Florida lawmakers seek changes

2/26/04

Jacksonville, FL – Mold in homes is the target of lawmakers who are eying changes to Florida law. On Wednesday, several lawmakers held a mold workshop to hear from homeowners, insurance companies and businesses that make it their business to clean up mold.

Linda Armstrong came to share her experiences. The homeowner from Mandarin has been in litigation for several years to finally solve a mold problem. Armstrong says, “It’s my home and several others in this area [have the problem] because of construction defects. You have mold, it’s a moisture intrusion.”

Lawmakers heard the problem can be handled in different ways. There’s general agreement education plus more regulation is needed. State Representative Kim Berfield chaired the workshop. Berfield says, “There is no type of regulation for people coming and doing cleanup for mold infested areas. Because of that, the job is not being done well.”  This is partly due to the government’s negliigence in admitting to this issue and addressing mold as a public health crisis that is destryoying people’s lives nationwide.

The hearing in Jacksonville is the last of three held in Florida. The committee will now report back to the Speaker of the House on ways to keep mold at bay.

Author: Contributor