The new law allows mold assessors and remediators and asbestos consultants and contractors who have been licensed in another state for at least 10 years to obtain similar Florida licenses without some of the examination requirements. The statute also removes a deadline for electrical contractor “grandfathering” licensing applications.
House Bill 869 impacts multiple categories of businesses that are regulated by Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The portions of the new law, which takes effect July 1, 2023, that affect the construction industry are as follows:
Section 468.8414, Florida Statutes, is modified to allow individuals with a mold assessment or mold remediation license issued by another state for at least 10 years to obtain a mold assessment or mold remediation license in Florida without further examination.
Section 469.004, Florida Statutes, is modified to add the following language to make it easier for asbestos consultants or contractors licensed in other states for at least 10 years to obtain an asbestos consultant or contractor license in Florida:
(3) The department shall certify as qualified for licensure by endorsement any individual applying for licensure who has passed a written examination that meets the requirements of the United States Environmental Protection Agency Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan, has held a valid license to practice as an asbestos consultant or asbestos contractor issued by another state or territory of the United States for at least 10 years before the date of application, and is applying for the same or similar license in this state, subject to ss. 469.005(5) and 469.006. The application for licensure must be made eitherwhen the license in the other state or territory is active or within 2 years after such license was last active. To qualify for licensure by endorsement, an asbestos consultant must complete the courses required by s. 469.005(2) and an asbestos contractor must complete the courses required by s. 469.005(3).
Section 489.514, Florida Statutes, is modified to remove the November 1, 2021 deadline by which applications for a license under certain grandfathering provisions in the statute must be made.