In Florida's humidity, mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours of water exposure. The combination of warmth (typically 75°F+) and high humidity (often 70%+) creates ideal conditions for rapid mold colonization. This is why immediate water extraction and dehumidification are critical after any Florida water damage. Visible mold growth typically appears within 3-7 days, but hidden growth in walls or under materials can occur even sooner. If you have water damage, don't wait—call us immediately at 1-602-878-7212 to prevent mold before it starts.

This distinction is crucial for Florida claims:

• Flood Damage: Water that comes from outside the structure (storm surge, overflowing bodies of water, ground saturation). This requires separate flood insurance (NFIP) and is NOT covered by standard Florida homeowners policies.
• Water Damage: Water that originates inside the structure (burst pipes, appliance leaks, overflow from indoor sources). This is typically covered by standard homeowners insurance.

Hurricane damage often involves both: wind-driven rain causing water damage (covered by homeowners) and storm surge causing flood damage (requires flood insurance). We help you document the source correctly to maximize your coverage.

1. Ensure safety first—watch for downed power lines, structural instability, and gas leaks. 2. Document everything with photos/video before cleaning up. 3. Prevent further damage—tarp roof holes, board up broken windows if safe. 4. Contact your insurance company to start a claim. 5. Call us for emergency services—water extraction, drying, board-up. 6. Keep receipts for temporary repairs and living expenses. 7. Don't discard damaged items until documented for insurance. 8. Beware of storm chasers—use licensed Florida contractors with local references.

Yes, Florida's common concrete block construction requires specific restoration approaches:

• Moisture retention: Concrete blocks can wick and hold moisture for extended periods, requiring longer drying times than wood frame construction.
• Stucco considerations: Florida's exterior stucco (often over concrete block) can trap moisture if improperly dried, leading to mold behind walls.
• Wall cavity drying: We use specialized techniques to dry the cavity between concrete block and interior drywall.
• Termite protection: We maintain proper clearance between soil and stucco to preserve termite treatment integrity.
• Hurricane strap accessibility: During reconstruction, we ensure critical hurricane reinforcements remain accessible and compliant with codes.

Look for these Florida-specific qualifications:

1. Florida State License: Verify active license at myfloridalicense.com
2. Mold Remediation License: Required for mold work over 10 square feet
3. Insurance: Comprehensive liability and workers' compensation insurance
4. Local References: Ask for Florida-specific project references
5. Hurricane Experience: Proven track record with major storm responses
6. Building Code Knowledge: Understanding of Florida Building Code and local amendments
7. Better Business Bureau: Check rating and complaint history
8. Detailed Written Estimates: Avoid companies pushing for immediate AOB signatures without documentation

An Assignment of Benefits (AOB) is a legal agreement that transfers your insurance claim rights to the contractor. In Florida, this has been controversial:

• How it works: You sign over your insurance benefits, and the contractor deals directly with your insurer for payment.
• Recent changes: Florida's 2022 legislation added consumer protections, including right to rescind within 14 days, detailed written estimates, and prohibitions on certain solicitation practices.
• Considerations: AOBs can be convenient but limit your control. You remain responsible for deductibles and any work not covered by insurance.
• Our approach: We offer both AOB and non-AOB options. We recommend discussing with your insurance agent and never signing under pressure. We provide transparent estimates regardless of payment method.

Key hurricane mitigation steps for Florida homes:

• Roof Protection: Install hurricane straps/clips, consider impact-resistant roofing
• Window Protection: Impact-resistant windows or approved hurricane shutters
• Door Reinforcement: Solid core doors with three hinges and deadbolts
• Garage Door: Retrofit kit or impact-resistant replacement
• Landscape Management: Trim trees, secure loose items
• Water Intrusion Prevention: Seal openings, install flood barriers if in flood zone
• Documentation: Create home inventory with photos/video
• Insurance Review: Annually review coverage, deductibles, and flood insurance needs

Many improvements qualify for Florida insurance discounts—ask your agent.

Florida has specific timelines for insurance claim payments:

• Initial contact: Insurer must acknowledge claim within 14 days of notification
• Claim investigation: Insurer has 90 days to complete investigation after receiving proof of loss statement
• Payment: Once claim is approved, insurer must pay within 20 days
• Denial: If denying claim, insurer must provide written explanation
• Disaster situations: After declared emergencies, additional consumer protections apply
• Supplemental claims: You can file supplemental claims for additional damage discovered later

These timelines assume you've provided requested documentation promptly. We help ensure proper documentation to avoid delays.