Florida Senate passes moldy issue

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http://www.tallahassee.com/mld/tallahassee/news/politics/8498353.htm

Posted on Fri, Apr. 23, 2004

Senate passes moldy issueMold remediators would need licenseBy Diane HirthDEMOCRAT CAPITAL BUREAU

Yeeech! A gross thing is oozing all over hot and humid Florida.

As it creeps through homes and businesses, possibly threatening property values and health, who ya gonna call?

Mold-busters! On Thursday, the Senate unanimously passed a bill (SB 1350) that for the first time has the state regulating mold-fighting enterprises in a similar way to how it keeps watch over beauty salons and construction companies to protect consumers.

Bill sponsor Sen. Mike , R-Bradenton, said he's trying to separate the legitimate mold-chasers from the charlatans.

"Now everybody and his brother can say they are mold remediators, and there have been scores of people having their homes destroyed by those people," said .

"If you've been away travelling, the shower's been dripping and there's mold on the tile. If it's the wrong guy, he can scare the hell out of some little old lady," said , adding that not all mold is invasive or dangerous.

To be a licensed "mold remediator" in Florida, persons or businesses under this legislation would pay a licensing fee, complete approved courses and pass a Department of Business and Professional Regulation or similar exam demonstrating mold knowledge.

Someone committing mold-abatement fraud could receive fines or penalties under the bill. A similar measure (HB 215) has been moving through the House.

Florida wouldn't be the first state to tackle mold legislation. Texas in 2003 began regulating its mold-fighting industry. Mold-related lawsuits also have been spreading, but 's bill doesn't touch mold-insurance coverage or liability issues.

It's pretty simple, says : "There should be training for people to know mold and should be training, too, on how to fix it."

"Now everybody and his brother can say they are mold remediators, and there have been scores of people having their homes destroyed by those people."