Yes, a company in Florida can have licensed professionals who perform both mold assessment and mold remediation, but there are important legal restrictions on performing both services for the same property. Florida law is designed to reduce conflicts of interest and ensure that mold problems are evaluated independently before remediation begins.
For property owners dealing with mold after a roof leak, storm damage, flooding, or prolonged moisture intrusion, understanding these rules can help prevent unnecessary work and ensure the problem is handled correctly.
Florida Requires Separate Licensing for Mold Assessment and Remediation
Under Florida law, mold assessment and mold remediation are separate regulated services. A mold assessor evaluates the building, investigates the history and source of moisture, and determines the location and extent of mold growth. Mold remediation involves removing, cleaning, sanitizing, treating, or otherwise addressing mold-contaminated materials.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) states that it does not license mold assessment or remediation businesses themselves. Instead, individual professionals must hold the appropriate licenses. A company offering both services generally needs appropriately licensed individuals for each function.
Can One Company Do Both?
There is an important distinction between a company offering both services and that company assessing and then remediating the same property.
Florida Statutes generally prohibit a mold assessor or the assessor’s company from performing or offering to perform mold remediation on a property where that company performed a mold assessment during the previous 12 months. Similarly, a mold remediator or the remediator’s company generally cannot perform or offer mold assessment on a property where it performed remediation during the previous 12 months.
There is an exception for certain Division I certified contractors under Florida’s contractor licensing framework. In those circumstances, additional disclosure requirements may apply, including informing the property owner about the right to request competitive bids.
Therefore, simply finding a company that advertises both mold assessment and mold remediation does not automatically mean that the same company can perform both services on your property.
Why Independent Assessment Matters
An independent mold assessment can provide an objective evaluation of the problem before remediation begins. This is particularly important after a roof leak, because visible mold may be only one part of a larger moisture problem.
For example, water entering through damaged flashing, roof penetrations, seams, skylights, or deteriorated roofing materials can migrate into insulation, decking, walls, or ceilings. If the underlying moisture source is not corrected, mold can return even after contaminated materials have been cleaned or removed.
A qualified assessment can help identify the source, location, and extent of mold growth, while remediation focuses on safely addressing the affected materials.
What Florida Property Owners Should Ask
Before hiring a mold professional, ask:
- Is the person performing the assessment properly licensed in Florida?
- Is the remediation professional separately licensed and qualified?
- Will the assessment be documented in writing?
- Will the moisture source be identified and corrected?
- If the same company offers both services, does the situation qualify for a statutory exception?
- Can you obtain competitive remediation bids when applicable?
- Does the company carry the required insurance?
Florida law requires mold assessors and mold remediators to maintain specific insurance coverage. For example, a mold assessor must maintain at least $1 million in general liability and errors-and-omissions coverage, while a mold remediator must maintain at least $1 million in general liability coverage that includes mold-related claims.
The Bottom Line
Yes, a Florida company may offer both mold assessment and mold remediation services, but it generally cannot assess a property and then remediate that same property within the restricted 12-month period unless a specific legal exception applies. Florida’s rules are intended to protect property owners from conflicts of interest and encourage an objective evaluation of mold conditions.
If mold appears after a roof leak, storm, or water intrusion, address the source of moisture first, obtain the appropriate mold assessment when required, and make sure any remediation is performed by properly qualified professionals. For significant mold or water damage, Florida property owners should also confirm current licensing requirements with DBPR before hiring a contractor.
Related Questions
- Does commercial property insurance cover mold resulting from a roof leak?
- What indoor air quality testing is appropriate after a roof leak?
- Who is qualified to perform a milestone inspection in Florida?
- What is a notice of intent to litigate under Florida insurance law?
- How quickly does mold begin growing after a leak in Florida’s humidity?
- How are wet insulation and drywall handled after a leak?
- What are the current rules on assignment of benefits in Florida?
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