Asbestos Notification Requirements

Because of serious health risks associated with asbestos exposure, many renovation and demolition projects require Asbestos National Emissions Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) notification before the activity begins. The notification process ensures no asbestos is released into the air during the demolition or renovation and that any materials containing asbestos are removed and disposed of properly.

You must receive a written asbestos survey report from a state-licensed asbestos consultant before submitting the notification. If asbestos is present, it must be removed before renovation or demolition begins. See asbestos management procedures.

All demolition projects require a demolition notification at least 10 working days (two calendar weeks) before demolition begins, even if no asbestos is found. The written asbestos survey must be submitted with the demolition notice. 

Asbestos removal projects require notification at least 10 working days (two calendar weeks) in advance if the total amount of regulated asbestos-containing materials (RACM) is at least 160 square feet on facility components or 260 linear feet on pipes, or 35 cubic feet (not yards) where the debris cannot otherwise be measured.

Separate notifications and fees are required for renovations and demolitions at the same facility. View asbestos notification fee information here.

Who is responsible?

Any person who owns, leases, operates, controls or supervises the facility being demolished or renovated or any person who owns, leases, operates, controls or supervises the demolition or renovation operation, or both are responsible to notify.

The responsible person(s), or entity, is not limited to owners, consultants, contractors and subcontractors. Consultants are included when performing asbestos surveys, supervising renovation or demolition operations or providing written notification.

How do I submit an asbestos notification?

Submit notifications in one of the following ways:

IMPORTANT NOTE: A permit or advisory statement from the local building department DOES NOT MEET the notification requirement. All required Asbestos notifications must be submitted directly to Pinellas County Air Quality Division.

Learn more about the notification fee schedule and payment options.

What projects are exempt?

Under certain conditions, a single-family residential home or an apartment building with four or fewer dwellings units may be exempt from specific asbestos requirements. This exemption does not apply if dwellings are part of a larger project.

Review this checklist to see if your demolition or renovation project may be exempt from NESHAP notification. Contact Pinellas County Air Quality Division at (727) 464-4422 to verify if your project or structure meets these exemptions.

When do notifications need to be submitted?

Completed notifications, with all documentation and associated fees, must be submitted at least:

  • 10 working days (two calendar weeks) before a demolition, including buildings where no asbestos is present.
  • 10 working days (two calendar weeks) before a renovation operation if the amount of asbestos material stripped or removed is greater than 160 square feet on facility components, or 260 linear feet on pipes, or 35 cubic feet where the amount cannot be measured.
  • One day before demolition if the building has been declared structurally unsound and in danger of imminent collapse by a State or local governmental agency (a building official must make this determination).

The 10-working-day notification period (two calendar weeks) does not begin until all required notification information, fees and asbestos survey documents are submitted. If mailed, the postmark will establish the beginning of the period.

How do I know if I have asbestos in my building?

An asbestos survey is required before any renovation or demolition activity begins. A copy of the survey report must be kept on-site during renovations, and a copy must be attached to the written notification for demolitions. Asbestos surveys must be performed by a state-licensed asbestos consultant.

If I have a survey done and do not disturb any asbestos, do I have to notify?

All demolitions require notification, even when no asbestos is present.

A written notification is not required for renovation activities if no asbestos-containing materials are disturbed. You must have an asbestos report and keep it at the job site during all renovation activities.

Who can remove asbestos-containing material?

All removal, handling and other related activities associated with asbestos-containing materials must be done by a Florida-licensed asbestos contractor. Licensure as an asbestos contractor is not required for removal of certain types of material. Contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) if you have questions about asbestos license exemptions.

Under no circumstances should untrained, uncertified or non-licensed individuals handle asbestos-containing materials. Supervisors and/or workers must be trained in accordance with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) requirements. All employers who require employees to handle asbestos must comply with the U.S. Department of Labor – OSHA regulations.

View more information on building activities and asbestos management procedures.

Who do I contact if I have more questions?

View additional resources for:

Contact Pinellas County Air Quality: