Legally Reviewed by Michael Throneberry, Attorney. President, National Trial Lawyers Asbestos & Mesothelioma Bar (2025 and 2026).
A mesothelioma diagnosis brings a lot of questions at once. Where should I get treated? Was I exposed at work? What help is there for veterans? This page gathers public resources for Florida patients and families in one place.
Where Can I Find Mesothelioma Care in Florida?
Mesothelioma is rare, so it helps to be seen at a cancer center that treats it often. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) names certain cancer centers as NCI-designated. These centers meet NCI standards for research and patient care. Four of them treat patients in Florida:
- Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa.
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami, in Miami.
- University of Florida Health Cancer Institute in Gainesville, designated in 2023.
- Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center in Jacksonville, one of its three locations (Mayo Clinic).
You can look up each center on NCI’s cancer center finder. Ask your doctor whether a referral or a second opinion at one of these centers makes sense for you.
Local Treatment Guides
Questions to Ask a Care Team
- How many mesothelioma patients do you treat each year?
- Which treatments fit my type and stage of mesothelioma?
- Am I a good fit for a clinical trial?
- Who do I call with questions between visits?
Where Was Asbestos Used in Florida?
Florida’s paper mills, power plants, shipyards, chemical plants, and military bases all used asbestos for decades. Many of these sites appear on the approved-site lists of asbestos bankruptcy trusts. Our local guides list sites by area:
For a statewide look at mills, shipyards, power plants, and bases, see our Florida mesothelioma lawyer page.
What Does Florida Require Before Asbestos Is Removed?
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) oversees asbestos in demolition and renovation work. Before a covered demolition or renovation, the building owner or operator must notify DEP at least 10 working days before the project starts. Some residential buildings are exempt. See DEP’s asbestos program page and its asbestos FAQ.
If you think a material in your home or workplace contains asbestos, leave it alone. Breaking, sanding, or tearing it out can release fibers into the air. DEP’s page explains who to contact about asbestos licensing and certification in Florida.
Help for Florida Veterans
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) lists mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural plaques as health problems linked to asbestos. VA also lists shipyard work, insulation work, demolition, carpentry, and construction among the jobs that put service members at risk.
VA disability benefits are separate from any claim against the companies that made asbestos products. Many veterans can pursue both.
Florida Cancer Statistics
The Florida Cancer Registry tracks cancer cases across the state. It is run by the Florida Cancer Data System, a joint project of the Florida Department of Health and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Its online query tool lets you look up cancer rates by type of cancer, year, and county.
Legal Questions
If you have questions about deadlines, asbestos trust funds, or a legal claim in Florida, see our Florida mesothelioma lawyer page.