Removing a popcorn ceiling in a Florida condo
Condo owners face two steps a single-family homeowner usually doesn't: federal asbestos rules that cover condominium buildings, and the association's approval for work inside the unit.
Call (407) 555-0123 Request service
Why condos are treated differently
The federal asbestos rules for renovation and demolition, known as the NESHAP, exclude isolated residential buildings with four or fewer dwelling units. The Florida DEP's guidance says a regulated facility includes any building containing condominiums or units run as a residential cooperative, and that for condo renovations, the condominium or co-op board is responsible as the owner.
What that means in practice
- Check the association's rules before booking. Expect questions about approval, contractor insurance, work hours and where the crew parks and loads.
- Have the texture tested before work starts. The NESHAP requires a thorough inspection for asbestos before renovation in a regulated building, and Orange County's guidance says that generally means a survey by a Florida-licensed asbestos consultant.
- If regulated asbestos material above the threshold will be removed (Orange County's guidance uses 160 square feet or 260 linear feet), a notice goes to the agency at least 10 working days before work starts, and a licensed asbestos contractor does the removal.
- If the texture tests negative, the job goes ahead like any other popcorn removal, within the association's rules.
Who to call
- Orange County condos: the Environmental Protection Division, 407-836-1400
- Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Volusia and Brevard counties: the Florida DEP Central District office, 407-897-4100
- Your association's manager, before you schedule anything
Doing it yourself in a condo
Florida's owner exemption lets an owner remove asbestos from a residential building they occupy that isn't for sale or lease. In a condo building, the federal rules and the association are still in the picture, so talk to both before planning to do it yourself.
To get a quote for a unit, call (407) 555-0123 or use the form below, and mention that it's a condo.
Questions people ask
Does a townhome count as a condo?
It depends on how the property is legally set up and how many units share a building. A townhome in a condominium association can be covered; a fee-simple townhome in a small building may not be. Your association or the agency above can tell you.
Does a small job inside my unit still need notice?
Orange County's guidance ties renovation notice to removing more than 160 square feet or 260 linear feet of regulated asbestos material. A negative test means no asbestos notice is needed. Check with the agency for your county before relying on a threshold.
Request a popcorn removal quote
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Call for popcorn removal, a smooth finish or ceiling repair.
Call (407) 555-0123