Do I need a mold test?

Not always. If mold is visible, removing it and fixing the moisture source matters more than testing. An assessor can advise, especially if you need documentation for insurance or a sale.

Will insurance pay for water damage?

Many policies cover sudden water damage (a burst pipe) but not long-term leaks or flood water, which needs flood insurance. Read your policy and report quickly.

Can I clean small mold spots myself?

Small areas on hard surfaces can often be cleaned, but fix the moisture source. Larger areas, mold in HVAC systems, or health concerns call for a professional.

Guides / Mold & Water Damage

What should I do about water damage or mold in my Sarasota home?

General guide · Sarasota County, FL · Updated 2026-11-12

Stop the water, photograph everything, and start drying fast: in Florida's humidity mold can begin growing within a day or two. A water mitigation company can extract water and set up drying equipment. If there's visible mold over a larger area, Florida licenses mold assessors and mold remediators separately through DBPR, and the same company generally shouldn't both assess and remediate the same job.

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First hours

Shut off the water source and, if water is near electrical outlets or the panel, the power.
Photograph and video the damage before moving things.
Call your insurer to report the loss.
Remove standing water and wet items you can move; run AC and dehumidifiers if it's safe.
Call a water mitigation company for professional drying if walls, floors or cabinets got wet.

Mold: who to hire

Mold assessor: inspects, may test, and writes a plan. Licensed by DBPR.
Mold remediator: removes the mold and contaminated materials following the plan. Licensed by DBPR.
Florida law generally prevents the same person from assessing and remediating the same property, so the assessment isn't a sales pitch.
Look up both licenses at myfloridalicense.com.

How to check the license

This work is licensed in Florida by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Ask for the license number and look it up at myfloridalicense.com: the name should match and the status should be current and active. Ask for proof of insurance too.

Red flags

No license number for licensed work, or one that doesn't match the business.
A large deposit, especially in cash, before any work or permit.
Offering to skip the permit on work that needs one.
Pressure to sign today, or door-to-door offers after a storm.
A vague price with nothing in writing.

Common questions

Do I need a mold test?: Not always. If mold is visible, removing it and fixing the moisture source matters more than testing. An assessor can advise, especially if you need documentation for insurance or a sale.
Will insurance pay for water damage?: Many policies cover sudden water damage (a burst pipe) but not long-term leaks or flood water, which needs flood insurance. Read your policy and report quickly.
Can I clean small mold spots myself?: Small areas on hard surfaces can often be cleaned, but fix the moisture source. Larger areas, mold in HVAC systems, or health concerns call for a professional.

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General information, not legal, insurance or financial advice; rules and prices change, so confirm with the pro, your county and your insurer. aBlueC does not vet providers: check their license and insurance before hiring. Not for emergencies: call 911.