
B. Kitchens
C. Living rooms
D. Garages
,Living rooms do not typically have water sources; hence, GFCI
protection isn't required.
4. What is the required slope away from a home’s foundation?
A. 1 inch per 10 feet
B. 6 inches per 10 feet
C. 3 inches per 5 feet
D. 12 inches per 10 feet
6 inches over 10 feet helps ensure water drains away from the
foundation properly.
5. What is the typical life expectancy of an asphalt shingle roof in
Florida?
A. 10–15 years
B. 15–20 years
C. 25–30 years
D. 30–40 years
Due to Florida’s intense sun and storms, asphalt shingles typically last
15–20 years.
6. What component of a home’s HVAC system is located outdoors?
A. Blower
B. Evaporator coil
C. Condenser unit
D. Heat exchanger
The condenser unit is the outdoor portion of a split-system AC.
7. What is the acceptable range for water pressure in a residential
home?
, A. 20–30 psi
B. 30–50 psi
C. 40–80 psi
D. 80–100 psi
Pressures between 40 and 80 psi are standard for residential plumbing.
8. Double tapping is a defect involving:
A. Roofing shingles
B. Electrical panel connections
C. Water heaters
D. HVAC units
Double tapping refers to two wires on a single breaker terminal, which
is a code violation.
9. The purpose of a weep hole in a window is to:
A. Prevent pests
B. Provide fresh air
C. Allow water to drain
D. Reduce noise
Weep holes allow water that collects in window frames to escape.
10. A cracked heat exchanger can lead to:
A. Low humidity
B. Carbon monoxide leaks
C. Poor insulation
D. Inefficient cooling
Cracks in the heat exchanger can release carbon monoxide, posing a
safety hazard.
