Chapter 482 · Rule 5E-14 · What's Changed

Florida pest control CEU rule changes you should know about.

Two recent regulatory changes catch most operators off guard. Here's the plain-language summary, the statute citation, and what to do about it.

Effective July 1, 2024Chapter 2024-137, Laws of Florida

Certified operator certificates now renew on your certificate's anniversary date — NOT June 1.

For decades, every certified operator in Florida renewed on the same day: June 1. That uniform deadline was obsoleted by ch. 2024-137, effective July 1, 2024.

Your certificate now renews on the 1-year anniversary of your certificate's issue date. If yours was issued November 12, 2019, you renew November 12 every year. If yours was issued March 24, 2021, you renew March 24 every year.

What most COs get wrong

Some FDACS-adjacent websites and older provider materials still reference the old June 1 date. They're out of date. Your official renewal notice from FDACS reflects the new anniversary rule — check that, or call FDACS at (850) 617-7997 to confirm your exact renewal date.

Plan my CEUs →Read the full FAQ

Ongoing requirement · Often missedFla. Stat. §482.091(10)

New pest control technicians owe 4 hours of initial training within 6 months of ID card issuance — separate from the 2-hour annual.

Most companies know about the recurring 2-hour annual continuing training. Far fewer know that every new ID cardholder also owes a one-time 4-hour initial classroom training covering pesticide safety, integrated pest management, and applicable federal & state laws and rules.

The 4 hours must be completed within 6 months after the ID card is issued, or the technician must have received equivalent training within 2 years before issuance. Net: a new tech does 4 hours up front (once), then 2 hours every renewal year after that.

The gap that catches companies at FDACS audits

Company owners regularly get audited and discover their techs never completed the 4-hour initial. FDACS holds the certified operator personally responsible for the training records of every employee ID cardholder under §482.111.

Get the 4-hour packet — $45 →Read the technician breakdown

Verify independently

Chapter 2024-137, Laws of Florida: laws.flrules.org/2024/137

Fla. Stat. §482.091 and §482.111: flsenate.gov Chapter 482

FDACS Bureau of Entomology & Pest Control: (850) 617-7997

Pest Education is an FDACS-registered continuing education provider. This page is intended to surface known regulatory changes clearly and cite them for verification; it's not a substitute for reading the statute or contacting FDACS directly about your specific situation.