Posted 3/26/2011
One Call Property Services is a licensed mold remediation contractor in Florida.
The rules that govern the mold-related services profession, Chapter 468, Part XVI of the Florida Statutes and Rule 61-31 of the Florida Administrative Code, mandated that all remediation contractors be licensed by the State of Florida by July 1, 2010; However, Florida Statutes provide that unlicensed activity will not be enforced until July 2011. This Florida State Department of Business and Professional Regulation Mold Related Services FAQ provides additional answers related to licensing.
One Call qualified for license recognition under the terms of the Grandfather clause within the statute.
Grandfathering
The requirements for grandfathering as amended by House Bill 713 include submission of an application to the department by March 1, 2011, whether postmarked or delivered by that date. Applicants must meet the following licensure requirements:
- Certification by a state or national association that requires successful completion of a proctored exam for certification and completion of at least 60 hours of verifiable education for an assessor and 30 hours of education for a remediator;
or
- At the time of application, have at least 3 years of experience as a mold assessor or mold remediator. To establish the 3 years of experience, an applicant must submit at least 40 invoices for mold assessment or mold remediation prepared by the applicant. The department may investigate the validity of a mold invoice and, if the applicant submits a false invoice, may take disciplinary action.
An applicant for licensure must submit to a criminal background check and be of good moral character. Mold assessors must also obtain a $1,000,000 insurance policy to cover both preliminary and post-remediation assessment.
An applicant may not qualify for licensure by grandfathering if he or she has had a mold assessor or remediator license or a license in any related field from Florida or any other state revoked at any time or suspended within the previous 5 years or has been assessed a fine that exceeds $500 within the previous 5 years. A license in a related field includes, but is not limited to, licensure in real estate, construction, home inspections services, or building code administration or inspection.
Initial Licensing
Mold remediators must have at least (a) a 2 year degree in microbiology, engineering, architecture, industrial hygiene, occupational safety, or a related field of science from an accredited institution and a minimum of one year of field experience, or (b) a high school diploma or equivalent with 4 years of documented field experience.
Mold assessors must have at least (a) a 2 year degree in microbiology, engineering, architecture, industrial hygiene, occupational safety, or a related field of science from an accredited institution and a minimum of one year of field experience or (b) a high school diploma or equivalent with 4 years of documented field experience.
All applicants must demonstrate documented training in water, mold and respiratory protection.
House Bill 713 also requires the following:
- The applicant may take the examination before applying for a license.
- The degree must be an associate of arts degree or higher or equivalent with 30 semester hours in specific courses.
- The applicant must submit to a criminal background check
- Mold related businesses will not be required to obtain a certificate of authorization from the department.
Enforcement
House Bill 713 delays unlicensed enforcement until July 1, 2011. The educational requirements and testing for this new profession were not available before July 1, 2010. Therefore, this delay will allow all initial applicants the necessary time to complete educational and experience requirements and testing to meet the licensure requirements. In addition, this delay will enable affected parties to identify any unintended consequences of the new legislation and present solutions during the 2011 Legislative Session.
Licensed Contractors
Contractors licensed under Chapter 489, Part I, Florida Statutes, would be able to perform mold assessment or remediation that is within the scope of their license. But contractors would not be able to represent themselves as mold assessors or remediators without the proper license.
New licensees require ACAC course and examination
The American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC) has signed an exclusive contract with the state of Florida to provide all of its mold license examinations.
As of July 1, 2010, candidates who apply for licensure by examination as mold assessors and mold remediators must have passed one of six ACAC certification exams.
