Fumigation Laws, Rules, and Recordkeeping
Fumigation Laws, Rules, and Recordkeeping
This domain tests the legal framework around structural fumigation in Florida and the paper trail that proves it was done lawfully. Know the Florida Structural Pest Control Act (Chapter 482, Florida Statutes), the structural pest control rules in Chapter 5E-14, Florida Administrative Code, and the federal FIFRA label framework.
Who may do what
- Fumigation is a licensed category. A certified operator must supervise; unlicensed employees may perform only tasks the rule and label allow.
- The label is federal law. Applying at a rate, site, or method not on the label is a violation even if it works.
- Restricted-use fumigants require certified applicators and restricted-use records.
- Florida requires application records, posting and notification, and safe re-entry. Local fire departments may require notification before tenting.
- FIFRA restricted-use records are kept 2 years. Florida structural pest control records must be available for inspection; when periods differ, keep the longer period.
Record content
A defensible record shows date and time, structure address, target pest, fumigant and EPA registration number, lot, amount, volume, temperature, applicator and supervisor, sealing method, monitoring readings, aeration start and end, clearance readings, and signatures. The record must let an inspector reconstruct dose and clearance.
Worked example
An inspector finds a fumigation record with the fumigant amount and date but no clearance reading or time of aeration. Reasoning: without clearance data, the file does not prove occupants could legally re-enter; the missing reading is a recordkeeping violation and a safety concern. The corrective action is to add a clearance log with instrument calibration and readings by location.
Traps
- Treating the SDS as authorization.
- Missing occupant notice or warning signs.
- Recording only the total amount, not volume and rate.
- Letting an uncertified person supervise.
- Keeping records only until payment clears.
Key points
- Chapter 482 and Chapter 5E-14 govern Florida structural fumigation.
- The label sets the legal rate, site, and method.
- Restricted-use fumigants require certification and records.
- Records must reconstruct dose, aeration, and clearance.
- Keep records for the longer of federal or Florida requirements.