Updated November 4, 2026
Do you actually need a mold test?
Many homeowners assume testing is the first step. The CDC's guide for homeowners and renters says mold sampling is not usually recommended, because results are hard to interpret. You need to clean up visible mold and fix the moisture problem regardless of the test result. A careful visual inspection and the absence of a mold odor are usually the appropriate checks for completion.
Testing may still make sense in some situations: a dispute with a landlord or insurer, hidden moisture you suspect behind walls, or ongoing health symptoms after cleanup. If you do test, hire a licensed assessor.
How Florida licenses mold professionals
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) licenses mold-related services under Chapter 468, Part XVI, Florida Statutes, and Rule 61-31 of the Florida Administrative Code. DBPR says only individuals are licensed, not businesses, and that both mold assessor and mold remediator licenses are renewed every two years, by July 31 of even-numbered years.
Under section 468.8419, people may not perform mold assessment or remediation unless they have complied with the licensing part, and assessors must have documented training in water, mold and respiratory protection. Only people who have complied may use titles such as certified mold assessor or licensed mold remediator.
Assessor and remediator should be different companies
Florida's statute includes a conflict-of-interest rule. A mold assessor, or the assessor's company, may not perform or offer remediation on a structure the assessor assessed within the last 12 months, and the reverse applies to remediators. Assessors also cannot take an engagement where the fee depends on the conclusions reached, and neither role can give or accept referral payments from the other.
Certified Division I contractors under section 489.105(3) are exempt from the 12-month rule. Some other professionals working within their authorized scope are exempt from the licensing part under section 468.841, but exempt persons may not advertise themselves as licensed mold assessors or remediators. Penalties for violating the prohibitions range from a second-degree misdemeanor for a first violation to a third-degree felony for a third or later one.
How to check a license
Search for the individual on MyFloridaLicense.com, run by DBPR, and confirm the license type (mold assessor or mold remediator) and that it is current. Ask for the license number in writing. If you suspect unlicensed activity, DBPR's unlicensed activity line is 866-532-1440.
What a good assessment includes
The scope varies, so ask before you hire. Useful things to ask: What will be inspected, and where? Will moisture sources be identified? Will you receive a written protocol that a remediator can follow? How will it be confirmed that the job is complete? Insist on a written estimate and avoid anyone who guarantees a particular result before looking.
Cleanup safety basics
The CDC recommends at least an N-95 respirator, sealed goggles and non-latex gloves for mold cleanup, and says people with asthma or weakened immune systems should stay away from moldy areas and children should not help. Clean with water and detergent, dry the area right away, and never mix bleach with ammonia. Throw away porous items soaked in floodwater that can't be fully cleaned and dried within 24 to 48 hours. Large areas, HVAC contamination or health concerns point toward a professional.
The job is generally done when there is no visible mold, no mold odor, and no remaining signs of water damage. If asthma, allergy or irritation symptoms continue after returning home, some mold may remain.
Finding help
If you want local mold pros, the free form on this site passes your request to TheBayPros. You are never required to hire anyone, and it's smart to compare written estimates. See choosing a restoration company for more tips.
Preventing a repeat
Mold needs moisture. After cleanup, find and fix the source: a leak, a roof opening, a drain, or high indoor humidity. Dry materials quickly, keep air moving, and recheck areas that were wet over the following days. The CDC notes that painting or caulking over mold won't stop it, so cleaning and moisture control have to come first. If a flooded HVAC system is involved, the CDC says not to turn it on until a mold-experienced professional has cleaned it.
Frequently asked questions
Is mold testing required for an insurance claim?
Not as a rule that we can state. Requirements depend on your policy, so ask your insurer what documentation it wants.
Can the company that tests also remove the mold?
In Florida, an assessor or their company generally may not remediate a structure assessed in the past 12 months, and vice versa, with exceptions such as certified Division I contractors.
Do mold professionals need a license in Florida?
DBPR licenses mold assessors and remediators as individuals. Some professionals acting within their authorized scope are exempt, but they cannot call themselves licensed mold assessors or remediators.
Is bleach the answer?
The CDC recommends water and detergent and warns against mixing bleach with ammonia.