Inspecting from Florida to Louisiana

From Florida's east coast to Central Louisiana: My Journey as a Home Inspector

After years of performing home inspections in Florida; where I built Call Major Home Inspections and honed my skills on coastal properties, condos, and hurricane-season homes, I recently relocated my family and business to Ball, Louisiana (serving the Alexandria/Pineville/Rapides Parish area). Becoming licensed here (#20041-E) has been a rewarding transition, but it’s come with plenty of adjustments.

If you’re a homeowner, buyer, or real estate professional wondering how inspections differ between these two states, or if you’re simply curious about what a seasoned inspector notices when crossing state lines, this post is for you.

Licensing and Regulatory Differences

Both Florida and Louisiana regulate home inspectors, which protects consumers by ensuring professionals meet standards of training, insurance, and ethics. However, the paths and requirements vary:

-Florida: Requires 120 hours of approved pre-licensing education, passing a state-recognized exam (such as the NHIE or others), background checks/fingerprints, and $300,000 in general liability insurance. Continuing education is required for renewal.

- Louisiana: Mandates 90 hours of approved education, the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE), 30 hours of in-field training plus 10 live inspections with an approved trainer, a report writing seminar, background check, and both E&O and general liability insurance (minimum $300,000 each). First-year renewals require extra continuing education. Overall approval and licensing in Louisiana is more difficult but there are less required hours of education.

I have completed licensing in both states including hundreds of more hours of continuing education classes.

Adapting meant completing Louisiana-specific field training and familiarizing myself with the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors (LSBHI) standards. The process reinforced how seriously both states take consumer protection, but Louisiana’s emphasis on hands-on field experience added valuable depth.

Insurance-Related Inspections

In Florida, insurance requirements often add layers to the process. Buyers and sellers frequently need a 4-point inspection

(covering roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC) in addition to a full home inspection. Wind mitigation inspections are also common to document storm-resistant features and help secure or lower insurance coverage. These can be critical due to the state's higher insurance costs and challenges in obtaining policies.

In Louisiana, homeowners generally face less expensive and less difficult insurance processes overall, allowing more focus on the standard comprehensive home inspection without as many mandatory add-ons for basic coverage. I've heard a couple of people complain about insurance costs here in Louisiana (if only they knew, Florida is multiple times higher costs and much harder to obtain)

Climate and Environmental Challenges

This is where the biggest practical differences emerge.

Florida inspections often focus on:

- High humidity and moisture intrusion leading to mold, wood rot, and hidden water damage.

- Hurricane and wind impacts on roofs, windows, and structures.

- Salt air corrosion on coastal properties.

- Termite and pest activity (WDO inspections are common).

- Aging HVAC systems working overtime in year-round heat.

Louisiana brings its own set of concerns shaped by the bayou climate:

- Expansive clay soils and heavy rainfall causing foundation settling, cracks, and shifting.

- Drainage and grading issues around homes, given substantial annual rainfall.

- Plumbing challenges in older homes (e.g., galvanized pipes corroding in humid conditions).

- Similar humidity-driven mold risks, often paired with different flooding patterns.

- Aging HVAC, electrical, and roofing systems.

In Florida, I dealt with more ocean-influenced corrosion and storm surge prep. In Louisiana, soil movement and drainage dominate conversations. Both demand vigilance on roofs and moisture, but the root causes differ.

Market and Practical Differences

- Volume and Pace: Florida’s larger, faster-paced real estate market often meant tighter timelines and more specialized insurance-related inspections. Louisiana’s market feels steadier in many areas, with strong demand in growing regions like Rapides Parish.

- Home Styles: Florida condos, stucco, and elevated coastal builds vs. Louisiana’s pier-and-beam foundations, older historic stock, and other regional considerations.

Challenges of the Transition:

- Learning local building practices, soil behaviors, and common defects quickly.

- Building new relationships with realtors, contractors, and clients in a new area.

- Updating tools, marketing (hello, MajorHi. branding refresh!), and processes like Home Inspector Pro reporting for Louisiana standards.

- Balancing family life with business growth during the move and home renovations.

The rewards? Deeper community ties in my hometown area, helping families in a region with unique needs, and applying cross-state expertise for more thorough inspections.

Why a Professional Inspection Still Matters—Everywhere

Whether in Florida or Louisiana, a full home inspection is your best defense against surprises. It’s not just a checklist; it’s peace of mind for one of the biggest investments you’ll make. I always encourage clients to attend or follow up with questions—transparency builds trust.

At Call Major Home Inspections, I bring Florida-honed storm and moisture expertise together with Louisiana-specific knowledge of foundations, drainage, and more. If you’re buying, selling, or maintaining a home in the Alexandria/Pineville area (or beyond), reach out for a consultation.

Ready to schedule? Contact me today and let’s ensure your property is protected—no matter which Southern state you call home.

Major Logan Briggs, Licensed Home Inspector #20041-E

Call Major Home Inspections / MajorHi.

Ball, LA | Serving Central Louisiana