Flood damage is different from a plumbing leak. Floodwater picks up soil, fuel, bacteria, and sewage as it moves, so restoration professionals treat it as contaminated by default. That changes what can be saved: porous materials like carpet, pad, insulation, and drywall that touched floodwater usually have to be removed, while structural framing and many hard surfaces can be cleaned, disinfected, and dried.
Our flood restoration work follows a clear sequence: make the site safe, remove the water, remove what cannot be saved, clean and disinfect what can, dry the structure to a documented standard, and only then rebuild. We work with you to sort which items can be restored and which cannot, and we document the damage in a way that supports insurance or FEMA claims.
Signs you need flood damage help
- Water entered the home from outside: doors, garage, or the slab edge
- A waterline on walls, cabinets, or furniture
- Mud, silt, or a heavy earthy odor
- Warped cabinets, swollen doors, buckled floors
- Appliances or HVAC equipment that were in floodwater
How our flood damage process works
- Safety firstElectrical, gas, and structural safety are checked before work begins. Floodwater can hide sharp debris and energized wiring.
- Water removalPumps and extractors remove standing water from the structure.
- Sort and removeWet carpet, pad, insulation, and drywall that contacted floodwater are removed in a controlled way, usually with a flood cut above the waterline.
- Clean and disinfectHard surfaces, framing, and slab are cleaned, treated with EPA-registered antimicrobials, and allowed to dry.
- Structural dryingDehumidifiers and air movers dry the remaining structure; readings confirm each material is at its dry standard.
- Documentation and rebuild planWe provide photos, moisture logs, and a clear scope so repairs and claims can move forward.
Why this is different in Florida
Florida gets floods from many directions: tropical storm surge along both coasts, days of stalled tropical rain, river flooding well after a storm has passed, and urban flooding when rain falls faster than drainage can handle. The April 2023 Fort Lauderdale flood and the record-breaking rainfall of Hurricanes Debby and Milton in 2024 flooded homes that had never flooded before.
Homeowners insurance usually does not cover flood. Flood coverage in Florida comes from a separate NFIP or private flood policy, so it matters to know your coverage before you file. We'll document everything either way, and we can explain the paperwork you'll want to keep.
Common causes
- Tropical storm surge
- Extended rainfall and overloaded drainage
- River or lake overflow
- Canal or retention-pond overflow
- King tide flooding in low coastal areas
Mistakes that make it worse
- Waiting for the water to recede on its own without pulling out wet materials.
- Trying to save carpet and drywall that touched floodwater.
- Running the AC before checking ducts and equipment for contamination.
- Using bleach on everything. It is not effective on porous materials and can be hazardous when mixed.
- Not photographing the waterline before demolition.
What does flood damage cost in Florida?
A typical range is $4–$9 per sq ft. Flood water is generally treated as contaminated; price depends on depth, duration, and materials. Costs run higher in South Florida and the Keys and lower in parts of the Panhandle and the Heartland. For a range tailored to your city, open the cost calculator or see the cost table on your city page. For a deeper breakdown of what drives price, read how much water damage restoration costs in Florida.