Who is allowed to test for and remove mold in a Miami renovation?

Florida's mold law defines mold assessment and mold remediation as work on mold growth of greater than 10 square feet, licenses both through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and generally bars a mold assessor's company from remediating a structure it assessed within the last 12 months (and the reverse). A residential owner working on his or her own property is exempt.

What counts as assessment and remediation

Under s. 468.8411 of the Florida Statutes, mold assessment is the sampling and detailed evaluation used to form a hypothesis about the origin, identity, location and extent of mold growth of greater than 10 square feet, and mold remediation is the removal, cleaning, sanitizing, demolition or other treatment of mold or mold-contaminated matter of greater than 10 square feet. A remediator may not perform work that requires a contractor license under chapter 489 unless also licensed under that chapter or compliant with it. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses assessors and remediators (s. 468.8414).

The separation rule

Section 468.8419 prohibits a mold assessor, or the assessor's company, from performing or offering mold remediation on a structure it assessed within the last 12 months, and prohibits a remediator or its company from performing or offering a mold assessment on a structure it remediated in the last 12 months. The paragraph does not apply to a certified Division I contractor (s. 489.105(3)), though the department may require that the remediation contract disclose the homeowner's right to request competitive bids. Assessors also may not accept an engagement where the assessment or fee depends on its conclusions, or pay or accept referral compensation from remediators.

Who is exempt

Section 468.841 exempts a residential property owner who assesses or remediates mold on his or her own property, and persons acting within the scope of certain other licenses (including chapter 489 contractors), as long as they do not hold themselves out to the public as a licensed mold assessor or remediator.

What this page does not cover

This page covers only who may do the work. It does not give a repair method, a waterproofing specification, or a cost: those depend on the source of the moisture and the building. If a mold finding turns up during a remodel, get the licensed assessment first, then a written scope for the repair. For planning ranges on the rebuild afterward, see our bathroom and kitchen cost guides, or get a free estimate.

This page explains a public program or building code and is not legal advice. It is not a binding quote — a licensed local contractor or your building's engineer gives the firm number for your specific project.

Sources

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Common questions

Can the company that finds my mold also remove it?

Generally not on the same structure within 12 months (Florida Statutes s. 468.8419). The rule does not apply to a certified Division I contractor, who may be required to disclose your right to request competitive bids.

Does a small patch of mold need a licensed remediator?

The statutory definitions of mold assessment and mold remediation cover mold growth of greater than 10 square feet (s. 468.8411).

Can I remove mold from my own home myself?

Section 468.841 exempts a residential property owner who performs mold assessment or remediation on his or her own property from the licensing provisions.

Who licenses mold assessors and remediators in Florida?

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (Florida Statutes s. 468.8414).