Florida mold license rules: who can assess and who can remove mold

Section 468.8411 defines mold assessment as a process performed by a mold assessor that includes physical sampling and detailed evaluation of data from a building history and inspection, to work out where mold growth of greater than 10 square feet came from, what it is, and how far it extends.

It defines mold remediation as the removal, cleaning, sanitizing, demolition or other treatment, including preventive activities, of mold or mold-contaminated matter of greater than 10 square feet that was not purposely grown at that location.

• Mold Assessor (MRSA): a person who assesses mold growth within the statute's definition: sampling and evaluation, and writing the remediation protocol the remediator follows.
• Mold Remediator (MRSR): a person who remediates mold within the statute's definition. A licensed remediator must carry the general liability insurance the statute requires, including specific coverage for mold-related claims (s. 468.8421).

Section 468.8419 bars a person from performing or offering mold assessment or remediation without meeting the part's requirements, or from using the assessor or remediator titles without complying. A violation is a second-degree misdemeanor for a first offense, a first-degree misdemeanor for a second, and a third-degree felony for a third or later (s. 468.8419(3)).

The definitions turn on the 10-square-foot threshold. CFDR is not a lawyer and this page is not legal advice; if you are unsure whether a job crosses the threshold, ask a licensed assessor.

Generally not within 12 months. An assessor may not perform or offer mold remediation on a structure it assessed within the last 12 months, and a remediator may not perform or offer mold assessment on a structure it remediated within the last 12 months (s. 468.8419(1)(d), (2)(d)).

The Division I exception: those two rules do not apply to a certified contractor classified as a Division I contractor under s. 489.105(3). The state may require such a contractor to disclose in the contract that you can request competitive bids. If a company says it can do both, ask whether it is relying on this exception and get a second bid.

No (s. 468.8419(1)(f)-(g), (2)(f)-(g)). The statute bars each license type from accepting, and from offering, compensation, inducements or rewards for referring business to the other. Ask any assessor or remediator you are considering whether it pays or receives referral fees.

Search the company name or license number on the DBPR license portal (myfloridalicense.com). The record shows status, expiration date and discipline history. Ask for the license number in writing before you sign, and check it yourself.

The same applies to CFDR's matched companies: ask the company for its Florida license number where the work needs one, and for a certificate of insurance. CFDR does not assess or remove mold.

Other carriers vary (.Citizens comparison chart; Tower Hill form). The Tower Hill form counts the cost of testing and of tearing out and replacing building parts to reach the mold inside that cap. Your own declarations page and policy form control.

Report the water damage that caused the mold first. See Florida claim deadlines.

Keep the assessment report, the remediation protocol and the clearance report, and ask a Florida real estate attorney what you must disclose (UNVERIFIED here). Buyers: ask for those records and for proof that the moisture source was fixed.