Independent Clearance
Independent post-remediation verification, required by Florida ethics.
When a remediation contractor finishes work, you need an independent third party to verify the affected area was actually returned to baseline. Florida ethics specifically prohibit the same firm from inspecting and remediating, a remediator cannot ethically clear their own work. PureSpec is independent by design.
What it covers
What's included.
- Visual inspection of the previously remediated area
- Moisture meter and thermal verification of dried-out condition
- Air sampling, typically inside the remediated area + outdoor reference
- Surface sampling on previously affected substrates
- Lab analysis with comparison to outdoor baseline
- Pass / fail determination with explicit reasoning
- Written clearance report for insurance / HOA / sale
When you need it
Right scenarios for this service.
- Remediation contractor says the work is done, verify before paying
- Insurance carrier requires third-party clearance
- HOA or condo association requires clearance before occupancy
- Real estate transaction conditional on clearance
- Tenant return after habitability remediation
How it works
Process overview.
Pre-remediation review of the protocol (when available) → Inspection after remediation contractor signs off → Visual + moisture + sampling → Lab analysis → Pass/fail clearance report.
Why it matters
Why a PRV matters.
- Ensures remediation was completed effectively, and the area is genuinely safe for occupancy, not just "looks finished."
- Helps you avoid future liability, especially if you plan to sell or rent the property within the next few years.
- Provides peace of mind to homeowners, tenants, and prospective buyers, with documentation that's not from the company that did the work.
- Strengthens insurance claims and protects against potential disputes if the remediation comes into question later.
- Independent by Florida law. FS 468.8419 generally prohibits the same firm from inspecting and remediating, so PureSpec is structurally separate from the contractor who did the work.
This inspection is limited strictly to the remediated areas. Non-affected or unremediated portions of the home are not included in the PRV scope.
The inspector
Daniel Melendez
Founder · Lead Inspector
- License
- MRSA #4575
- Certifications
- ACAC CMI · NAERMC CMH · NAERMC Green IAQ · Pathways™
- Education
- B.S. Microbiology
- Background
- Former lab analyst
Why a microbiologist
A microbiologist with a lab background, not a contractor with a weekend course.
Most Florida mold inspectors learned the trade in a weekend course. Daniel holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and worked as an environmental laboratory analyst, the person other inspectors ship their samples to, before founding PureSpec.
He reads spore counts, growth patterns, and species behavior the way the labs that run the analysis do. Every inspection is founder-performed, lab-supported, and assessment-only: Daniel personally walks the property, collects the samples, interprets the lab data, and writes the report.
No subcontractors, no remediation upsell, no kickbacks. Florida law (FS 468.8419) prohibits the same firm from inspecting and remediating, and PureSpec is built around that line.
How an inspection actually works
Nine steps. Same scientific process, every property.
The depth of each step adapts to your situation. HVAC and borescope inspection happen when conditions warrant. Sampling is decided based on what your specific environment is asking, not a fixed checklist.
- 01
Consultation
We talk through what you’re seeing, the building, and the question you need answered. Free, no pressure, no upsell.
- 02
Visual inspection
Daniel personally walks every accessible space. No subcontractors.
- 03
Moisture mapping
Pin and pinless moisture meters identify elevated wall, floor, and substrate moisture invisible to the eye.
- 04
Thermal imaging
Infrared imaging surfaces temperature differentials that often correlate with hidden moisture or insulation gaps.
- 05
HVAC evaluation
Coil, plenum, return, and ductwork assessment. The #1 hidden vector for indoor mold in Florida buildings.
- 06
Targeted sampling
Air, surface, swab, ERMI, HERTSMI-2, mycotoxin, Pathways™, VOC, or formaldehyde, only the tests your situation warrants.
- 07
Lab analysis
Samples sent to AIHA-LAP-accredited third-party laboratories. Results returned within 24 to 72 hours of receipt.
- 08
Written report
Plain-English report with photos, lab data, moisture readings, observations, and clear next steps. Built to hold up with insurers, lenders, healthcare providers, and counsel.
- 09
Remediation protocol when warranted
If the report identifies remediation-grade mold, Daniel writes the IICRC S520-aligned remediation protocol, scope, containment, methods, and clearance criteria, that the remediation contractor works to. Florida law prohibits the same firm from inspecting and remediating, so the protocol stays independent of the work crew.
Service areas
Where we perform Post-Remediation Verification (PRV).
15 Florida counties from Central Florida to South Florida, the Tampa Bay area, and North Florida. Click the county nearest you for local context.
Central Florida coverage