Mold Questions from Sarasota Homeowners, Condo Owners and Renters

Usually not in the 911 sense, but act within days. The urgent part is stopping the water and drying out, because the EPA says to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. Move sooner for large areas, mold after flood water, mold in the air handler, or anyone in the home with breathing problems.

The EPA and CDC say mold can cause allergic and irritant reactions, such as a stuffy nose, coughing, wheezing or itchy eyes. People with asthma, allergies or weakened immune systems may be more sensitive. If anyone in the home has symptoms, see a doctor. This site does not give medical advice.

Color doesn't tell you how risky a mold is, and the cleanup is the same either way: fix the water and remove the growth carefully. Any mold can bother people who are sensitive to it. Treat a large dark patch like any other large mold problem. See black mold removal.

Often, if it is small. Florida's mold-licensing law covers mold growth over 10 square feet (s. 468.8411), and for smaller areas the EPA says you can usually clean it yourself. Scrub with detergent and water, wear gloves and a mask, and dry it fully. Homeowners may also work on their own home (s. 468.841).

Usually not. The EPA says that in most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary. The plan is the same: fix the water and remove the mold. Testing helps when you smell mold but can't find it, when you are buying a home, when there is a dispute, or for a clearance check after the work.

An air test pulls a measured amount of indoor air through a collector, usually compared with an outdoor sample, to show which spores are in the air. A surface test uses tape or a swab on a stain to identify what is growing there. Fixr puts air tests at about $500 to $700 and surface tests at about $150 to $200.

A check after remediation, before the walls are closed, to confirm the area is clean and dry. It can be visual, with a moisture meter, and sometimes with air or surface samples. In Florida it should come from an assessor at a different company than the remediator. See mold inspection and testing.

It depends on where the water came from and what your declaration says. The association maintains the common elements (s. 718.113(1)). The association's policy excludes unit finishes such as floor and wall coverings, cabinets and appliances, which owners insure (s. 718.111(11)(f) and (g)). Read your declaration and talk to your manager in writing. This is not legal advice.

Open it up, check under sinks, around the air handler and in closets, and photograph anything you find. A unit closed with the AC off or set high can collect moisture. If you see more than a small patch, or the source may be a neighbor's unit or a common pipe, tell the manager in writing. See condo mold.

Under s. 627.70132, a hurricane or windstorm claim must generally be reported within 1 year of the loss, and a supplemental claim within 18 months. Photograph everything before tear-out, dry out within 24 to 48 hours where you can, and call your insurer before signing a remediation contract. See mold after hurricanes and floods.

Verify the license at MyFloridaLicense.com, get a written contract and never pay the full amount upfront. Be wary of door-knockers and unsolicited offers. The Sarasota County Building Official's October 2024 letter gives 866-966-7226 for reporting scams. Ask any company which license covers the work before you sign.

Keep the AC running rather than off, and keep indoor humidity below 60 percent, ideally 30 to 50 percent, as the EPA suggests. A dehumidifier, open interior doors and a clear condensate line help. Ask someone to check the home after heavy rain or a storm. Summer dew points in the Tampa Bay area average about 72 to 74°F.