Last updated: January 2026
Sell Your House With Termite Damage in Florida
Subterranean termites, drywood termites, or structural damage from wood-destroying organisms? We buy termite damaged houses as-is. No tenting, no treatment, no repairs needed. Close in 7-60 days.
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Understanding Termite Damage in Florida Homes
Florida is the termite capital of the United States. Our warm, humid climate creates perfect conditions for both subterranean and drywood termites to thrive year-round. The Florida Department of Agriculture estimates that termites cause more than $500 million in damage to Florida properties annually—more than any other state.
What makes termite damage particularly challenging is that it often goes undetected until significant structural damage has already occurred. Termites work from the inside out, hollowing out wood while leaving the surface intact. By the time you notice sagging floors, doors that won't close, or visible damage, the infestation may have been active for years.
Termites Never Stop Eating
Unlike seasonal pests, termites are active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in Florida's climate. A mature colony can consume over a pound of wood per day. Every day you delay addressing a termite problem, the damage—and repair costs—grow.
Types of Termites in Florida
Subterranean Termites
The most destructive type in Florida. They live in underground colonies and build mud tubes to reach wood above ground. They require contact with soil moisture and can enter through cracks as small as 1/32 of an inch.
Signs: Mud tubes on foundation, hollow-sounding wood, swarmers in spring.
Drywood Termites
Don't need soil contact and live entirely within the wood they consume. Common in attics, door frames, and furniture. Colonies are smaller but can exist in multiple locations throughout a home.
Signs: Frass (termite droppings), kick-out holes, hollow wood.
Formosan Termites
An invasive subterranean species called "super termites." Their colonies can contain millions of individuals and cause severe structural damage in months rather than years. Increasingly common in Florida.
Signs: Large swarms at dusk, carton nests in walls, rapid damage.
Dampwood Termites
Infest wood with high moisture content. Less common in homes but found where water damage exists. Often indicates both moisture problems and termite issues.
Signs: Infested wood near leaks or moisture sources.
Termite mud tubes and wall damage - signs of an active subterranean termite infestation
The Real Cost of Termite Treatment and Repairs in Florida
Addressing termite damage involves two separate costs: treating the active infestation and repairing the structural damage they've caused. Many homeowners are shocked when they receive quotes for both, as the repair costs often dwarf the treatment costs.
| Service | Average Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Termite Inspection (WDO) | $75 - $150 | Required for most sales |
| Spot Treatment (Drywood) | $200 - $1,000 | Per area treated |
| Whole-House Fumigation (Tenting) | $1,500 - $5,000+ | Based on home size |
| Soil Treatment (Subterranean) | $1,000 - $4,000 | Perimeter treatment |
| Bait Station System | $1,500 - $3,500 | Plus ongoing monitoring |
| Minor Wood Repairs | $500 - $3,000 | Trim, baseboards, etc. |
| Structural Repairs | $5,000 - $50,000+ | Floor joists, beams, framing |
| Full Remediation + Repairs | $10,000 - $100,000+ | Severe infestations |
Hidden Costs and Complications
- Temporary Relocation: Tenting requires leaving your home for 2-3 days. Hotels, pet boarding, and food add up quickly.
- Property Preparation: You must remove or double-bag all food, medicine, plants, and pets before fumigation.
- Multiple Treatments: Drywood termites often require repeat treatments as new infestation sites are discovered.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Most warranties require annual inspections and sometimes follow-up treatments.
- Secondary Damage: Termite-weakened structures often have hidden moisture damage and mold.
- Insurance Exclusions: Most homeowner's policies specifically exclude termite damage from coverage.
The Math Often Doesn't Work
Consider a home worth $350,000 with moderate termite damage. Treatment might cost $3,000, but structural repairs could run $25,000-40,000. After spending $30,000+ on repairs, agent commissions (6%), and closing costs (2-3%), you might net less than selling as-is to a cash buyer who handles everything.
Florida Disclosure Requirements and WDO Inspections
Florida law requires sellers to disclose known material defects, including termite damage and active infestations. Unlike some states, Florida doesn't mandate a pre-sale termite inspection, but nearly all traditional buyers and their lenders require one.
What is a WDO Inspection?
A Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) inspection is Florida's official termite inspection, regulated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. It checks for evidence of termites, carpenter ants, wood-boring beetles, and wood decay fungi.
WDO Report Findings
The inspector will document:
- Live Infestation: Active termites or other WDOs present
- Previous Infestation: Evidence of past activity (may or may not be treated)
- Visible Damage: Structural damage from WDO activity
- Conducive Conditions: Moisture issues, wood-to-soil contact, etc.
How Termite Damage Affects Traditional Sales
For homes with termite history or damage, traditional sales face significant hurdles:
- FHA/VA Loans: Government-backed loans typically require the property to be free of active infestation AND have all damage repaired before closing.
- Conventional Loans: Most lenders require treatment of active infestations. Some require repairs; others don't.
- Buyer Cold Feet: Even if lenders approve, many buyers walk away after seeing a WDO report with damage noted.
- Renegotiation: Buyers often demand significant price reductions or repair credits after WDO findings.
- Extended Timeline: Treatment, repairs, and re-inspections can add weeks or months to your closing.
Your Disclosure Obligations
Under Florida law, you must disclose:
- Any known current or past termite infestations
- Previous termite treatments and when they occurred
- Any known termite damage, repaired or not
- Active termite bonds or warranties
- Any WDO inspection reports you have
When you sell to FL Home Buyers, we acknowledge all disclosed conditions in our purchase agreement. We're buying specifically because we know how to remediate and repair these issues profitably. This protects you from future claims.
Your Options: Treat and Sell vs. Sell As-Is
When facing termite damage, you essentially have two paths: invest in treatment and repairs before listing traditionally, or sell as-is to a cash buyer. Here's how they compare:
| Factor | Treat & List Traditional | Sell As-Is for Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Timeline to Close | 4-8 months | 7-21 days |
| Upfront Cash Needed | $5,000 - $50,000+ | $0 |
| Must Vacate for Tenting? | Yes, 2-3 days | No |
| Agent Commissions | 5-6% of sale price | 0% |
| Risk of Buyer Fallout | High (WDO history scares buyers) | None |
| Inspections/Showings | Many over months | One visit |
| Closing Costs | You pay (2-3%) | We pay |
| Certainty of Sale | ~60% (many fall through) | ~98% |
When Traditional Sale Makes Sense
- Damage is minimal (cosmetic only, no structural issues)
- You have 6+ months and don't mind the process
- You have cash reserves for treatment and repairs
- You're confident in the local market demand
When Cash Sale Makes Sense
- Structural damage exists (joists, beams, framing)
- You need to sell quickly (job relocation, divorce, financial pressure)
- You don't have $10,000+ for treatment and repairs
- You're an out-of-state owner who can't manage the process
- Previous buyers have walked after WDO inspection
- You simply don't want the hassle of tenting and repairs
How FL Home Buyers Handles Termite Damaged Properties
We're licensed general contractors who regularly purchase and renovate properties with termite damage. We have established relationships with licensed pest control companies and know exactly what treatment and repairs cost. This expertise lets us make fair offers—we don't lowball because we don't need to guess at costs.
Contact Us
Call or fill out our form. Tell us about the property and termite situation. Share any WDO reports or treatment history you have.
Property Evaluation
We visit within 24-48 hours. Our team assesses both the infestation and the structural damage. We know what to look for.
Written Cash Offer
Within 24 hours, you receive a written cash offer. We explain our valuation—no mysterious formulas or hidden fees.
Close on Your Schedule
Accept and pick your closing date. As fast as 7 days or up to 60 days if you need time to relocate.
Real Example: Fort Lauderdale Termite Damage Sale
A homeowner discovered extensive subterranean termite damage during a failed sale attempt. The WDO report noted active infestation and structural damage to floor joists. Estimates for treatment plus repairs exceeded $35,000.
After two buyers walked away post-inspection, the seller contacted us. We evaluated the property, verified the damage, and made a cash offer within 48 hours.
Result: Closed in 12 days. The seller avoided $35,000 in repairs, 6% in commissions on a traditional sale, and months of additional stress. We handled the fumigation and repairs after closing.
Why We Pay More Than National Franchises
- Contractor Expertise: We handle repairs in-house at cost, not retail pricing. This increases our margins and what we can pay you.
- Pest Control Relationships: We get volume pricing from licensed pest control companies we work with regularly.
- Local Market Knowledge: We know exactly what your neighborhood sells for after renovations. National companies use generic formulas.
- No Franchise Fees: "We Buy Houses" franchises pay 30-40% to corporate. That money comes from your offer price.
- Our Own Capital: We close with our own funds. No hunting for investors means no last-minute surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling a Termite Damaged House
Can you sell a house with termite damage in Florida?
Yes, absolutely. Florida law requires you to disclose known termite damage and active infestations, but disclosure doesn't prevent sale. Many cash buyers, including FL Home Buyers, specifically purchase properties with termite issues because we're equipped to handle remediation and repairs.
Do I have to tent my house before selling?
Not when selling to a cash buyer. Traditional buyers and their lenders often require treatment before closing, but we purchase as-is and handle fumigation ourselves. This saves you thousands of dollars and the hassle of vacating your home.
How much does termite damage reduce home value?
Termite damage typically reduces value by 15-25% depending on severity. Active infestations scare buyers more than past damage. Structural damage (to joists, beams, or framing) has greater impact than cosmetic damage to trim or baseboards.
Will you buy a house with active termites?
Yes. We purchase properties with both active infestations and prior termite damage. We have relationships with licensed pest control companies and handle treatment as part of our renovation process. Active termites don't scare us—we deal with them regularly.
What is a WDO inspection in Florida?
A Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) inspection is Florida's official pest inspection for real estate transactions. It checks for termites, carpenter ants, wood-boring beetles, and wood decay fungi. The inspection is performed by licensed pest control operators and produces a standardized report.
What's the difference between subterranean and drywood termites?
Subterranean termites live in the soil and build mud tubes to reach wood. They're more destructive but easier to treat with soil treatments. Drywood termites live entirely within wood, don't need soil contact, and typically require fumigation (tenting) to eliminate. Florida has both types.
Does homeowner's insurance cover termite damage?
Almost never. Standard homeowner's insurance policies specifically exclude termite damage because it's considered a maintenance issue rather than sudden damage. This means repair costs come entirely out of pocket.
How fast can you close on a termite damaged house?
We can close in as little as 7 days. Because we don't require traditional financing, inspections, or lender approvals, closing is simply a matter of title work. Most termite damage sales close within 14-21 days.
Get Your Cash Offer Today
Stop worrying about termites. Get a no-obligation cash offer and find out what your property is worth as-is. Close in 7-60 days without tenting or repairs.
Get Your Cash Offer
Tell us about your termite-affected property. We'll give you a fair cash offer within 24 hours.