Buyer question
What is the inspection period when buying a home in Florida?
Short answer
It is a set number of days after your offer is accepted, written into the contract, during which you can have the home inspected. Depending on the contract, you can then move forward, ask for repairs or credits, or cancel within its terms.
How to use it well
- Schedule the general home inspection right away; the days go quickly.
- Add specialty inspections if needed: roof, termite (WDO), pool, seawall.
- Get insurance quotes during this period. Insurers often ask for a four-point inspection and a wind mitigation report on older homes.
- Check the building department for open or expired permits.
What decides your options
The length of the period and what you can do at the end depend on the contract form and what you negotiated. Your agent explains the contract; for legal questions, ask a real estate attorney.