Mold starts with moisture
Mold needs moisture to grow. Remediation that does not fix the source (a leak, high humidity, poor ventilation) usually fails. In Florida, humidity control with properly sized and maintained air conditioning is part of prevention.
What remediation typically includes
- Finding and fixing the moisture source
- Containment to keep spores from spreading to clean areas
- Removing moldy porous materials such as drywall, insulation or carpet
- Cleaning non-porous surfaces and drying the area
- Verifying the area is dry before rebuilding
Small areas vs. large areas
The EPA says homeowners can often clean small areas themselves (roughly less than 10 square feet) with proper precautions, while larger areas or mold in HVAC systems are better handled by professionals. Florida requires mold assessors and mold remediators to be licensed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
Mold help by city
Tampa · St. Petersburg · Clearwater · Orlando · Kissimmee · Jacksonville · Miami · Fort Lauderdale · Hollywood · West Palm Beach · Boca Raton · Fort Myers · Naples · Sarasota · Tallahassee
Sources: EPA mold guidance, Ready.gov floods.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need mold testing?
Visible mold usually needs to be removed regardless of species, so testing is not always necessary. Testing can help after remediation to verify results, or when you smell mold but cannot find it. In Florida, mold assessors must be licensed.
Will bleach kill mold?
The EPA does not generally recommend bleach for routine mold cleanup. Porous materials with mold growth usually need removal, and the moisture source must be fixed.
Is mold covered by insurance?
Many Florida policies limit or exclude mold coverage unless it results from a covered water loss, and some cap mold coverage at a set amount. Check your policy declarations and endorsements.