Palm Beach County, FL Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)
Key Facts
- Federal Rule
- EPA RRP 40 CFR 745
- Threshold
- Pre-1978 housing
- Disclosure
- Required at sale/lease
- Certified Renovator
- Required for repairs
- Federal Penalty
- Up to $46,989/day
Summary
Lead-based paint disclosure and abatement in Palm Beach County follow federal EPA RRP Rule and HUD Lead Safe Housing Rule. Pre-1978 housing requires EPA-certified renovators for any disturbance over 6 sq ft interior or 20 sq ft exterior. Florida defers to federal standards with no additional state lead law.
EPA's RRP Rule requires that anyone paid to perform work that disturbs painted surfaces in homes, childcare facilities and preschools built before 1978 be certified and their employees be trained (either as a certified renovator or on-the-job by a certified renovator) in the use of lead-safe work practices that minimize occupants’ exposure to lead hazards. In general, the RRP Rule does not apply to homeowners doing RRP projects in their own pre-1978 homes. However, it does apply if you rent all or part of your home, operate a childcare center in your home or if you buy, renovate and sell homes for profit (i.e., a house flipper). EPA administers the RRP Program in most Tribes, states and territories, but has authorized the following to operate their own programs: Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin and the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe-Boise Forte (Nette Lake).
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
EPA Renovation Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule (40 CFR Part 745) requires firms performing renovations on pre-1978 target housing to be EPA-certified, use lead-safe work practices, and provide the Renovate Right pamphlet to owners and occupants. Federal Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (Title X) requires disclosure on sale or lease of pre-1978 housing. Florida Department of Health investigates childhood lead poisoning cases. PBC has older housing stock in West Palm Beach, Lake Worth Beach, Riviera Beach, and Belle Glade with elevated lead risk. PBC Code Enforcement may cite peeling exterior paint as a public nuisance.
Violations & Fines
EPA RRP non-compliance: civil penalty up to $46,989 per violation per day. Failure to disclose lead at sale: triple damages plus attorney fees under federal law. PBC nuisance citation for peeling paint: $250 to $500.
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Beach County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Beach County to another location·View the Florida building safety overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.