Start here
Quick, low-risk steps
- Stop the moisture source if you can do so safely.
- Do not disturb large or hidden mold areas.
- Look up any professional's license at the Florida DBPR website.
- Hire an independent assessor first to inspect and write a protocol.
- Then hire a separate remediator to perform the cleanup work.
Why Florida Separates Assessment and Remediation
Florida law requires separate licenses for mold assessors and mold remediators. This separation helps prevent conflicts of interest. An assessor works for you to find the problem and write a plan. A remediator then follows that plan to clean up the mold.
When the same company offers both services, they must have a conflict-of-interest disclosure. Still, many experts recommend using completely independent firms. This gives you an unbiased assessment and a clear scope of work.
- Assessors inspect, test, and write remediation protocols.
- Remediators perform the actual mold cleanup and removal.
- Separation reduces the risk of unnecessary or incomplete work.
- Ask if the company performs both roles and how they manage conflicts.
- Independent assessment is a strong consumer protection.
What a Licensed Mold Assessor Does
A Florida-licensed mold assessor examines your property for visible mold and moisture. They may collect air or surface samples for laboratory analysis. The assessor then writes a detailed report and a remediation protocol.
The protocol is a step-by-step plan for the remediator. It describes containment, removal methods, and post-remediation verification. The assessor should not perform the cleanup. Their job is to be your independent advisor.
- Inspects for moisture and visible mold.
- May recommend sampling and lab analysis.
- Writes a remediation protocol for the cleanup crew.
- Performs post-remediation verification to confirm success.
- Should be independent from the remediation company.
What a Licensed Mold Remediator Does
A Florida-licensed mold remediator carries out the actual mold cleanup. They follow the protocol written by the assessor. This includes setting up containment, removing affected materials, and cleaning surfaces.
Remediators also handle waste disposal and may coordinate with other trades. They should not write their own protocol or perform the final clearance testing. That would be a conflict of interest.
- Follows the assessor's written remediation protocol.
- Sets up containment to prevent mold spread.
- Removes and disposes of moldy materials safely.
- Cleans and treats affected areas.
- Does not perform the final clearance inspection.
How to Verify a Florida Mold License
Always check a professional's license before you sign a contract. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has a free online lookup tool. You can search by name, license number, or business.
Make sure the license is active and matches the role you need. An assessor license starts with 'MRSA' and a remediator license starts with 'MRSR'. If a company claims to do both, verify both licenses.
- Visit the Florida DBPR license lookup website.
- Search by name, license number, or business name.
- Confirm the license is active and in good standing.
- Check that the license type matches the service (assessor or remediator).
- Write down the license number for your records.
Take this with you
Evidence and scope checklist
- Did you stop the moisture source safely?
- Have you avoided disturbing large or hidden mold?
- Did you look up the assessor's license at Florida DBPR?
- Did you look up the remediator's license at Florida DBPR?
- Is the assessor independent from the remediation company?
- Did the assessor provide a written protocol?
- Does the remediator agree to follow that protocol?
- Will a different assessor perform the post-remediation verification?
- Have you checked your insurance policy for mold coverage?
- Did you get a detailed scope of work and cost estimate?
Common questions
What homeowners ask next
Can one company do both assessment and remediation?
Yes, but Florida requires a conflict-of-interest disclosure. Many experts recommend using separate companies for an unbiased process.
How do I know if a license is real?
Use the Florida DBPR online license lookup. It is the official source. Do not rely on a paper copy or a company's word alone.
What if my city has extra rules?
Some Tampa Bay cities or counties may have additional requirements. Ask your local building department. The DBPR license is the statewide minimum.
Evidence
Sources used for this guide
Research checked July 31, 2026
- Mold-related services licensingFlorida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Current Florida license and role lookup; verify immediately before referral.
- Mold CleanupU.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Moisture control, cleanup considerations, and professional-escalation context.
Optional next step
Need an on-site professional?
Use the guide and worksheet first so you can describe the situation and compare the full scope. A referral is optional; you can also contact a licensed local provider directly.
We have not enabled a provider route for this site. Use the checklist to contact and verify local providers yourself; urgent hazards should go to the appropriate emergency or public service.