Asbestos Inspection and Abatement: Licensing in TX and FL

If you suspect asbestos, leave it undisturbed and hire trained professionals. The EPA recommends using different firms to assess and to remove asbestos, to avoid a conflict of interest. Texas licenses asbestos work in public buildings, which excludes private residences. Florida requires asbestos consultants and contractors to be licensed by DBPR, with a limited exemption for owner-occupants.

Key facts

EPA says you generally can't tell whether a material contains asbestos by looking at it, unless it's labeled.
EPA advises leaving undamaged asbestos-containing materials alone.
EPA recommends having removal and major repair done by people trained and qualified in handling asbestos.
EPA recommends using two different firms to assess and to remove asbestos, so there is no conflict of interest.
Texas requires people and companies doing asbestos work in public buildings to be licensed or registered by DSHS.
Texas's definition of public building excludes private residences and apartment buildings with no more than four units.
Florida says no one may conduct asbestos abatement work unless licensed as an asbestos contractor, except as the law provides.

What should you do if you suspect asbestos?

The EPA says to leave undamaged material alone, limit activity around damaged material, and never dust, sweep, vacuum, saw, sand, scrape or drill materials that may contain asbestos. If in doubt, treat the material as if it contains asbestos.

How is asbestos work licensed?

Texas licenses asbestos activities in public buildings through the Department of State Health Services. Its definition of public building excludes private residences and apartment buildings of up to four units (Occupations Code 1954.002).

Florida requires asbestos consultants for surveys and abatement specifications, and licensed asbestos contractors for abatement (Florida Statutes 469.003). DBPR licenses both.

Can a homeowner remove asbestos?

Florida exempts removal by an owner-occupant of a residential building that is not for sale or lease, under owner-builder limits; the owner must personally appear and sign the building permit application (Florida Statutes 469.002). Even where the law allows it, EPA strongly recommends trained professionals.

How do you hire safely?

EPA recommends separate firms for assessment and removal, asking each worker for proof of accreditation, and checking past performance and safety violations (EPA).

How to choose a provider

Don't disturb suspected asbestos.
Hire a trained inspector to sample and assess.
Use a different firm for removal than for assessment.
In Florida, check the consultant and contractor licenses on DBPR.
Ask workers for proof of accreditation.
Ask about past safety violations.

Asbestos inspection and abatement guides by state and city

Questions people ask

Can I tell if something has asbestos by looking?

Usually not, unless it's labeled, EPA says.

Do Texas asbestos contractors need a license for homes?

Texas licenses asbestos work in public buildings, and the definition excludes private residences and small apartment buildings.

Do Florida asbestos contractors need a license?

Yes. Florida requires asbestos contractors and consultants to be licensed by DBPR.

Can I remove asbestos from my own Florida home?

Florida exempts owner-occupants under owner-builder limits, but EPA strongly recommends trained professionals.

Should the same company test and remove asbestos?

EPA recommends two different firms to avoid a conflict of interest.

What shouldn't I do with suspected asbestos?

Don't dust, sweep, vacuum, saw, sand, scrape or drill it.

Sources

This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.

How do you choose an asbestos inspector or abatement contractor?