Do I Need a Mold Inspection in Florida? Signs to Watch For

Mold and Florida go together

South Florida's heat and humidity make it easy for mold to grow. All it needs is moisture and something to grow on, like drywall, wood or the inside of an air conditioning system. The good news is that mold almost always has a moisture source you can find and fix.

Signs you should get a mold inspection

A musty or earthy smell that doesn't go away, especially when the AC turns on.

Stains or discoloration on ceilings, walls or around air vents.

Peeling paint, bubbling or soft drywall, or baseboards that are swollen.

A past leak or water event, such as a roof leak, a pipe that burst, an AC overflow or flooding after a storm.

High humidity indoors, foggy windows, or a home that feels sticky even with the AC running.

AC problems, such as a dripping air handler, a clogged drain line or water in the drain pan.

Allergy-like symptoms that get better when you leave the house. If anyone has health concerns, talk to a doctor.

When it's worth it even without signs

Buying a home. Sellers sometimes paint over stains. An inspection with moisture tools can find what fresh paint hides.

Renting a home. Knowing about moisture before you move in protects your health and your security deposit. See our guide for renters in Florida.

After a hurricane or flood. Wet materials that aren't dried quickly can start growing mold.

A home that's been closed up, such as a seasonal home or a vacant property, especially if the AC was off.

What a mold inspection looks for

The most important part is finding the moisture. We use a moisture meter and a thermal imaging camera to check walls, ceilings, floors, windows, plumbing and the AC system for hidden water. We look at the air handler, the drain pan and the duct connections, because in South Florida that's where mold most often starts.

You can learn more about the difference between looking for mold and testing for it in our guide to mold inspection vs. mold testing.

We don't sell cleanup

We inspect only. We don't do mold removal, so our report has nothing to sell you. If you need cleanup, you choose the contractor.