Question 1

How do I know if my Orlando home has mold?

Accepted Answer

The most common signs in Orlando homes are: a persistent musty or earthy smell (especially near AC vents or in bathrooms), visible discoloration on ceiling tiles, drywall, or grout lines, dark spots or staining near AC supply registers, recurring respiratory symptoms or allergy-like reactions that improve when you leave the home, and humidity readings consistently above 60% indoors. In multifamily buildings, mold from a neighboring unit can enter your space through shared walls or ductwork without any obvious source in your unit.

Question 2

How much does mold remediation cost in Orlando?

Accepted Answer

Cost depends on the affected area and contamination level. Surface mold on accessible drywall: $500–$1,500. Contained drywall removal and remediation: $1,500–$4,000. HVAC system decontamination (coil cleaning, duct treatment): $800–$2,500. Full remediation with air quality testing and clearance documentation: $3,000–$8,000+. Multi-unit condo losses with cross-unit contamination can exceed these ranges significantly. Most costs covered by insurance when mold resulted from a covered water loss.

Question 3

Is a mold remediator in Florida required to be licensed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Florida Chapter 468, Part XVI requires that anyone performing mold assessment or mold remediation for compensation hold a license issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). There are separate licenses for assessors (who inspect and test) and remediators (who physically remove mold). Palm Build holds the required Florida mold remediator license. You can verify any contractor's license at the DBPR website before allowing work to begin.

Question 4

Why is mold so common in Orlando homes?

Accepted Answer

Three factors combine to make Orlando unusually mold-prone: (1) Air conditioning runs 10–11 months per year — condensate drain clogs and drain pan failures are a persistent moisture source in every home. (2) Relative humidity exceeds 60% year-round and 80%+ during the June–September wet season — the threshold for rapid mold growth on organic surfaces. (3) Slab-on-grade foundations mean water from slab leaks, stormwater intrusion, or HVAC failures has nowhere to drain — it stays trapped under flooring in warm, humid conditions ideal for mold colonization.

Question 5

Does homeowners insurance cover mold remediation in Orlando?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the source. Standard HO-3 policies typically limit mold coverage to $10,000 or exclude it outright unless the mold was a direct result of a covered water damage event (burst pipe, appliance overflow, HVAC failure). Mold from long-term high humidity, gradual leaks, or flooding from external sources is generally excluded. If you have water damage that led to mold, document the water source carefully before remediation — the water damage claim drives the mold remediation coverage. Florida Statute 627.70132 requires filing notice within 1 year of the loss.

Question 6

How does Palm Build prevent mold from returning after remediation?

Accepted Answer

We address the source, not just the symptom. After physical removal and HEPA containment, we apply EPA-registered antimicrobial treatments to affected surfaces. For HVAC-related mold, we clean and treat the evaporator coil, drain pan, and accessible ductwork. We conduct clearance testing after remediation to verify the spore count has returned to normal. We also provide a written report documenting all source conditions — moisture entry points, maintenance failures, or structural issues — that you can use to make repairs that prevent recurrence.

Mold Remediation in Orlando, Florida

Mold in Your Orlando Home? Get a Licensed Remediator.