Why Florida Regulates Mold Companies

Florida enacted mold licensing laws in 2007 in response to widespread consumer complaints about unqualified companies overselling remediation, using scare tactics, and profiting from conflicts of interest. The result was Chapter 468, Part XVI of Florida Statutes.

The law creates two separate licenses and, critically, prohibits any one licensee from performing both roles on the same project. This is your protection against a company “finding” mold and then charging you to remove it.

The Two License Types

Mold Assessor (MRSA)

Trained and licensed to inspect properties for mold, take samples, interpret laboratory results, and issue written reports. Cannot perform remediation on a property they assessed.

Mold Remediator (MRSR)

Trained and licensed to safely remove mold following IICRC S-520 protocols. Cannot perform assessment on their own remediation project.

The 10 Square Foot Rule

Any mold contamination affecting 10 square feet or more legally requires a licensed Florida mold remediator. Smaller contamination can technically be handled by homeowners, but the practical reality is that most homeowners underestimate the affected area.

If you see mold in one visible spot, hidden growth behind the wall is usually 2-5x larger. Getting a proper assessment before assuming your problem is under 10 sq ft is smart.

How to Verify a Florida Mold License

1. Visit myfloridalicense.com (the official Florida DBPR site).
2. Click “Verify a License”.
3. Search by license number, name, or company.
4. Confirm the license is active and not expired or suspended.
5. Note the license category (MRSA for assessor, MRSR for remediator).

What Florida Law Requires in Written Contracts

Florida mold remediation contracts must include specific written elements before any work begins:

• The scope of work in detail.
• A price estimate.
• The name and license number of the licensed remediator.
• Disclosure of any assessment already done and by whom.
• Written notice of the assessor/remediator separation.

What This Means When Hiring a Company

Ask three questions before signing anything:

1. What is your Florida DBPR license number? Then verify it yourself.
2. Did you or an affiliated company perform the mold assessment on my home? If yes, that’s a conflict of interest, and Florida law prohibits them from doing your remediation.
3. Will you provide a written scope of work that lists everything included? If they resist, walk away.

Consumer Complaints and Enforcement

If a Florida mold company violates the statute, unlicensed persons or licensees can be reported to the DBPR. Enforcement includes fines, license suspension, and revocation. Complaints can be filed at myfloridalicense.com.