Question 1

Does Florida require a mold remediation license in Lighthouse Point?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Florida is one of the most regulated states for mold services. Under DBPR Chapter 468, Part XVI, both mold assessors and mold remediators must hold separate state licenses. A critical consumer protection rule: the assessor who performs the mold assessment cannot remediate the same property within 12 months — this prevents conflicts of interest. Always verify your contractor's DBPR license at MyFloridaLicense.com before hiring. Palm Build holds current DBPR mold remediator licenses and works with independent licensed assessors.

Question 2

Why is mold so common in Lighthouse Point homes?

Accepted Answer

Four factors converge in Lighthouse Point: (1) The South Florida wet season runs May 15 through October 15, pushing indoor humidity well above the 60% threshold where mold colonizes organic materials. (2) Near-constant AC operation (10–11 months per year) creates condensation inside air handlers and ductwork when systems have failing condensate drains or are improperly sized. (3) Mid-century CBS stucco construction with hairline cracks allows moisture to infiltrate wall cavities and remain trapped indefinitely. (4) Post-storm power outages disable AC and push indoor humidity above 90% within hours, producing visible mold growth within 48–72 hours.

Question 3

How fast does mold grow after water damage in Lighthouse Point?

Accepted Answer

In Lighthouse Point's warm, humid climate, mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours of moisture exposure — confirmed by the CDC, EPA, and FEMA. After hurricane or tropical storm events that cause extended power outages, indoor humidity without AC can exceed 90% and visible mold bloom can appear throughout a home within 48–72 hours. This is why Palm Build prioritizes rapid drying even before full damage assessment is complete: the mold prevention window is narrow and non-negotiable in South Florida.

Question 4

Can mold spread between condo units in Lighthouse Point?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Lighthouse Point's condo communities — including Lighthouse Point Gardens, Lighthouse Point Plaza, and Townhomes of Lighthouse Point — often share wall assemblies, HVAC systems, or return-air pathways. Mold spores in one unit's air handler can distribute through shared ductwork to adjacent units. Moisture from a bathroom leak in an upper unit can migrate through shared concrete floor/ceiling assemblies to the unit below. Palm Build coordinates with HOA management and adjacent unit owners as required during multi-unit remediation.

Question 5

What is the most common source of mold in Lighthouse Point homes?

Accepted Answer

HVAC systems are the single most common mold source in Lighthouse Point. Air handlers running 10–11 months per year generate continuous condensation. Clogged condensate drain lines, cracked drip pans, and oversized units that short-cycle all produce standing moisture in the air handler cabinet — which the system then distributes as spores to every room. The second most common source is roof-to-wall penetrations in mid-century CBS construction, where storm cycling creates micro-fractures in stucco allowing water to accumulate in wall cavities undetected for months.

Question 6

How much does mold remediation cost in Lighthouse Point?

Accepted Answer

Standard mold remediation (localized surface mold, single room) in Lighthouse Point ranges from $2,500 to $8,000. HVAC system mold contamination runs $5,000 to $18,000 depending on ductwork extent. Full-home remediation for severe or long-standing cases can reach $15,000 to $40,000+. Florida homeowners policies typically cap mold coverage at $10,000 to $25,000 — often insufficient for full remediation. Lighthouse Point's premium home values and high-end finishes also increase per-square-foot costs versus the statewide average.

Question 7

Does homeowners insurance cover mold remediation in Lighthouse Point?

Accepted Answer

Coverage varies by policy. Florida homeowners policies typically cap mold coverage at $10,000 to $25,000 regardless of actual cost. Mold from a covered sudden water event (burst pipe, appliance failure) has better claim viability than chronic mold from deferred maintenance. Since Florida's 2023 AOB reform (SB 2-A), homeowners must coordinate directly with their insurer. Florida's 1-year claim filing deadline (FL Stat. 627.70132) applies, with supplemental claims allowed within 18 months of the date of loss.

Question 8

What makes HVAC mold especially problematic in Lighthouse Point?

Accepted Answer

In most U.S. markets, HVAC systems run seasonally, allowing natural dry-out periods. In Lighthouse Point, AC runs approximately 10–11 months per year with no seasonal interruption of the condensation cycle. Salt air from the Intracoastal accelerates corrosion of drain pans, evaporator coil fins, and ductwork seams — creating more failure points than inland markets. Regular HVAC inspection and condensate drain maintenance are essential mold-prevention steps for every Lighthouse Point home and condo unit.

Mold Remediation in Lighthouse Point, Florida

Mold Problem in Lighthouse Point? Get a DBPR-Licensed Assessment.