Why Do You Need Lead Certification in Jacksonville, Florida?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other state and local agencies require lead paint certification. If you are working on a project that could involve lead paint, you must have the proper certification. Older buildings, typically those constructed before 1978, are at high risk of having lead-based paint, which means exposure to lead is highly probable.
In Jacksonville, any renovation contractor must have lead certification. The certification requires education that helps contractors understand how to avoid coming into contact with lead paint. The certification process also provides training for individuals on how to respond when exposed to lead paint. ZOTA Professional Training offers exceptional training to anyone interested in getting their lead certification.
Ready to Get Your Jacksonville Lead Paint Certification?
Ready to start working as a Minneapolis Lead Renovator? Find an Initial Course.
Looking to renew the certification you already earned? Find a Refresher Course.
Jacksonville RRP Rule Enforcement
The Environmental Protection Agency Renovation Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule was created to create cleaner and safer workplaces for renovation companies and those employed. The EPA does this by developing guidelines to reduce exposure to lead-contaminated dust and requiring all contractors that receive compensation, including all subsets of contractors, property managers, and associated crew, to have a valid Lead Certificate.
Florida mandates that this rule be followed, although the EPA is the body of government that will enforce it. Fines levied by the Environmental Protection Agency for not having a certificate when needed can be up to $37,500 and potentially loss of business.
Enforcers in Jacksonville
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for enforcing rules surrounding the lead certification for renovators and contractors. In Jacksonville, Florida, local authorities do not have the jurisdiction to enforce the regulations.
No Proof of Lead Certification Means No Building Permit
In April 2010, the EPA’s RRP Rule became law. The Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule requires that all entities seeking to perform renovation, repair, or painting projects with the potential to disturb lead-based paints must be certified. The EPA worked with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to develop and implement the necessary standards for lead certification.
Lead Renovators May Not Perform Chip Sampling
The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for enforcing rules surrounding the lead certification for renovators and contractors. In Jacksonville, Florida, local authorities do not have the jurisdiction to enforce the regulations.
Complying with Jacksonville’s EPA Lead Certification Requirements
Complying with the EPA lead certification requirements in Jacksonville, Florida, is the best way to ensure that contractors can work without issues arising.
All renovators and contractors must have two separate certifications, and the processes for getting an individual certification and a company or firm certification are different. Let’s take a look at how to obtain both certificates.
Steps for Jacksonville Certification
Individuals:
- Apply for the initial certification course. In Florida, individuals must attend a lead certification training course approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. Some lead certification training courses are available online, but some require you to participate in person.
- Complete the online or in-person course and the hands-on experience, which will instruct you on the correct ways to prepare a home for a renovation that may contain lead, construction within it, and clean up after it.
- The EPA will send you a certification upon completion. Store the certificate somewhere safe and accessible after completing the certification course.
- Produce the digital certificate whenever you are applying for contracting permits. You may need to show your certification if you work with other contractors or begin bidding on potential projects. Be prepared to present it when required.
Companies:
- Apply for certification as a firm or company through the EPA website and submit a firm application. The Environmental Protection Agency will then review your application and respond within 90 days, requesting any information that hasn’t been submitted.
- Once your application is received, reviewed, and approved by the EPA, they will send you a company certification.
- Similar to the individual certification, you will need to keep a copy close at hand. Whenever proof of your lead certification is requested, you should be able to do so immediately.
- You can legally begin work as a renovator or contractor in Jacksonville once you have both lead certificates.
Don’t Risk Fines – Get Your Lead Paint Certification Now!
Helpful Links for Jacksonville Regulation Companies
In Jacksonville, Florida, all renovation companies need to have two lead certifications, both a firm certificate and an individual contractor certificate. Don’t be caught unaware. Stay educated with the changing information regarding the EPA’s guidelines, lead poisoning, and new ways to keep a clean and safe worksite. Here are resources to share with homeowners about the dangers of lead and the importance of this permit.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Florida Homeowner Lead Information
- Florida Health Lead Poisoning Prevention
- Florida Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule
- City of Orlando Permit Portal