Local Guide · Asbestos inspection and abatement · Florida
How do you check an asbestos contractor's license in Florida?
Florida licenses asbestos consultants and contractors through DBPR, with a narrow exemption for owner-occupants. Here is who needs what and how to verify.
Florida requires asbestos consultants for surveys and abatement specifications, and licensed asbestos contractors for abatement work, both licensed by DBPR. Owner-occupants can remove asbestos from their own residence if it isn't for sale or lease, under owner-builder limits, but must personally sign the permit application. Verify licenses on DBPR's search.
Who licenses asbestos inspection and abatement providers in Florida
Florida DBPR, Asbestos Contractors and Consultants. Florida Statutes 469.003 bars conducting asbestos surveys, operation and maintenance plans, abatement monitoring or abatement specifications without an asbestos consultant license, and bars abatement work without an asbestos contractor license, except as provided. Florida Statutes 469.002 exempts owner-occupants under owner-builder limits.
Check a license →Key facts for Florida
- Florida says no person may conduct an asbestos survey without an asbestos consultant license.
- Florida says no person may prepare asbestos abatement specifications without an asbestos consultant license.
- Florida says no person may conduct asbestos abatement work unless licensed as an asbestos contractor, except as the law provides.
- Florida exempts removal of asbestos from a residential building by an owner who occupies it, if it isn't for sale or lease.
- To use Florida's owner exemption, the owner must personally appear and sign the building permit application.
- The permitting agency must give the owner a disclosure statement under the Florida Building Code.
Who needs a Florida asbestos license?
Florida Statutes 469.003 requires an asbestos consultant license for surveys, operation and maintenance plans, abatement monitoring and abatement specifications, and an asbestos contractor license for abatement work. DBPR licenses both.
What is the owner exemption?
Florida Statutes 469.002 exempts an owner who occupies a residential building, not for sale or lease, working under owner-builder limits. The owner must personally appear and sign the permit application and receive a disclosure statement.
How do you hire safely?
Verify both firms on the DBPR license search. EPA recommends separate firms for assessment and removal.
How to choose a provider in Florida
- Check the consultant and contractor licenses on DBPR.
- Use separate firms for assessment and removal.
- Confirm permits are pulled.
- Ask for proof of training.
- Don't disturb suspected asbestos yourself without understanding the rules.
Questions people ask
Who licenses asbestos contractors in Florida?
DBPR.
Do I need a consultant for an asbestos survey in Florida?
Yes. Surveys require a licensed asbestos consultant.
Can I remove asbestos from my own Florida home?
Owner-occupants can, under owner-builder limits, if the home isn't for sale or lease, by personally signing the permit application.
Where do I verify a Florida asbestos license?
DBPR's license search.
Should one firm test and remove?
EPA recommends two different firms.
Who writes abatement specifications?
A licensed asbestos consultant.
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.
