Florida Asbestos Exposure Job Sites – Complete List

Throughout Florida’s industrial and construction history, workplaces across the state put workers and residents at risk of asbestos exposure without their knowledge. Documenting Florida asbestos exposure job sites matters because identifying where and when exposure occurred can be the first step in seeking accountability and relief for asbestos-related disease.

From shipyards along the coast to power plants in inland counties and refinery facilities all over the state, the danger of asbestos reaches far beyond most people’s assumptions.

Hire an Asbestos Exposure Lawyer

At Wallace & Graham, P.A., our founding attorneys Mona Lisa Wallace and Bill Graham have spent more than 30 years researching and documenting where and how asbestos exposure occurred across the U.S. Our investigative work has helped thousands of workers identify the job sites and products that led to their illnesses.

Through ongoing investigations, our firm catalogs locations of asbestos exposure throughout Florida, including shipyards and power plants, as well as schools and manufacturing facilities, to assist families in understanding the origins of their exposure and in claiming deserved justice.

Shipyards and Maritime Work

Shipbuilding facilities in Florida once powered the state’s economy while becoming major sources of asbestos exposure for workers. From Jacksonville’s naval docks to Tampa Bay’s repair yards, workers routinely handled asbestos insulation, cement, and pipe coverings designed to prevent heat damage.

Shipbuilders, welders, and mechanics inhaled the fibers daily in confined spaces without protection. Even retired workers can face ongoing risks from decades-old exposure because asbestos fibers linger in ship structures long after use was banned.

Power Plants and Industrial Facilities

Power generation has always relied on heat-resistant materials, and for years, asbestos was industry standard. Across Florida, from the Crystal River Energy Complex to power stations in Orlando and Miami, workers used asbestos in turbines, boilers, and insulation.

Electricians, engineers, and maintenance crews often handled the mineral without warning or protection. These plants are among the Florida asbestos exposure job sites where the presence of leftover asbestos-containing materials can still present significant hazards during renovations, demolitions, or repairs.

Construction and Building Trades

Florida’s midcentury building boom created widespread exposure across the construction trades. Carpenters, plumbers, drywall installers, and roofers all worked with asbestos-containing tiles, sealants, and joint compounds on residential and commercial projects.

Job sites from Miami high-rises to highway infrastructure projects used now-banned materials. The dangers have persisted for today’s construction workers renovating older structures, as the fibers can be released by sanding, cutting, or drilling into walls, floors, and roofing materials that contain asbestos.

Schools, Hospitals, and Public Buildings

Asbestos use wasn’t limited to industrial workplaces. The mineral was also used in public buildings all over Florida. Many schools, hospitals, and courthouses built before the 1990s still contain asbestos in ceiling tiles, insulation, and floor coverings.

Teachers, custodians, and maintenance staff can be at risk of exposure when these materials age or are disturbed during upgrades. Cities including Tallahassee, Gainesville, and St. Petersburg have documented projects to remediate older school buildings, which emphasizes that asbestos awareness is still critical even in non-industrial workplaces.

FAQs About Asbestos Exposure Job Sites in Florida

What Types of Job Sites in Florida Have Historically Used Asbestos?

Florida’s shipyards, power plants, paper mills, and building projects were major users of asbestos materials well into the 20th century. Coastal shipyards in Jacksonville, Tampa, and Pensacola used asbestos for insulation and pipework.

Power stations used it for heat-resistant components. Builders installed asbestos tiles, roofing, and drywall compounds across the state. Workers in all these industries were exposed for decades without knowledge of the long-term danger.

How Can I Find Out if My Former Florida Workplace Used Asbestos?

To find out if your former workplace used asbestos, you can collect employment records, union documents, or job logs you have from the years you worked. You can use these documents to help identify job sites, suppliers, or contractors who used asbestos-containing materials in buildings or products.

You can also check state environmental databases or historical site remediation reports, or ask your Florida mesothelioma lawyer if they or their investigators have a list of known asbestos exposure job sites.

Are Any Florida Job Sites Still Considered Dangerous Today?

Yes, many older industrial sites and buildings still contain asbestos in Florida, especially if they have not yet been remodeled or torn down. Schools, power plants, and coastal shipyards built before the 1990s are likely to have asbestos materials.

The danger comes when these materials are damaged and release dust into the air. Environmental cleanup and remediation are ongoing across the state, but those who work or live near older facilities should take care until the abatement is complete.

What Should I Do if I Worked at a Florida Asbestos Exposure Job Site?

If you worked at a Florida asbestos exposure job site, make detailed records of every work location, dates of employment, job titles, and the names of your direct supervisors. If possible, speak with former coworkers who can corroborate your story and have similar knowledge of the products and materials used.

Contact an experienced asbestos or mesothelioma lawyer who can find the companies that are responsible so you can file a claim for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care.

How Many Asbestos-Related Cases Are Reported Each Year in Florida?

In 2022, the CDC recorded 2,669 new cases of mesothelioma nationwide. Florida is one of the states with higher rates of asbestos-related illness, based on the shipbuilding, power generation, and construction industries. These numbers are a reminder that the impact of past asbestos exposure is still emerging, particularly for workers who were exposed many decades ago in now closed or renovated job sites.

Contact an Asbestos Exposure Lawyer

Identifying the location of asbestos exposure assists in establishing responsibility for the harm caused. Attorneys at Wallace & Graham, P.A., have spent decades tracking exposure through Florida’s shipyards, plants, and construction sites to secure justice, accountability, and fair compensation for affected victims and their families. Contact our office for your no-obligation consultation and learn what legal options are available for recovery. Hire an asbestos exposure lawyer today.