Last updated: January 2026
Sell Your House With Water Damage in Florida
Plumbing leaks, flooding, or roof damage caused water problems? We buy water damaged houses as-is. No repairs, no cleanup, no mold remediation needed. Close in 7-60 days and move on.
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Understanding Water Damage in Florida Homes
Water damage is one of the most common—and most expensive—problems Florida homeowners face. Between our humid subtropical climate, frequent thunderstorms, hurricane season, and aging plumbing in many homes, water intrusion can happen to anyone. When it does, the consequences extend far beyond what you can see on the surface.
The challenge with water damage isn't just the immediate cleanup. It's the hidden problems that develop over time: mold growth behind walls, weakened structural elements, damaged electrical systems, and the stigma that follows a property with a water damage history. Traditional buyers often walk away from these properties, leaving sellers stuck with an unsellable house and ongoing repair costs.
Water Damage Gets Worse Every Day
The longer water damage goes unaddressed, the more expensive it becomes. Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours of water exposure. What starts as a $5,000 problem can become a $50,000 problem in weeks. If you're considering selling a water damaged property, acting quickly protects your equity.
Common Causes of Water Damage in Florida
Plumbing Failures
Burst pipes, slow leaks under sinks, water heater failures, and slab leaks are extremely common in Florida homes. Many properties have polybutylene pipes installed in the 1970s-90s that are now failing. A single pipe burst can release hundreds of gallons of water in minutes.
Roof Leaks
Florida's intense sun degrades roofing materials faster than in other states. Combined with heavy rains and hurricane-force winds, roof leaks are inevitable for older homes. Even small leaks can cause significant damage to attics, ceilings, and walls over time.
Flooding
Whether from hurricanes, tropical storms, or simply heavy afternoon thunderstorms overwhelming drainage systems, flooding is a constant threat in Florida. Properties not in flood zones can still experience flood damage during extreme weather events.
AC Condensation
Air conditioning systems run nearly year-round in Florida and produce significant condensation. Clogged drain lines, overflowing drip pans, and malfunctioning units frequently cause water damage that goes unnoticed until mold appears.
Ceiling water damage from a roof leak - a common issue in Florida homes
The Real Cost of Water Damage Repairs in Florida
Before deciding whether to repair or sell as-is, you need to understand what you're really facing. Water damage repair costs in Florida are typically higher than the national average due to our humidity levels, which accelerate mold growth and material degradation.
| Repair Type | Average Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Water Extraction & Drying | $1,500 - $4,000 | 3-5 days |
| Drywall Replacement (per room) | $2,000 - $5,000 | 1-2 weeks |
| Flooring Replacement | $3,000 - $15,000 | 1-3 weeks |
| Mold Remediation | $3,000 - $30,000 | 1-4 weeks |
| Roof Repair/Replacement | $8,000 - $35,000 | 1-2 weeks |
| Full Restoration (Major) | $20,000 - $100,000+ | 1-3 months |
These costs don't include the time you'll spend managing contractors, the stress of living in a construction zone, or the risk that repairs uncover additional problems. Many homeowners who start the repair process discover that initial estimates double or triple once contractors open up walls and find hidden damage.
The Hidden Costs Nobody Mentions
- Temporary Housing: If damage is severe, you may need to relocate during repairs. Average cost: $2,000-$5,000/month in Florida.
- Storage: Moving and storing furniture to allow repairs. Average cost: $150-$300/month.
- Lost Rental Income: If this is an investment property, repairs mean no rent coming in.
- Insurance Deductibles: Many Florida policies have 2-5% hurricane deductibles. On a $400,000 home, that's $8,000-$20,000 out of pocket.
- Premium Increases: Filing a water damage claim often increases your insurance premiums for years.
- Permit Fees: Major repairs require permits, adding hundreds to thousands in fees.
Mold growth from water damage - a serious health hazard requiring professional remediation
Florida Disclosure Requirements for Water Damage
Florida law requires sellers to disclose known material defects that affect the property's value. Water damage and mold definitely qualify. Under Florida Statute 689.25, sellers must complete a disclosure form outlining any known issues with the property.
What You Must Disclose
Florida's disclosure requirements are straightforward but important:
- Any known past or present water intrusion or damage
- History of flooding, even if repaired
- Known mold issues, past or present
- Roof leaks or repairs
- Plumbing problems or repairs
- Insurance claims filed for water damage
- Any structural damage resulting from water
Some sellers worry that disclosure will kill their sale. The reality is different: non-disclosure creates legal liability that can follow you for years after the sale. If a buyer discovers undisclosed water damage after closing, you could face a lawsuit for fraud or misrepresentation.
The "As-Is" Option in Florida
Florida allows "as-is" sales where the seller makes no warranties about the property's condition. However, even in as-is sales, you must still disclose known material defects. The as-is clause protects you from issues discovered after sale that you genuinely didn't know about—it doesn't protect you from hiding known problems.
When you sell to FL Home Buyers, we handle all of this simply. We purchase properties with full knowledge of their condition. We sign documentation acknowledging the water damage. This protects you from future claims because we can't later claim we didn't know about problems we specifically purchased the property for.
Insurance Considerations
If you've filed an insurance claim for water damage, that claim is now part of the property's history in the CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) database. Future buyers and their insurers will see this history, which can make traditional sales more difficult. Buyers may have trouble getting insurance or face higher premiums.
Cash buyers like FL Home Buyers don't face these same restrictions. We don't need to obtain traditional homeowner's insurance to close the sale, so the property's claims history doesn't affect our ability to purchase.
Your Options: Repair vs. Sell As-Is vs. Cash Sale
When facing water damage, you have three main options. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation, timeline, and financial resources.
| Factor | Repair & List | List As-Is | Cash Sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timeline | 4-8 months | 3-6 months | 7-21 days |
| Upfront Costs | $10,000-$100,000+ | $0-$2,000 | $0 |
| Agent Commissions | 5-6% | 5-6% | 0% |
| Closing Costs | You pay | You pay | We pay |
| Showings Required | Many | Many | 1 visit |
| Buyer Financing Risk | High | Very High | None |
| Certainty of Close | ~70% | ~50% | ~98% |
When Repair Makes Sense
- Damage is minor and cosmetic (under $5,000 to fix)
- You have 6+ months before you need to sell
- You have cash reserves for unexpected repair costs
- The local market strongly favors move-in ready homes
When Cash Sale Makes Sense
- You need to sell quickly (relocating, divorce, financial pressure)
- Repair costs exceed 15-20% of home value
- You don't have capital for upfront repairs
- Mold is present (many traditional buyers won't purchase)
- You're an out-of-state owner who can't manage repairs
- You simply don't want the hassle
How FL Home Buyers Handles Water Damaged Properties
We're not a typical home buying company. As licensed general contractors, we understand exactly what water damage repair involves. We don't need to lowball you "just in case" because we know precisely what repairs will cost. This means you get a fairer offer than from companies guessing at repair costs.
You Contact Us
Call us or fill out our form. Tell us about the property and the water damage situation. No judgment—we've seen it all.
We Assess the Property
We visit the property (usually within 24-48 hours) and evaluate the damage. Our contractor background means we assess quickly and accurately.
We Make a Cash Offer
Within 24 hours of our visit, you receive a written cash offer. We explain exactly how we calculated it—no mystery formulas.
You Choose Your Close Date
Accept the offer and pick your closing date. Need to close in 7 days? We can do that. Need 60 days to relocate? That works too.
Real Example: West Palm Beach Water Damage
A homeowner contacted us after a slab leak went undetected for weeks, causing extensive damage to flooring, baseboards, and drywall throughout the first floor. Mold remediation estimates came in at $25,000, and the full repair cost was estimated at $65,000.
Traditional buyers walked away after inspections. The homeowner was facing months of repairs they couldn't afford, plus the stress of not knowing if they'd ever sell.
Our solution: We purchased the property for a fair price that accounted for repairs but still gave the seller more than they would have netted after paying for repairs, agent commissions, and carrying costs. We closed in 14 days. The seller moved on; we handled the restoration.
Why We Can Offer More Than Franchise Companies
- We're Licensed Contractors: We do repairs ourselves rather than paying retail to contractors. This lowers our costs and increases what we can pay you.
- Local Market Knowledge: We know Florida neighborhoods intimately. We understand what properties will be worth after repairs in specific ZIP codes.
- No Franchise Fees: National "We Buy Houses" franchises pay 30-40% of their deals to corporate. We keep that money and pass savings to sellers.
- We Actually Close: We have our own capital. We don't need to find another investor to fund the deal, reducing the risk of last-minute surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selling a Water Damaged House
Can you sell a house with water damage in Florida?
Yes, absolutely. Florida law requires you to disclose known water damage, but disclosure doesn't prevent sale. Many buyers—especially cash investors like FL Home Buyers—specifically seek out these properties. You can sell as-is without making any repairs.
Do I have to fix water damage before selling my house?
No. While fixing damage may help in a traditional sale, it's not required. Cash buyers purchase properties in any condition. In many cases, sellers net more by selling as-is because repair costs, time, and carrying costs during repairs often exceed the increased sale price.
How much does water damage reduce home value?
Water damage typically reduces value by 10-25%, depending on severity. Minor cosmetic damage (stains, some flooring) has less impact than structural damage or active mold. However, the actual impact depends on repair costs and whether the damage is visible or hidden.
Will you buy a house with mold from water damage?
Yes. We regularly purchase properties with mold issues. As licensed general contractors, we handle mold remediation as part of our renovation process. Many traditional buyers won't touch properties with mold, which is exactly why selling to us makes sense.
How fast can you close on a water damaged house?
We can close in as little as 7 days if you need to move quickly. Most water damage sales close in 14-21 days. We work on your timeline—if you need more time, we'll accommodate that too.
What if I still owe money on my mortgage?
Having a mortgage doesn't prevent you from selling. At closing, the mortgage is paid off from the sale proceeds. As long as the sale price covers your mortgage balance (plus closing costs), you can sell. If you're underwater, we can discuss options like short sales.
Do I need to clean up water damage before you visit?
No. We expect to see the property in its current condition. Don't spend money on cleaning, repairs, or remediation before we visit. We'll evaluate it as-is and make our offer based on what we see.
What documents do I need to sell a water damaged house?
You'll need your photo ID, the deed or mortgage information, and any documentation about the water damage (insurance claims, repair estimates, etc.). We help gather everything else needed for closing.
Get Your Cash Offer Today
Stop stressing about water damage repairs. Get a no-obligation cash offer and find out exactly what your property is worth. Close in 7-60 days on your schedule.
Get Your Cash Offer
Tell us about your water damaged property. We'll give you a real number within 24 hours.