Asbestos in Florida

Although asbestos doesn't naturally occur in Florida, its widespread use in construction, shipbuilding, and industry throughout the 20th century has left a legacy of potential health risks for Florida residents.

Florida faces significant challenges due to past asbestos use, particularly in older buildings and industrial sites. While asbestos may not be mined in the state, it was extensively used in various applications, posing health risks to workers and residents. This page provides information about asbestos-related risks in Florida and resources for those who may have been affected.

Known Asbestos Job Sites in Florida

Explore 1253 known asbestos sites and job-sites across Florida.

Job Site	City	State
12703 14th Avenue	Miami	FL
163Rd Street Mall	North Miami Beach	FL
1St Federal Job	Hollywood	FL
2711 Adamo Dr.	Tampa	FL
Abbot Lumber Manufacturing	Pensacola	FL
ACandS	Orlando	FL
ACandS	Jacksonville	FL
ACandS	Pensacola	FL
ACandS	Maitland	FL
ACCO	Pensacola	FL
Acid	Bonnie	FL
Acid	Lakeland	FL
A C Littleton	Panama City	FL
Acousti Engineering	Tampa	FL
Acousti Engineering	Orlando	FL

Occupations with High Asbestos Exposure in Florida

Construction Workers: Asbestos was a common component in insulation, roofing, flooring, and other building materials used extensively in Florida's construction industry.
Shipyard Workers: Florida's numerous shipyards, especially those with a history of naval activity, heavily relied on asbestos for shipbuilding and repair.
Power Plant Workers: Asbestos was used for insulation and fireproofing in Florida's power plants, exposing workers to potential hazards.
Oil Refinery Workers: The oil industry in Florida utilized asbestos in refineries and offshore platforms, posing risks to workers in these sectors.

Florida Asbestos Regulations and Laws

Florida has adopted federal regulations and implemented state-specific laws to manage asbestos:

Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)

The FDEP enforces the Asbestos National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) to control asbestos emissions during demolition, renovation, and other activities. This includes requirements for:

Notifications: Providing proper notification to the FDEP before any asbestos-related work.
Surveys: Conducting asbestos surveys to identify and assess asbestos-containing materials.
Permits: Obtaining permits for asbestos removal and disposal.
Control Measures: Implementing proper control measures to prevent asbestos fiber release during work activities.
Disposal: Ensuring the safe and proper disposal of asbestos-containing materials.

Florida Department of Health (FDOH)

The FDOH plays a role in asbestos regulation by:

Asbestos Licensing: Licensing asbestos consultants and contractors to ensure proper training and compliance with safety standards.
Public Health: Monitoring and investigating asbestos-related health issues and providing public health guidance.

Key Laws and Regulations

Florida Building Code, 105.9 Asbestos: Requires building permits to include an asbestos notification statement, informing owners and contractors of their responsibility to comply with asbestos regulations.
Asbestos NESHAP (40 CFR Part 61): Sets federal standards for asbestos abatement projects, including demolition and renovation activities.

Sources

Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) - Asbestos FAQ: https://floridadep.gov/air/permitting-compliance/content/asbestos-faq
Pinellas County - Asbestos Requirements for Building Owners and Contractors: https://pinellas.gov/programs/asbestos-program/asbestos-requirements-for-building-owners-and-contractors/

Were You Harmed by Asbestos Exposure in Florida?

If you or a loved one is sick or passed away due to asbestos, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Florida law protects victims of asbestos exposure. We can assist you in understanding your legal options.