How to Handle Water Damage in Your Florida Home

Water damage is the most common — and most costly — homeowner problem in Florida. Whether it comes from a burst pipe, a leaking AC drain line, storm flooding, or a slow drip behind the wall, the approach you take in the first 24 to 48 hours determines whether the damage stays manageable or spirals into a major restoration project.

Florida’s high humidity makes water damage uniquely dangerous here. In drier climates, a wet carpet might air-dry in a day. In the Tampa Bay area, that same carpet becomes a mold incubator unless actively dried with fans and dehumidifiers. Here is a step-by-step guide to handling water damage in your home.

Step 1: Stop the Water Source

Before anything else, stop the water from coming in. The source determines your first action:

• Burst or leaking pipe: Shut off the main water supply to your home immediately. The shut-off valve is typically near the water meter or where the supply line enters your home.
• AC drain line overflow: Turn off the AC system. A clogged condensate drain line is one of the most common causes of water damage in Florida homes — the pan overflows and water drips into the ceiling or wall below.
• Roof or window leak during a storm: You cannot stop the rain, but you can contain the water with buckets, towels, and tarps until the storm passes.
• Appliance failure: (washing machine, dishwasher, water heater) — Shut off the supply valve to the appliance.

Step 2: Document Before You Clean Up

Before moving anything or starting cleanup, document the damage thoroughly. Take photos and video of every affected area, including:

• Standing water or wet surfaces
• Damaged walls, floors, ceilings, and baseboards
• Damaged furniture and personal property
• The source of the water if visible

This documentation is critical for insurance claims. Many homeowners make the mistake of cleaning up first and photographing later, which makes it harder to demonstrate the extent of the damage to your insurance adjuster.

Step 3: Remove Standing Water

Get water off floors and out of affected areas as quickly as possible. For small amounts, towels and a wet/dry shop vacuum work well. For larger floods, you may need a sump pump. Remove soaked rugs, furniture, and items from the affected area to prevent further damage and allow surfaces to dry.

Step 4: Dry Everything Aggressively

This is where Florida’s climate works against you. Standard air-drying is not enough in our humidity. You need active drying:

• Run fans continuously. Box fans, floor fans, and ceiling fans all help by circulating air across wet surfaces.
• Use dehumidifiers. This is essential in Florida. Dehumidifiers pull moisture from the air and accelerate drying of walls, floors, and cabinets. Rent a commercial dehumidifier for larger affected areas.
• Open interior doors to promote airflow between rooms. However, keep exterior doors and windows closed if outdoor humidity is high.
• Turn on the AC. Your air conditioning system dehumidifies as it cools — running it helps dry the indoor environment.

Drying typically takes 3 to 5 days depending on the extent of the damage and materials affected. Carpet, drywall, and wood all absorb water and release it slowly. Do not assume an area is dry just because the surface looks dry — moisture can remain deep in materials and behind walls.

Step 5: Address Drywall and Wall Damage

Water-damaged drywall is a common result, especially from AC overflows and roof leaks. Small areas of water-stained drywall can often be dried, primed with a stain-blocking primer, and repainted. However, drywall that has become soft, swollen, or shows signs of mold must be cut out and replaced.

For more on dealing with wall damage caused by moisture, read our articles on humidity damage to interior walls and common drywall problems in Florida homes.

Step 6: Watch for Mold

Mold is the most serious secondary consequence of water damage in Florida. Keep watch for these signs in the days and weeks following water damage:

• Musty, earthy odor — especially behind walls, in closets, or under cabinets
• Visible mold growth — dark spots on walls, ceilings, baseboards, or in corners
• Recurring allergy symptoms or respiratory irritation among household members
• Paint bubbling or peeling — indicating moisture trapped behind the surface

Small areas of surface mold (less than 10 square feet) on hard surfaces can often be cleaned with a mold-killing solution. Larger areas, mold behind walls, or mold in HVAC ductwork typically require professional remediation.

When to Call a Handyman vs. a Restoration Company

Not every water damage situation requires an expensive restoration company. A skilled handyman can handle many common water damage aftermaths:

Handyman-appropriate repairs:

• Replacing water-damaged drywall sections
• Fixing or replacing damaged baseboards and trim
• Re-caulking around tubs, showers, and windows after leaks
• Replacing damaged flooring in small areas
• Painting over water stains with proper primer and paint
• Fixing the failed caulking that caused the leak in the first place

Call a restoration company when:

• Large areas of the home are affected (multiple rooms)
• Mold is visible in large areas or suspected behind walls
• Sewage or contaminated water is involved
• Structural elements (floor joists, framing) are compromised

For guidance on knowing which professional you need, our article on when your Florida home needs a handyman vs. a contractor can help you make the right call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does homeowner’s insurance cover water damage in Florida?

Most Florida homeowner’s policies cover sudden and accidental water damage — like a burst pipe or an appliance failure. However, damage from gradual leaks, poor maintenance, or flooding (rising water from outside) is typically excluded. Flood insurance requires a separate policy. Always document damage thoroughly and contact your insurer promptly.

How quickly does mold grow after water damage in Florida?

In Florida’s humidity, mold can begin colonizing wet surfaces within 24 to 48 hours. Visible mold growth typically appears within 3 to 7 days. This is why aggressive drying within the first day is so critical. The faster you remove moisture, the less likely mold becomes a problem.

Can I save water-damaged drywall?

It depends on the extent of the damage. Drywall that was lightly wet for a short time and dried quickly can often be saved — prime with a stain-blocking primer and repaint. Drywall that has become soft, crumbly, swollen, or shows mold must be cut out and replaced. When in doubt, replacing the affected section is the safer choice.

What is the most common cause of water damage in Tampa Bay homes?

Clogged AC condensate drain lines are the single most common cause. Florida AC systems run almost year-round, producing gallons of condensation daily. When the drain line clogs — often with algae or debris — the overflow pan fills up and water spills into your ceiling, walls, or floors. Regular AC maintenance includes clearing the drain line to prevent this.