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Trace the stack from room to roof
Ask a qualified structural professional to identify what is supporting the masonry, including any offset, neighboring wall or earlier removal on another floor. A straight exterior silhouette cannot establish how the load is carried inside. Redbridge building control illustrates the physical issue of supporting a retained stack when a breast is removed. Its UK regulatory procedures do not determine Florida requirements.
Map every active connection before considering removal
A seemingly redundant breast may contain an adjacent flue or one serving equipment elsewhere. A chimney inspection can document accessible passages and connections. It does not replace structural design. Give the structural professional and the appliance professional the same marked plan, and identify any inaccessible areas. Do not knock off sample bricks, cut inspection holes or remove a support to test a theory.
Obtain a decision, not just a demolition price
The proposal needs to explain whether the stack will remain, what engineering and local approvals are needed, what happens to each passage and who coordinates the roof or wall afterward. Ask whether the alternative of retaining the breast changes cost, usable floor area or exterior work. Have those options defined before the room is stripped.