Abita Springs, LA
NORMI, the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors, announced today that a very important step in the direction of changing the current Mold-Related Services Licensing Law was taken in Tallahassee by the House of Representatives passing legislation that would deregulate 14 businesses, professions and occupations. The bill passed along party lines with a 77-38 roll call vote and Republicans touted it as a victory for the consumer and businessman while Democrats complained that this type of deregulation puts the public at risk.
The bill deregulates sports agents; auctioneers; sellers of business opportunities; charitable organizations; hair braiders; dance studios; health studios; instra-state movers; sellers of travel; travel agents; telemarketing; and yacht brokers. Those in the mold industry successfully lobbied to have the Mold-Related Services Licensing Law removed from this bill and legislators introduced another bill, HB 5007 that would not deregulate but revise the existing law which went into effect July 1, 2010.
“It is our opinion that deregulation was not the route to take,” said NORMI™ Executive Director Doug Hoffman, “but we do believe that a ‘tweaking’ of the current law would enhance the ability of mold professionals to do their work more efficiently. Though we are still looking closely at HB 5007, it appears to benefit the profession while continuing to protect the public from unscrupulous assessors and remediators who have plagued this profession for years. We are pleased that the law was not completely repealed and Florida seems to be setting standard that, in our opinion, could and should be accepted by other states.”
The House also voted 80-38 passing HB 5007 that would reduce penalties for violating business regulations and modifying various regulations including a reduction in licensing, examination and training for mold assessors and remediators. Rep. Franklin Sands, D-Weston, argued, “people will die” because of the mold changes. He went on to say, “The charlatans and the scammers are going to move to Florida to be in the mold and mildew business.”
According to legislative experts, the bill’s prospects are uncertain when it goes to the Senate because no similar legislation has been filed there as yet.
NORMI™ was established on July 4, 2004 to provide training and certification for mold professionals throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. NORMI™ is also an approved Training Provider for the Mold-Related Services Board (#0003605) and CILB (#050148598) under the DBPR in the State of Florida. For more information on training programs, certification processes, or mold, in general, you may contact NORMI™ at 877.251.2296 or contact support@normi.org
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