March 26, 2010 Abita Springs, LA

Governor Charlie Crist of Florida signed HB0713 on Wednesday evening, March 25, 2010 at 6:43pm providing for those currently working in the mold industry to be licensed under a “grandfather clause” option thus waiving the standard licensing requirements. When Florida’s new Mold Licensing Law goes into effect on July 1, 2010, Florida will become one of only five states across the nation to regulate the mold industry by licensing its mold professionals—the other four being Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Maryland.

“This grandfather clause is significant because it emphasizes Governor Crist’s commitment to avoid disrupting the mold industry while supporting and giving credibility to national organizations, like NORMI, that are keeping on top of this very dynamic industry,” commented Doug Hoffman, Executive Director of NORMI, the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors. “The Florida law gives credibility to national organizations that provide a proctored examination, which, of course, we do, and requires 60 hours of training for assessors and 30 hours of training for remediators thereby strengthening the concept that proper training is mandatory if you want to promote professionals to the public. Certifying agencies that require no training for certification, provide correspondence course certificates, or rubberstamp online training with a nice parchment certificate may begin to see how important it is to train properly and support their members with ongoing continuing education. That’s what we’re all about and we’re thrilled that Florida is taking a leadership role in setting the pace toward more professionalism in our industry.”

The Florida Mold Licensing Law, which goes into effect on July 1, 2010 will require mold assessors and mold remediators to be licensed with the state so the industry will be regulated under a new Mold Licensing Board, under direction of Richard Morrison, established for that very purpose. The grandfather clause provides for exceptions through March 1, 2011 to allow those trained and certified mold professionals already working in the industry, based on their association with a nationally recognized certifying agency or with proven work experience, to continue offering their services without interruption.

“This is a big day for NORMI because we have spoken and people are listening. The industry needs good regulation, no doubt, but just as important are certifying agencies like NORMI that offer ongoing support and training,” said Lance Eisen, COO of NORMI. “We answer questions every single day, do training every single day, help clients of our members every single day and that’s what not-for-profit certifying agencies should be doing. It’s not just about taking money for membership fees, it’s providing leading edge training, information, and support to anyone who needs it, the professional or the public. That, in the long run, is what will make the most significant difference in our industry.”

For more information on the Florida Mold Licensing Law or HB0713, please call NORMI at 877.251.2296 or email at support@normi.org
For information on classes available to support the Florida Mold Licensing Law, please call BTS at 888.856.4803 or visit www.BestTrainingSchool.com