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Mold Services in Florida: Regulations, Testing & Treatment | MoldCo

December 4, 2025

Mold Services in Florida: Regulations, Testing & Treatment

Florida's subtropical to tropical climate creates a relentless environment for mold growth. With the nation's highest mold risk index, 73% average humidity, and 36 billion-dollar tropical cyclone events since 1980, Florida homes and buildings face moisture intrusion challenges that most of the country never experiences. Whether you're dealing with hurricane aftermath, daily summer rain, or the omnipresent humidity that never truly lets up, understanding Florida's mold landscape—regulations, testing options, and medical care—is essential for protecting your health and property.

On this page:

Florida's Mold-Prone Climate
Florida Mold Regulations
CIRS Practitioners in Florida
Find Services by City
Take Action

Florida's Mold-Prone Climate

Florida ranks #1 nationally for mold risk with a mold index score of 38.76—the highest in the country. [^1] The state's humid subtropical to tropical climate creates ideal conditions for mold growth year-round:

Average Humidity: 73% (FL Climate Center)
Annual Rainfall: 54.6 inches (FDP Mold Index)
High-Risk Months: May–October (FL Climate Center)
Mold Risk Index: 38.76, #1 in U.S. (FDP Mold Index)
Billion-Dollar Disasters: 94 events since 1980 (NOAA NCEI)
Tropical Cyclone Events: 36, accounting for 93.5% of disaster costs (NOAA NCEI)

From the Panhandle's humid subtropical conditions to the Keys' tropical monsoon climate, Florida experiences more mold-related issues than any other state. [^2]

Climate Zones in Florida

Florida spans two primary climate zones, creating regional variations in mold risk:

Northern Florida (Panhandle, Jacksonville)

Climate: Humid Subtropical (Cfa)
Mold Considerations: Cooler winters provide brief respite; strong hurricane exposure

Central Florida (Orlando, Tampa)

Climate: Humid Subtropical (Cfa)
Mold Considerations: Landlocked but intense summer humidity; afternoon thunderstorms

Southern Florida (Miami, Keys)

Climate: Tropical Monsoon (Am)
Mold Considerations: Year-round mold risk; 67+ inches annual rainfall; coastal flooding

Humidity by Major City

Jacksonville: 76% daily avg (89% morning / 58% afternoon)
Tallahassee: 75% daily avg (91% morning / 54% afternoon)
Orlando: 74% daily avg (89% morning / 56% afternoon)
Tampa: 74% daily avg (88% morning / 57% afternoon)
Fort Myers: 75% daily avg (90% morning / 58% afternoon)
Miami: 73% daily avg (84% morning / 62% afternoon)
Key West: 74% daily avg (79% morning / 67% afternoon)

Source: Florida Climate Center (1961-1990 averages) [^3]

Disaster History

Florida has experienced 94 billion-dollar weather disasters since 1980. Tropical cyclones account for 93.5% of total costs ($300-430 billion CPI-adjusted). The state's recent 5-year average has climbed to 6.8 major disaster events per year, compared to a historical average of 2.1 events annually. [^4]

This disaster frequency creates ongoing moisture intrusion challenges. After major hurricanes, regional demand for remediation services creates months-long backlogs—during which mold has ample time to colonize affected structures.

Florida Mold Regulations {#regulations}

Licensing Requirements

Florida DOES require mold professional licensing. This provides important consumer protection—you can verify any contractor's credentials before hiring. [^5]

Licensing Body: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

Verify a Contractor's License →

Florida requires separate licenses for mold assessors (inspectors) and mold remediators (removal companies) under Chapter 468, Part XVI of the Florida Statutes. Make sure your contractor holds the appropriate license for the service they're providing:

MRSA – Mold Assessor

Description: Inspection and testing
Renewal Fee: $105/2 years
CE Hours: 14 hours

MRSR – Mold Remediator

Description: Removal and remediation
Renewal Fee: $105/2 years
CE Hours: 14 hours

Licenses expire July 31st of even years. The Department's Bureau of Central Intake and Licensure processes applications, and all licensees must complete 14 hours of continuing education for renewal. [^5]

⚠️ Important: Florida law requires that the same company cannot perform both assessment AND remediation on the same project. Always verify both the company's license and the individual technician's credentials before allowing work to begin.

Mold Disclosure Laws

Florida law requires sellers to disclose known material defects—including mold issues—that affect property value and aren't readily observable. This obligation was established in Johnson v. Davis (Florida Supreme Court) and applies even to "as is" sales per Rayner vs. Wise Realty Co. [^6]

Key Disclosure Points:

Sellers must disclose known mold problems
Real estate agents have independent disclosure duties under FL Statute 475.278
Code enforcement actions must be disclosed in writing under FL Statute 162.06(5)
Disclosure required even for "as is" sales

Tenant Rights in Florida

Under Florida Statute 83.51, landlords must maintain rental properties in compliance with building, housing, and health codes. If mold creates uninhabitable conditions: [^7]

Provide written notice to your landlord describing the mold issue
Allow 7 days for the landlord to begin addressing the problem [^8]
Document everything with photos and written communications
Know your options: You may be able to withhold rent or terminate your lease if the landlord fails to act [^9]

Rent withholding: ✓ Yes (after proper notice)
Lease termination: ✓ Yes (if uninhabitable)
Repair and deduct: ✗ Not explicitly allowed
Constructive eviction: ✓ Yes (if mold renders unit uninhabitable)

Tenant Obligations:

Provide written notice of mold issues
Allow reasonable time (typically 7 days) for landlord to remedy
May need to temporarily vacate for remediation (up to 4 days for certain work)

Landlord Limitations:

Not responsible for conditions caused by tenant negligence
Single-family home obligations can be modified in writing

⚠️ Consult a Florida tenant rights attorney for specific legal advice about your situation.

Insurance Coverage Patterns

Most Florida homeowner's policies have limited mold coverage with sublimits typically ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. [^10] Important things to know:

Typical sublimit: $10,000–$50,000
Mold exclusions: Common
Covered peril requirement: Yes
Claim determination deadline: 90 days

Key Insurance Facts:

Mold is usually only covered when it results from a "covered peril" (like a burst pipe or storm damage) [^11]
Mold from humidity, deferred maintenance, or gradual leaks is typically excluded [^12]
Consider purchasing additional mold coverage (endorsements) if available [^13]
Insurers must pay or deny residential property claims within 90 days under FL Statute 627.70131(7)(a) [^14]
Bad faith claims handling is governed by FL Statute 624.155

Review your policy carefully and ask your agent about mold-specific endorsements.

CIRS Practitioners in Florida {#practitioners}

Florida has relatively good CIRS practitioner coverage compared to most states, with 14 ISEAI-listed physicians and several Shoemaker-certified practitioners. Major metros (Miami, Tampa, Orlando) have local options, though some rural areas and the Panhandle have limited access.

CIRS Specialists by Region

Dr. Craig Tanio – Rezilir Health ✓ Telehealth

Location: Hollywood (Miami area)
Credentials: Shoemaker & ReCODE Certified
Specialties: CIRS, Cognitive Decline, Biotoxin Illness

Whole Family Healthcare ✓ Telehealth

Location: Winter Park & Lake Mary (Orlando area)
Credentials: Shoemaker Protocol
Specialties: CIRS, Integrative Medicine

LifeWorks Wellness Center ✓ Telehealth

Location: Clearwater (Tampa Bay)
Credentials: Functional Medicine
Specialties: Mold Toxicity, Natural Medicine

Uplift Concierge ✓ Telehealth

Location: Tampa
Credentials: Shoemaker Protocol
Specialties: CIRS, Mold Toxicity

The Thyroid Place ✓ Telehealth

Location: Florida (statewide)
Credentials: Shoemaker Certified
Specialties: CIRS, Thyroid Conditions

Note: Dr. Craig Tanio at Rezilir Health is the only physician in Florida certified in both the Shoemaker Protocol AND ReCODE Protocol for cognitive decline. Phone: (786) 780-1188.

Cities with ISEAI Practitioners

Florida has ISEAI-listed practitioners in: Boca Raton, Jupiter, Lake Mary, Melbourne Beach, Miami, Miami Beach, Naples, Panama City Beach, Pensacola, St. Petersburg, and Vero Beach.

Find an ISEAI Practitioner →

Telehealth Serves All of Florida

Even with local practitioners available, telehealth can provide access to specialists and second opinions from nationally recognized CIRS experts. CIRS treatment doesn't require in-person visits for most care—the protocol involves:

Initial testing at local labs (LabCorp/Quest locations statewide)
VCS screening online ($15)
Telehealth consultations with CIRS-trained practitioners
Home testing via ship-to-home HERTSMI-2 kits

Benefits of telehealth:

Access specialists regardless of location
No travel required
Faster appointments than local waitlists
CIRS-trained practitioners (not general physicians)

Check Your Eligibility →

Find Mold Services in Florida Cities {#cities}

Miami – Miami Guide →

Metro Population: 6.1M
Primary Risk: Hurricane flooding
Key Factor: 67" annual rainfall, coastal flooding

Tampa – Coming soon

Metro Population: 3.2M
Primary Risk: Hurricane + humidity
Key Factor: 88% morning humidity

Orlando – Coming soon

Metro Population: 2.7M
Primary Risk: Humidity
Key Factor: 89% morning humidity, landlocked

Jacksonville – Coming soon

Metro Population: 1.6M
Primary Risk: Hurricane + humidity
Key Factor: 89% morning humidity

Fort Myers – Coming soon

Metro Population: 800K
Primary Risk: Hurricane flooding
Key Factor: Hurricane Ian devastation

Tallahassee – Coming soon

Metro Population: 400K
Primary Risk: Humidity
Key Factor: 91% morning humidity (highest in state)

Take Action {#action}

Test Your Home

Ship-to-home HERTSMI-2 kits for Florida residents:

Accredited lab analysis
Expert interpretation included
Results in 5-7 business days

Order MoldCo Home Test – $199

Check Your Health

Start with comprehensive baseline testing:

40-60% below typical lab costs
Florida-licensed practitioners
Results reviewed by CIRS specialists

Order Starter Panel – $99

Get Expert Care

Connect with CIRS-trained practitioners:

Telehealth consultations
Shoemaker Protocol treatment
Licensed in Florida

Take the Eligibility Quiz →

Related Resources

Sources

[^1]: FDP Mold Remediation via ACHR News - Average Humidity Drives New State Mold Index, April 2024

[^2]: Florida State University - Florida Climate Center - Relative Humidity Data

[^3]: Current Results - Florida Humidity - Annual Average Humidity in Florida (1961-1990 averages)

[^4]: NOAA NCEI - Florida Disaster Summary - Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters, data as of April 8, 2025

[^5]: Florida DBPR - Mold-Related Services - Official licensing information

[^6]: Florida Realtors - Disclosure Laws - Florida Real Estate Disclosure Laws, December 2023

[^7]: FL Statute 83.51 - Landlord's Obligation to Maintain Premises

[^8]: Korte and Associates - Tenant Rights - Florida Tenant Rights When Landlords Won't Repair

[^9]: Kistemaker Business Law Group - Mold and Landlord Obligations

[^10]: Williams Law, P.A. - Does Homeowner's Insurance Cover Mold?, May 2024

[^11]: Morgan Law Group - Does My Insurance Policy Cover Mold Damage?

[^12]: Florida Association of Independent Agents - FAQ: Does Homeowners Insurance in Florida Cover Mold?

[^13]: Way Better Insurance - Mold Damage and Your Florida Homeowners Insurance

[^14]: Louis Law Group - Mold Damage Property Insurance Guide

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.