Cities we serve in Florida
Florida mold law and licensing
Florida regulates mold work under Part XVI of Chapter 468, Florida Statutes. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) licenses two separate roles: mold assessors, who inspect, take samples, and write the remediation plan, and mold remediators, who remove the growth. The law defines assessment and remediation as work on mold growth larger than 10 square feet.
The statute keeps the two roles apart. A mold assessor may not remediate a structure it assessed within the previous 12 months, and a mold remediator may not assess a structure it remediated within the previous 12 months. Division I contractors (certified general, building, and residential contractors) are exempt from the first rule. Assessors also may not accept referral fees from remediators, and may not inspect for a fee any property in which they have a financial interest.
Licensees must carry insurance. Assessors need at least $1 million in general liability and errors and omissions coverage, and remediators need at least $1 million in general liability coverage that specifically includes mold claims. Both complete 14 hours of continuing education every two years.
Some people are exempt from licensing, including homeowners working on their own property and other licensed professionals, such as contractors, acting within the scope of their own license. Before hiring anyone, look up the license at myfloridalicense.com and ask for a certificate of insurance.
Why mold is a year-round issue in Florida
Florida is warm and humid for most of the year. In South Florida the rainy season runs from mid-May to mid-October, and Miami International Airport averages 67.4 inches of rain a year under NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and roof damage, wind-driven rain, and flooding are among the most common starting points for mold.
Humidity is the other half of the problem. The EPA recommends keeping indoor relative humidity below 60%, ideally between 30% and 50%. Air conditioning helps only when the system is sized correctly, runs long enough to pull moisture out of the air, and drains its condensate properly. Wet materials should be dried within 24 to 48 hours of a leak to keep mold from taking hold.
Mold and homeowners insurance in Florida
Florida law does not set one mold rule for homeowners policies. Since 2002 the state has approved policy forms that cap mold coverage at a set dollar amount, and a $10,000 limit is common. Some insurers offer higher limits, such as $25,000 or $50,000, for an extra premium.
Coverage usually depends on the cause. Mold that follows a sudden covered loss, such as a burst supply line, may be paid up to the limit. Mold from long-term humidity, slow leaks, or poor maintenance is usually excluded. Flood water is not covered by a standard homeowners policy and needs a separate flood policy. Read the mold section of your policy, report damage quickly, and photograph everything before cleanup begins. Our guide on whether homeowners insurance covers mold goes into more detail.