Why mold is common in South Florida
South Florida is one of the wettest and most humid parts of the United States. Under NOAA's 1991–2020 normals, Miami International Airport averages about 67 inches of rain a year, Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood about 61, and Palm Beach International about 62, most of it during the wet season from mid-May to mid-October. Materials that get wet rarely dry out on their own.
Hurricanes have shaped the region's housing. Andrew devastated south Miami-Dade in 1992, Wilma broke windows in downtown Miami high-rises in 2005, and Irma brought wind and flooding across all three counties in 2017. In April 2023, a record rainstorm flooded neighborhoods across Fort Lauderdale. Storm damage, even when repaired, is a common source of hidden mold.
South Florida also has a very large share of condos, from Art Deco buildings in Miami Beach to towers along the coast and 55-plus communities inland. Shared walls, ceilings, and AC chases let water travel between units, and many seasonal homes sit closed through the most humid months.
Cities we serve in South Florida
South Florida
What mold work costs in South Florida
| Service | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Mold inspection with testing, South Florida | $323–$1,214 |
| Remediation, small area (10–50 sq ft) | $500–$1,500 |
| Remediation, 50–200 sq ft or behind walls | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Remediation, 200+ sq ft, attic or HVAC | $5,000–$10,000+ |
Inspection figures are homeowner-reported costs in the Miami area. Remediation ranges come from South Florida contractor price guides published in 2025–2026. See our mold remediation cost guide.
Florida mold licensing: what to check
Florida requires mold assessors and mold remediators to hold a DBPR license for most jobs over about 10 square feet. Verify the license at myfloridalicense.com and ask for proof of the $1 million liability coverage the law requires. The company that assesses your home generally may not remediate it within the next 12 months.
Will insurance cover it?
Most Florida homeowners policies cap mold coverage, often at $10,000, and pay only when mold follows a sudden covered loss. Flood water from rain, tides, or surge falls under a flood policy. In a condo, the association's master policy and your HO-6 policy may both be involved. Florida law requires notice of a new claim within 1 year after the date of loss. See our guide on insurance and mold.