*NEW* AES Web Portal
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has transitioned to a new Division of Agricultural Environmental Services (AES) portal, effective April 1, 2025. This upgrade is essential to enhance your experience and improve our services. Please view the following documents for important information regarding the new system.
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New AES Portal Information Sheet
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Portal Tutorials
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The following sites are either no longer accessible or may have limited historical access: https://aesecomm.fdacs.gov, https://aessearch.fdacs.gov, https://ceu.fdacs.gov, https://fumigation.fdacs.gov.
These sites have now been consolidated into the new portal located at https://aeslicensing.fdacs.gov.
Requirements for Government Entities
Government employees or government-contracted vendors making widespread community or municipal mosquito-control applications over a designated area are required to obtain a Public Health Pest Control license.
If you are seeking to become director of a county, municipality or district mosquito control program, FDACS Mosquito Control Director's Certification is required.
Mosquito control programs with aerial capacity must employ a licensed pilot; this employee is required to obtain a Public Health Pest Control license with an added category for aerial.
Requirements for Individuals and Private Contractors (Pest Control Companies)
Individuals and private contractors operating on a for-hire basis making mosquito-control applications to private or commercial properties (homes, hotels, resorts, etc.) must obtain a pest control business license and have on staff a pest control operator certified in General Household Pest Control or Lawn and Ornamental Pest Control. For more information, select "Pest Control Licensing and Certification" under Pest Control.
Pest control companies contracted to perform mosquito control activities for a government agency or mosquito control district must have a Public Health Pest Control license or be operating under the direct supervision of a Public Health license holder.
How to Obtain a Public Health Pest Control License
Examinations
Two exams must be passed to qualify for certification:
- Core (General Standards) Exam covers general pesticide use and safety.
- Public Health Pest Control Exam covers mosquito biology and habitats, control methods, regulations, medical importance, and non-mosquito arthropods of public health importance.
Study Materials
- Core Exam: "Applying Pesticides Correctly," available at the UF/IFAS Bookstore
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Public Health Pest Control Applicator Training Manual
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How to Schedule an Exam
There are no set examination locations, dates or times. Exam scheduling arrangements must be made through Everblue and are available remotely or in person on a computer. Schedule an exam.
Fees
There are no fees to take the exams.
FDACS Public Health Aerial Category
Mosquito control programs that conduct control operations by air must have employees who maintain a pilot license as well as the Public Health Pest Control (PHPC) license with the aerial category.
Aerial Exam
The aerial category can be obtained by taking the PHPC Aerial Exam after issuance of the PHPC license.
Study Materials
- Aerial Category Exam: " Aerial Application," available at the UF/IFAS Bookstore
FDACS Mosquito Control Director's Certification
FDACS Mosquito Control Director's Certification is necessary for anyone who wishes to become director of a county or district mosquito control program.
FDACS Mosquito Control Director's Certification Exam
Applicants must hold a valid PHPC license and obtain approval through FDACS before taking the Director's Exam. The Director's Certification Exam is valid as long as the PHPC license is renewed. If you have specific questions about the exam, contact Marah Clark at Marah.Clark@FDACS.gov.
Study Materials
Study materials for the Director's Exam are:
License Renewal
A renewal license will automatically be sent to license holders who have completed and submitted at least 16 continuing education units (CEUs).
Failure to meet the CEU requirements will result in a 90-day temporary expiration grace period. If the CEU requirements are not met during the grace period, the license will permanently expire. You will be required to retake both examinations and reapply for a new license.
If you have questions about license issuance or renewal, contact Cheri Trimble at CherieTrimble@FDACS.gov or (850) 617-7997.
Continuing Education Requirements
The PHPC license is valid for four years. During the four-year life of the license, the applicator is required to attend 16 hours of continuing education training.
Training must cover specific areas of study listed in Section 5E-13.040(4), Florida Administrative Code.
Activities that may qualify for CEU credit:
- FDACS-sponsored mosquito control workshops
- Florida Mosquito Control Association (FCMA) events
- UF/IFAS training events
Quick Summary of License/Certification Types and Requirements
PHPC License:
- Certification Period: Four years
- Requirements for Certification: Core Exam and Public Health Exam
- Requirements for Recertification: 16 CEUs (only four may be Core)
Aerial Category of the PHPC License:
- Certification Period: Four years
- Requirements for Certification: Aerial Exam and PHPC license
- Requirements for Recertification: No additional (included with PHPC license CEUs)
Director's Certification:
- Certification Period: Valid as long as PHPC license is renewed
- Requirements for Certification: Director's Exam and PHPC license
- Requirements for Recertification: No additional (included with PHPC license CEUs)
