Environmental Site Assessment Phase I

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment in Florida

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is the standard environmental due diligence investigation conducted before purchasing commercial, industrial, or agricultural property in Florida. The assessment follows ASTM E1527-21 standards and provides the buyer with critical information about potential contamination risks.

Florida-Specific Considerations

Florida properties present unique environmental risks that Phase I ESAs must address:

• Underground storage tanks: Florida has thousands of registered and unregistered USTs from gas stations, marinas, and commercial facilities
• Agricultural chemicals: Former citrus groves, farms, and nurseries may have soil contamination from pesticides and fumigants
• Dry cleaning solvents: PERC contamination from former dry cleaning operations
• Coastal contamination: Saltwater intrusion and coastal flooding can spread contamination
• High water table: Florida's shallow groundwater makes contamination migration more likely

Key Databases Searched

• EPA Superfund (NPL) and Brownfield databases
• FDEP contamination tracking system
• Underground storage tank registries
• Water management district records
• Local fire department hazardous materials records

Report Validity

A Phase I ESA is valid for 180 days under ASTM standards and provides CERCLA liability protection for 1 year from completion.

Related Terms

• Environmental Lien — Liens from contamination found during ESAs
• Encumbrance — Environmental conditions as title encumbrances
• Closing — Transaction stage where ESA results are critical

Barnes Walker Real Estate

Barnes Walker's real estate attorneys coordinate environmental due diligence for Florida property transactions, ensuring buyers are protected from contamination liability. Request a legal inquiry for assistance.

Reviewed by the attorneys at Barnes Walker, Goethe, Shea & Robinson, PLLC