Florida Asbestos Regulations – Deadlines, Liability, & Lawsuits

Florida enforces strict rules related to the handling and removal of asbestos. These regulations determine how renovations and demolition projects are handled with older buildings. Without these Florida asbestos regulations, residents and visitors could be at high risk of inhaling asbestos, which can lead to serious health problems or even an aggressive form of cancer known as mesothelioma.

Updated Asbestos Rules from the Florida DEP

On March 23, 2025, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) enacted revisions to Rule 62-257, which governs asbestos abatement and abatement practices. Under the new guidelines, contractors must now submit a Notice of Renovation or Demolition at least 10 working days before they start any project that involves the removal of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

The update also includes clearer definitions, a simplified fee schedule, and stricter notification procedures. The DEP also introduced a streamlined fee structure, including $200 for paper or invoice-based submissions and a reduced $100 fee for those who submit electronically. These revisions aim to reduce administrative backlogs while improving regular compliance across the state’s construction and demolition industries.

The new provisions are enforced by regional DEP offices, including the Southeast District Office at 3301 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406. Failure to comply may trigger fines or delays that can halt projects in mid-progress.

Jury Holds Brake Grinder Manufacturer Liable for Mesothelioma Case

A recent jury award demonstrates how litigation against manufacturers of products containing asbestos can result in significant compensation for victims. In March 2025, a Broward County jury awarded $18 million to Denise Cook, a 64-year-old woman diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare cancer that affects the abdominal lining.

The jury that deliberated at the Broward County 17th Judicial Circuit Courthouse, 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, found Hennessy Industries (maker of the Ammco brake grinder) 15% liable and ordered the company to pay $2.7 million in damages.

Cook’s legal team successfully argued that their client developed the serious illness due to years of indirect exposure to asbestos-laden brake dust, which is commonly created during auto repairs conducted by her father. Jurors assigned the remaining 85% of liability to 15 additional parties who were not present at the trial, including Johnson & Johnson and auto parts manufacturers. Special testimony played a key role in linking the brake dust to Cook’s diagnosis.

Miami-Dade Demolitions Spark Public Health Concerns

In the Li’l Abner mobile home park, located at 11239 NW 4th Terrace, Sweetwater, FL 33172, residents protested in March 2025 after asbestos was discovered in multiple demolished units. County inspectors confirmed asbestos in four homes that were already torn down, which led to accusations of improper removal practices and violations of federal and state abatement rules.

Tenants and advocates claimed that no proper asbestos survey had been conducted before the demolition work began, putting vulnerable residents at risk. The Miami-Dade Division of Environmental Resources Management is currently investigating, and legal complaints may follow. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2,803 new cases of mesothelioma were reported in the U.S. in 2021.

Current Legal Filing Requirements for Mesothelioma Claims

Florida law continues to require plaintiffs in asbestos-related cases to submit detailed evidence supporting their claims. Under Section 774.205, Florida Statutes, plaintiffs must file medical documentation proving impairment and a sworn exposure history report. The state maintains a statute of limitations of four years from the date of diagnosis or death.

As with any civil claim, the plaintiff must demonstrate that they suffered material harm due to exposure to asbestos. The harm must be linked to the defendant (or defendants). In some cases, liability may be spread to multiple parties. Certain occupations place workers at higher risk than others. Having experienced legal representation can help you maximize the compensation that you are owed.

FAQs

Q: What Year Was Asbestos Banned in Florida?

A: Asbestos has not been fully banned in Florida or the United States. Some forms were phased out over time, and the most recent federal action banned chrysotile asbestos in 2024. However, many older Florida buildings still contain asbestos materials. State and federal laws regulate how asbestos is handled, especially during demolition, renovation, or construction involving older structures.

Q: Do You Have to Disclose Asbestos in Florida?

A: In Florida, sellers must disclose known material defects that affect property value, which includes known asbestos hazards. There is no specific asbestos disclosure law, but failing to inform a buyer about asbestos could result in legal liability. Landlords and property managers also have a responsibility to keep rental units safe, which includes addressing any known asbestos-related dangers.

Q: What Are the New Asbestos Regulations?

A: Florida updated its asbestos regulations in 2024 to align with federal changes and simplify compliance. Updates included new notification requirements for renovations, adjusted fee structures, and revised definitions for asbestos-containing materials. These changes aim to make the reporting process clearer while maintaining worker and public safety standards during construction, demolition, and maintenance involving asbestos in older buildings.

Q: Do You Need a License to Remove Asbestos in Florida?

A: Yes, anyone removing asbestos in Florida must be licensed by the state. To become licensed, workers must complete an accredited training program, pass an exam, and renew the license every two years. Unlicensed asbestos removal is prohibited and may result in penalties. Licensed professionals are required for any demolition or renovation work involving asbestos-containing materials.

You Deserve Answers. Contact Wallace & Graham, P.A. Today

In 2025, Florida updated key asbestos regulations, including tighter notification deadlines, revised liability rules, and changes that impact how lawsuits are filed. These updates affect workers, tenants, and families who may have been exposed in older buildings or during renovation projects. Missing a deadline or misunderstanding liability could cost you your chance to take legal action.

At Wallace & Graham, P.A., we stay current on state-specific laws so our clients don’t have to. If you’ve been exposed to asbestos in Florida and are unsure of your rights under the new rules, we’re here to help. Contact Wallace & Graham, P.A. today for a consultation.