Workforce
IICRC Announces Inaugural Legislative Fly-In
Cleanfax Staff··1 min read·Source: Cleanfax
Workforce
IICRC Announces Inaugural Legislative Fly-In
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) announced its inaugural Legislative Fly-In, taking place Sept. 1 to 2 in Washington, D.C. The post IICRC Announces Inaugural Legislative Fly-In appeared first on Cleanfax.
Cleanfax Staff · · 1 min read
Read Full Story →Latest News
View All →Workforce
A Quiet Change in Xactimate Could Cost You on Every Job
Break down the updated labor efficiency settings in Xactimate and what they mean for disaster restoration professionals. The post A Quiet Change in Xactimate Could Cost You on Every Job appeared first on Cleanfax.
Jeff Cross··1 min read· Cleanfax
Insurance
Abbott Jury Awards at Least $53 Million in Infant-Formula Trial
Abbott Laboratories said it faces a jury award of at least $53 million over claims by four mothers that the company hid risks its premature-infant formula can cause a bowel disease which creates serious health issues for frail babies. Jurors …
Admin··1 min read· Insurance Journal
Industry
Zurich Austria Launches Branch in Poland
Zurich Austria has launched a branch in Poland, marking Zurich Insurance Group’s entry into the Polish corporate insurance market. The local team combines knowledge of the Polish market with the global competitive strength of the Zurich Insurance Group, Zurich said. …
RNN News Desk··1 min read· Insurance Journal
Fire
Berkshire-Owned PacifiCorp Wins Ruling That Could Reduce Wildfire Damages
An appeals court on Wednesday ruled in favor of Berkshire Hathaway’s PacifiCorp unit over a series of Oregon wildfires in 2020, saying a trial judge erred in letting litigation against the utility proceed as a class action. The decision by …
Admin··1 min read· Claims Journal
More StoriesView Archive →
Storm
PuroClean Attends Major Industry Events in 2026
PuroClean is maintaining strong momentum in 2026 with an active leadership presence across the restoration industry's most prominent events. The post PuroClean Attends Major Industry Events in 2026 appeared first on Cleanfax.
· 1 min · Cleanfax
Storm
First Onsite Launches Life Sciences Division to Protect Critical Environments
First Onsite Property Restoration launched a Life Sciences Division and appointed Kellie Matzinger as life sciences operations director, North America. The post First Onsite Launches Life Sciences Division to Protect Critical Environments appeared first on Cleanfax.
· 1 min · Cleanfax
Mold
MRS-StateLicenses
Requirements State of Florida The MRS exam is approved by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation for the Mold Remediator license. Learn More Here Portland, OR The City of Portland, OR, Bureau of Development Services, recognizes IICRC as a Certifying Entity…
· 1 min · IICRC
Industry
IICRC Archived Articles
Archived IICRC News Select the ‘year’ tabs to see all of the latest industry news. 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 R&R: How to Manage Indoor Air Quality Amid COVID-19 CleanLink: Assessing Damage For Proper Carpet Restoration The Environmental Magazine: Your Journey Back to Business &…
· 1 min · IICRC
Workforce
IICRC Archived News
Archived IICRC News See all of the latest news from the IICRC. 2020 Standards Engineering: President’s Page R&R: Seven Roads to Success RIA: The Strength of Certifications Ask an Expert: How to Clean to Protect Against Coronavirus New IICRC CEO, Michael Dakduk, featured in the…
· 1 min · IICRC
Trending Now
12345678
StormBreaking
NOAA Forecasts Above-Normal 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season With Up to 25 Named Storms
2d ago
StormBreaking
Flash Flood Emergency Declared in Texas Hill Country as Rivers Crest at Record Levels
3d ago
Human Health
The Physician Gap: Why Most Doctors Cannot Diagnose — or Treat — Mold Illness
Apr 1, 2026
Industry
Sustainability Is Becoming a Core Business Strategy for Leading Restoration Companies
2d ago
Insurance
Homeowner Insurance Premiums Rise 18 Percent on Average in 2026 as Carriers Respond to Catastrophe Losses
2d ago
Human Health
Heat Stress Prevention for Restoration Workers: OSHA Guidelines for Summer 2026
2d ago
Pet Health
ASPCA Releases Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Pets from Indoor Mold Exposure
2d ago
Products
Restoration CRM Software Comparison 2026: Jonas, Restoration Manager, and ServiceTitan
3d ago
Daily Restoration Alerts
Stay Ahead of the Storm
Breaking news, press alerts, and industry updates — delivered every morning.
Subscribe Free →Legislation, Standards & Industry Data
Industry at a Glance2026
$210B
U.S. Market Size
Restoration & remediation (2026)
85,000+
Active Contractors
Licensed U.S. restoration firms
68
FEMA Declarations
Major disasters declared in 2025
88%
AI Adoption Rate
Firms using AI tools in 2026
47 days
Avg. Claim Cycle
Water damage claim to close
28,000
Workforce Gap
Unfilled technician jobs (2026)
Sources: IBISWorld 2026, RIA Industry Survey, Cleanfax Annual Report, FEMA OpenFEMA, R&R Magazine.
Partner Content
Sponsored by RNN PartnersIndustry
Job Management Software Is Becoming as Essential as Drying Equipment for Modern Restoration Firms
From estimate-to-invoice workflow automation to real-time moisture log integration, purpose-built restoration CRM platforms are separating high-growth firms from those struggling to scale.
Sarah Chen··4 min read· Restoration & Remediation Magazine — Technology Survey, 2026
Products
Heat Drying Technology Is Cutting Structural Drying Times by Up to 40 Percent, Contractors Report
Low-grain refrigerant dehumidifiers paired with heat injection systems are transforming how restoration contractors approach large-loss structural drying — reducing job cycle times and improving documentation.
James Ortega··4 min read· R&R Magazine — Drying Technology Review, 2026
Industry
Why IICRC Certification Is the Single Best Investment a Restoration Contractor Can Make in 2026
With insurance carriers, property managers, and federal agencies increasingly requiring certified technicians, IICRC credentials have become a non-negotiable competitive advantage.
RNN News Desk··4 min read· IICRC — Certification Programs
Find Your Track
Serving homeowners, contractors, and policymakers🏠
Homeowner Resources
Flood, mold, fire, and water damage guides. Know your rights. Protect your claim.
Get Help Now →
🔧
Contractor Intel
IICRC standards, state licensing, cost benchmarks, and industry news for restoration pros.
Pro Resources →
🏛️
Policy & Legislation
Track the MOLD Act, military housing standards, and federal disaster policy updates.
Track Legislation →
👷
Workforce & Careers
AI is displacing white-collar jobs. Restoration offers skilled, hands-on work that pays well and cannot be automated.
Explore Careers →
Community Spotlight
Contractors, nonprofits, and products making a difference🏆Community Hero
Armored Roofing & Construction · Tampa Bay, FL
Donated Full Roof Replacement for Disabled Veteran
Armored Roofing donated a complete roof replacement — materials and labor — to a disabled Army veteran in Hillsborough County whose home sustained Category 3 hurricane damage. The project was completed in two days at no cost to the family.
Read more →
🛡️Advocacy
Military Family Advisory Network · National
Documenting Mold Complaints in 47,000+ Military Homes
MFAN has collected and published the most comprehensive dataset on mold complaints in privatized military housing, directly informing the MOLD Act legislation and DoD Inspector General investigations.
Read more →
📋Standard
IICRC Applied Microbial Remediation · Industry Standard
AMRT Certification Sets the Gold Standard for Mold Remediation
The IICRC Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) certification is the most rigorous professional credential in mold remediation. Consumers should verify AMRT certification before hiring any contractor for mold work.
Read more →
Featured Video
Industry Education & Training
4:32
StormSource: FEMA
FEMA: How to Apply for Disaster Assistance
Official FEMA guidance on the Individual Assistance application process following a presidentially declared disaster.
Up Next
4:32
Storm
FEMA: How to Apply for Disaster Assistance
FEMA
6:15
Mold
IICRC S520 Mold Remediation Standard Overview
IICRC
8:47
Water
Water Damage Restoration: Structural Drying Principles
Restoration Industry Association
5:20
Fire
Fire & Smoke Damage: Insurance Claim Documentation
RNN Editorial
Storm
More Storm →
AP Photo / Public Domain
Storm
FEMA Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Tennessee Following Severe Winter Storm
President Trump approved federal disaster assistance for Tennessee on Feb. 7, 2026, unlocking Individual and Public Assistance funds for storm-battered counties across the state.
RNN News Desk··4 min read·Source: FEMA Press Release — Feb. 7, 2026
Storm
FEMA Approves 12 Emergency Declarations Across U.S. as February Winter Storm System Batters Multiple States
A major winter storm system that swept across the country in early February 2026 prompted emergency declarations in a dozen states, mobilizing federal resources and triggering widespread restoration response.
· 4 min · FEMA — 2026 Winter Storm Declarations
Storm
Hawaii Receives Presidential Disaster Declaration Following Severe Flooding
Governor Josh Green announced April 8, 2026, that President Trump had approved a major disaster declaration for Hawaii, unlocking federal assistance for flood-affected communities.
· 3 min · Office of the Governor of Hawaii — Apr. 8, 2026
Storm
FEMA Designates 15 Tennessee Counties as Natural Disaster Areas Following Severe Winter Storm
The USDA Farm Service Agency announced April 6, 2026, that FEMA had designated 15 Tennessee counties as natural disaster areas, enabling emergency loan programs for affected agricultural and residential property owners.
· 3 min · USDA FSA — Apr. 6, 2026
Storm
Florida's Long-Term Recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton Continues With FEMA Support
A FEMA fact sheet released Feb. 10, 2026, details ongoing federal support for Florida's recovery from the 2024 hurricane season, with billions in assistance still being distributed to affected homeowners and communities.
· 4 min · FEMA Fact Sheet 076 — Feb. 10, 2026
Insurance
More Insurance →Insurance
Florida Insurance Reforms Limit Assignment of Benefits for Restoration Contractors
Florida's insurance reform legislation has significantly limited the ability of restoration contractors to accept assignments of insurance benefits from homeowners, changing how claims are processed in the state.
Marcus Bell··5 min read·Source: Aronberg Law — Florida Insurance Reform, Feb. 2026
Insurance
Florida May Move Away From No-Fault Insurance System Beginning July 1, 2026
Florida is considering a significant shift in its insurance system beginning July 1, 2026, moving from a no-fault to a fault-based liability system — a change with potential implications for property damage claims.
· 4 min · Aronberg Law — Feb. 16, 2026
Insurance
Florida Insurers Can Void Policies on Roofs Over 15 Years Old Under 2025 Law
Under Florida's 2025 insurance reform law, insurers can void policies for roofs over 15 years old that lack certification, creating new challenges for homeowners and restoration contractors.
· 4 min · RoofPredict — Florida Insurance Reform
Insurance
47% of American Homeowners Experienced Insurance Premium Increases in 2025, J.D. Power Study Finds
A 2025 J.D. Power study found that nearly half of American homeowners experienced insurance premium increases, with significant implications for how they respond to property damage events.
· 4 min · J.D. Power — 2025 Home Insurance Study
Insurance
Major Insurance Carriers Now Require ESG Credentials From Restoration Contractor Partners
Allianz, Liberty Mutual, and other major insurance carriers are checking ESG credentials before partnering with restoration contractors, creating new compliance requirements for the industry.
· 4 min · R&R Magazine — Feb. 18, 2026
Mold
More Mold →Mold
IICRC Mold Remediation Standard Cited in 2026 National Defense Authorization Act
Congress included the ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation in the 2026 NDAA, directing the Defense Department to develop mold remediation guidelines for military housing consistent with the industry standard.
RNN News Desk··5 min read·Source: Cleanfax — Jan. 5, 2026
Mold
IICRC Opens S220 Inspection Standard for Second Round of Public Input
The IICRC announced March 27, 2026, that the draft S220 Standard — which describes non-destructive inspection procedures for professional inspectors — is available for a second round of public comment.
· 4 min · Cleanlink — Mar. 27, 2026
Mold
IICRC S500 Consensus Body Issues Position Statement on Weather-Related Water Damage Classification
The ANSI/IICRC S500 Consensus Body issued a position statement in March 2026 clarifying how water damage from weather-related events should be categorized — a clarification with significant implications for mold risk assessment and insurance claims.
· 4 min · IICRC Position Statement — Mar. 2026
Mold
New Military Housing Bill Puts IICRC Certifications and Mold Standard Front and Center
Legislation signed in late 2025 and taking effect in 2026 mandates that all mold remediation in covered military housing comply with the ANSI/IICRC S520, elevating the standard's role in federal contracting.
· 4 min · IICRC Press Release — Jan. 2026
Mold
Post-Flood Mold Growth: What Homeowners Need to Know Before Returning to Damaged Properties
As flood events continue to affect communities across the country in 2026, public health officials and restoration professionals are urging homeowners to understand the serious health risks posed by mold growth in water-damaged structures.
· 5 min · EPA — Mold and Moisture Guide, Feb. 2026
Human Health
More Human Health →Human Health
CDC Updates Guidance on Health Effects of Mold Exposure in Water-Damaged Buildings
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its guidance on the health effects of mold exposure in water-damaged buildings, emphasizing the importance of professional remediation for vulnerable populations.
Dr. Patricia Wade··5 min read·Source: CDC — Mold and Health
Human Health
Wildfire Smoke Health Risks: What Restoration Workers and Homeowners Need to Know
As wildfire smoke events become more frequent and widespread, public health officials are updating guidance on the health risks of smoke exposure for restoration workers and homeowners in affected areas.
· 5 min · CDC — Wildfire Smoke
Human Health
Floodwater Contamination: Health Risks Restoration Professionals Must Communicate to Clients
Floodwater can contain sewage, chemicals, and biological hazards that pose serious health risks to homeowners and restoration workers. Public health officials are urging better communication of these risks.
· 5 min · CDC — Flood Health Hazards
Human Health
Mental Health Challenges for Restoration Workers: An Underaddressed Issue in the Industry
Restoration workers who respond to disasters and traumatic loss events face significant mental health challenges that the industry is only beginning to address systematically.
· 4 min · R&R Magazine — Feb. 18, 2026
Human Health
Lead Paint and Asbestos Hazards in Older Homes: What Restoration Contractors Must Know
Restoration work in homes built before 1978 carries significant risk of lead paint and asbestos exposure. EPA and OSHA regulations require specific protocols that all restoration contractors must follow.
· 5 min · EPA — Lead in Paint
Legislation
More Legislation →Legislation
2026 NDAA Mandates IICRC Mold Standard for Military Housing: Full Legislative Analysis
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 includes a landmark provision requiring the Defense Department to develop mold remediation guidelines consistent with the ANSI/IICRC S520 standard.
Marcus Bell··5 min read·Source: Cleanfax — Jan. 5, 2026
Legislation
States Advance Contractor Fraud Legislation Following Active Disaster Seasons
Multiple states are advancing legislation to strengthen penalties for contractor fraud following active disaster seasons that have seen an increase in fraudulent operators targeting vulnerable homeowners.
· 4 min · RIA — Advocacy
Legislation
California Advances Legislation to Require Wildfire-Resistant Construction in High-Risk Zones
California is advancing legislation that would require new construction and major renovations in high-risk wildfire zones to meet enhanced fire-resistant construction standards.
· 4 min · California Dept. of Insurance — Mar. 27, 2026
Legislation
Mold Disclosure Bills Advance in Multiple States, Creating New Requirements for Property Transactions
Several states are advancing mold disclosure legislation that would require sellers and landlords to disclose known mold conditions in residential properties, creating new documentation requirements for restoration contractors.
· 4 min · IICRC S520 Standard
Legislation
Insurance Reform Legislation Across Multiple States Is Reshaping the Restoration Industry's Operating Environment
A wave of insurance reform legislation across multiple states is fundamentally changing how restoration contractors work with insurance carriers, with significant implications for business models and revenue.
· 5 min · Florida DFS — Insurance Reform
Fire
More Fire →Fire
California Study: Rebuilding LA to Wildfire Safety Standards Could Slash Future Fire Losses
A landmark study released March 27, 2026, by the California Department of Insurance found that rebuilding Los Angeles communities to current wildfire safety standards could dramatically reduce future fire losses and insurance costs.
Sarah Chen··5 min read·Source: California Dept. of Insurance — Mar. 27, 2026
Fire
LA Wildfires One Year Later: Thousands of Lots Cleared, But Recovery Road Remains Long
A year after the catastrophic Los Angeles wildfires of January 2025, nearly 12,000 lots have been cleared of debris, but the full rebuilding effort is far from complete, according to a January 2026 assessment.
· 5 min · Enterprise Community Partners — Jan. 5, 2026
Fire
Trump Issues Executive Order Addressing State and Local Failures to Rebuild Los Angeles After Wildfires
President Trump signed an executive order Jan. 23, 2026, directing federal agencies to address what the White House described as state and local failures to expedite the rebuilding of Los Angeles communities destroyed by the 2025 wildfires.
· 4 min · White House — Jan. 27, 2026
Fire
Fire Damage Restoration Standards Rise in 2026 as IICRC Certification Gains Prominence
IICRC certification for fire damage restoration is gaining increasing prominence in 2026, as insurance carriers and property owners demand higher standards of professionalism and documentation from restoration contractors.
· 4 min · AInvest Analysis — Apr. 2026
Fire
Wildfire Smoke Remediation Demand Surges as Climate-Driven Fire Activity Increases
R&R Magazine reports that climate-driven wildfires have led to a significant increase in demand for fire and smoke damage services in 2026, with NASA data showing extreme wildfire activity has doubled in recent years.
· 4 min · R&R Magazine — Feb. 18, 2026
Water
More Water →
USGS / Public Domain
Water
IICRC S500 Consensus Body Issues Position Statement on Weather-Related Water Damage
The ANSI/IICRC S500 Consensus Body issued a position statement in March 2026 clarifying the classification of water damage from weather events — a clarification with significant implications for restoration contractors and insurance carriers.
RNN News Desk··4 min read·Source: IICRC Position Statement — Mar. 2026
Water
Water Damage Restoration Sector Sees Strong Demand as Climate-Driven Flooding Increases
The water damage restoration sector is experiencing strong demand in 2026, driven by increasing flood frequency, aging infrastructure, and the ongoing recovery from multiple major disaster events.
· 4 min · C&R Magazine — Jan. 9, 2026
Water
IoT-Enabled Sensors Are Transforming Water Damage Monitoring and Documentation
Remote monitoring technology using IoT-enabled sensors is converting field documentation into verifiable data collection, improving transparency and reducing disputes in water damage restoration projects.
· 4 min · R&R Magazine — Feb. 18, 2026
Water
Florida Water Damage Restoration: Legal Guide for Homeowners and Contractors in 2026
A comprehensive legal guide published in March 2026 outlines the rights and obligations of homeowners and contractors in Florida water damage restoration projects, including key changes to state law affecting insurance claims.
· 5 min · Louis Law Group — Mar. 25, 2026
Water
Rising Insurance Deductibles Are Changing How Homeowners Respond to Water Damage
With 47% of Americans experiencing insurance premium increases in 2025 and deductibles rising, homeowners are increasingly delaying water damage repairs — creating hidden mold and structural risks.
· 4 min · J.D. Power — 2025 Home Insurance Study
Industry
More Industry →Industry
7 Trends Shaping the Restoration Industry in 2026, According to R&R Magazine
R&R Magazine's annual industry trends analysis identifies the seven most significant forces reshaping the restoration industry in 2026, from AI adoption to ESG compliance.
RNN News Desk··5 min read·Source: R&R Magazine — Feb. 18, 2026
Industry
Restoration Industry Market Size and Growth Outlook for 2026
The U.S. restoration industry continues to grow in 2026, driven by increasing disaster frequency, aging housing stock, and growing demand for professional remediation services.
· 4 min · IBISWorld — Restoration Industry
Industry
Restoration Industry Association 2026 Convention Highlights: Technology, Standards, and Workforce
The 2026 RIA International Restoration Convention & Industry Expo brought together restoration professionals from across the country to share advances in technology, standards, and workforce development.
· 4 min · RIA Convention 2026
Industry
88% of Restoration Businesses Now Use AI in at Least One Regular Function, Survey Finds
A survey cited by R&R Magazine found that 88% of restoration businesses are using AI in at least one regular function, marking a dramatic acceleration in technology adoption across the industry.
· 4 min · R&R Magazine — Feb. 18, 2026
Industry
Restoration Industry Faces Critical Workforce Shortage as Demand Outpaces Supply
The restoration industry is facing a critical workforce shortage as demand for services continues to grow while the supply of qualified technicians is constrained by retirements and competition from other sectors.
· 4 min · R&R Magazine — Feb. 18, 2026
Daily Restoration Alerts
Stay Ahead of the Storm
Breaking news, press alerts, and industry updates — delivered to your inbox every morning.