MRSR

Definition

MRSR (Mold-Related Services Remediator) is the Florida state license required to perform mold remediation on residential or commercial properties. DBPR uses MRSR as the license-type code and calls the licensee a "mold remediator"; the expansion follows Florida Statutes Chapter 468, Part XVI, which the Legislature titled "Mold-Related Services". The license is held by an individual rather than by a company, which is what makes the corporate rule below matter. Administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), it requires a general liability policy of at least $1,000,000 that includes specific coverage for mold-related claims (468.8421). A licensed mold assessor carries a separate requirement under the same section: $1 million in general liability plus errors and omissions cover. Renewal and continuing education are set by 468.8415 and 468.8416.

Why It Matters

Florida is one of few states with comprehensive mold licensing laws, enacted after widespread fraud and incompetent remediation following the 2004 hurricane season. For homeowners, the MRSR system provides consumer protection: it creates a verified registry of legitimate contractors, establishes minimum competency standards, and enables enforcement actions against fraudulent or negligent operators. Unlicensed mold remediation in Florida is a criminal offense, and homeowners who hire unlicensed contractors may face insurance claim denials and legal liability. Always verify MRSR status through the DBPR website before hiring; active licenses display the contractor's insurance coverage, address, and any disciplinary history.

How It's Used in Mold Work

Contractors must display their MRSR registration number on all advertising, proposals, and contracts. A corporation or partnership cannot itself hold the license. Under 468.8418, a company may offer mold remediation to the public only through licensed individuals acting as its agents, employees, officers or partners, and neither the company nor the individual is relieved of professional responsibility by that arrangement. Florida law also restricts the same company from doing both jobs, though the rule is narrower than it is usually described. Under Florida Statute 468.8419, a mold assessor may not "perform or offer to perform any mold remediation to a structure on which the mold assessor or the mold assessor's company provided a mold assessment within the last 12 months", and the paragraph does not apply to a certified contractor classified under s. 489.105(3) as a Division I contractor. So it is a 12-month restriction with a named exemption rather than a permanent bar. We recommend separate companies regardless, because the incentive to find more work exists whether or not the law reaches it. When obtaining quotes, ask contractors for their MRSR number and verify it's active and complaint-free on the DBPR public search portal. Insurance adjusters typically require MRSR documentation before approving mold claim payments.