License; asbestos consultant; asbestos contractor.

(1) All asbestos consultants must be licensed by the department. Except for an asbestos consultant’s license issued by endorsement as provided under subsection (3) or otherwise expressly provided by law, an asbestos consultant’s license may be issued only to an applicant who holds a current, valid, active license as an architect issued under chapter 481; holds a current, valid, active license as a professional engineer issued under chapter 471; holds a current, valid, active license as a professional geologist issued under chapter 492; is a diplomat of the American Board of Industrial Hygiene; or has been awarded designation as a Certified Safety Professional by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.

(2) All asbestos contractors must be licensed by the department. An asbestos contractor may not perform abatement activities involving work that affects building structures or systems. Work on building structures or systems may be performed only by a contractor licensed under chapter 489.

(3) The department shall certify as qualified for licensure by endorsement any individual applying for licensure who has passed a written examination that meets the requirements of the United States Environmental Protection Agency Asbestos Model Accreditation Plan, has held a valid license to practice as an asbestos consultant or asbestos contractor issued by another state or territory of the United States for at least 10 years before the date of application, and is applying for the same or similar license in this state, subject to ss. 469.005(5) and 469.006. The application for licensure must be made either when the license in the other state or territory is active or within 2 years after such license was last active. To qualify for licensure by endorsement, an asbestos consultant must complete the courses required by s. 469.005(2) and an asbestos contractor must complete the courses required by s. 469.005(3).

(4) A license issued under this chapter must be renewed every 2 years. Before an asbestos contractor’s license may be renewed, the licensee must complete a 1-day course of continuing education during each of the preceding 2 years. Before an asbestos consultant’s license may be renewed, the licensee must complete a 2-day course of continuing education during each of the preceding 2 years.