Florida Asbestos : What you need to know

· Rules. Florida has adopted the federal asbestos NESHAP. For details, see the national section ASBESTOS. In addition, the state charges asbestos removal fees and requires licensing of asbestos consultants, contractors, and business organizations.

Florida does not have a federally approved occupational safety and health plan; therefore, federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration rules are in effect.

· Administration and enforcement. DEP is responsible for enforcing the federal NESHAP standards. DBPR and DLES are responsible for licensing asbestos consultants, contractors, and business organizations.

In Florida, all persons engaged in asbestos-related projects must be licensed or trained before working on any asbestos project. Licenses are issued to asbestos consultants, asbestos contractors, and asbestos business organizations.

Asbestos consultants. An asbestos consultant conducts surveys for asbestos-containing materials (ACM), develops operation and maintenance plans, monitors and evaluates asbestos abatement, and/or prepares asbestos abatement specifications. An asbestos consultant's license may be issued only to an applicant who:

• Holds a current, valid, active license as an architect;
• Holds a current, valid, active license as a professional engineer;
• Holds a current, valid, active license as a professional geologist;
• Is a diplomat of the American Board of Industrial Hygiene; or
• Has been awarded designation as a Certified Safety Professional by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.

All applicants for an asbestos consultant's license must:

• Pay the initial licensing fee.
• Successfully complete the ...