Florida Structural Pest Control Law and Rules
Domain 4: Florida Structural Pest Control Law and Rules
This domain tests Chapter 482, F.S., the Structural Pest Control Act, and Chapter 5E-14, F.A.C. Expect questions on licensing, the certified operator in charge, WDO reporting, contracts, records, and enforcement by FDACS.
Licensing structure
- A pest control business must hold a Florida pest control business license.
- Each business location must have a certified operator in charge; a certified operator is generally designated for one location.
- Certified operators qualify by examination and experience in a category such as termite and other wood-destroying organisms, general household pest, lawn and ornamental, or fumigation.
- Special identification cardholders work under the certified operator and must carry their card.
- Limited certification categories exist for specific low-risk or governmental work.
WDO inspection rules
Only a certified operator or qualified special identification cardholder may perform WDO inspections. Reports must be on FDACS-13645, must disclose inaccessible areas and conducive conditions, and must be retained for at least three years. A WDO report is an opinion of visible evidence at the time of inspection, not a warranty.
Contracts and warranties
Termite treatment services require a written contract describing the service, materials, warranty terms, and limitations. A company that advertises a guarantee must honor it. Warranties must be clear about what is covered and what voids coverage.
Enforcement
FDACS's Bureau of Entomology and Pest Control enforces Chapter 482. Violations can lead to administrative fines, license suspension or revocation, and criminal penalties for unlicensed practice. Recordkeeping, advertising, and supervision requirements are all enforceable.
Worked example
A company's certified operator resigns. For three weeks the business continues selling termite treatments and issuing WDO reports signed by an unlicensed technician. Reasoning: the location no longer has a certified operator in charge, so regulated activity is unlawful; the WDO reports are not validly issued. The company must designate a qualified certified operator or stop the regulated work until it does.
Traps that cost marks
- Thinking a special ID cardholder can be the operator in charge.
- Letting an unlicensed employee perform WDO inspections.
- Failing to keep records for three years.
- Treating a WDO report as a warranty.
- Skipping written contracts for termite work.
- Ignoring continuing education and renewal requirements.