Last updated: February 2026
Can You Sell a House With Termite Damage in Florida?
Last updated: February 2026
Quick Answer
Yes — termite damage doesn't prevent you from selling. Florida requires a Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) inspection for most financed sales, but cash buyers purchase as-is without requiring treatment or repairs. We buy termite-damaged houses throughout Florida.
Florida WDO Inspection Requirements
Florida requires a Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) inspection for FHA, VA, and USDA loans. Conventional loans may also require one if the lender or appraiser flags concerns. The inspection covers termites, powder-post beetles, wood-boring insects, and fungal wood decay. If active infestation or damage is found, lenders typically require treatment and structural repair before closing — costs that can range from $1,500 for tenting to $50,000+ for structural reconstruction.
Termite Damage Repair Costs in Florida
Florida's subtropical climate makes it the most termite-prone state in the country. Repair costs vary dramatically: simple beam sistering runs $1,000-$3,000, but replacing floor joists, wall studs, or roof trusses can cost $15,000-$50,000+. Subterranean termite damage to slab foundations is particularly expensive because it requires excavation. Tenting (fumigation) alone costs $1,200-$3,500 for an average Florida home, and that only kills active termites — it doesn't repair damage.
Why Cash Buyers Are the Best Option
Cash buyers bypass all WDO inspection requirements because there's no lender involved. At FL Home Buyers, we know Florida termite damage intimately — we've renovated hundreds of termite-damaged properties. We price our offers fairly because we do the work ourselves rather than guessing at contractor costs. Close in 7-21 days with zero repair obligations.
Drywood vs. Subterranean Termites
Florida has two main termite threats: drywood termites that live inside wood and subterranean termites that build mud tubes from soil to wood. Drywood damage is typically contained to specific areas and can be spot-treated. Subterranean damage is usually more extensive and harder to assess because tunnels run underground. Formosan termites (a subterranean species) are especially destructive and increasingly common in South Florida. Both types are treatable, but the cost and scope differ significantly.
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