Flooding in Florida isn't only a hurricane problem
Storm surge gets the headlines, but Florida floods in several ways. Slow-moving tropical systems and summer downpours overwhelm drainage inland, far from any coast. In April 2023, Fort Lauderdale saw extreme rainfall flood neighborhoods with no hurricane anywhere nearby. Along South Florida's coast and the Keys, seasonal king tides push water up through storm drains on sunny days. Rivers like the St. Johns and the Peace rise and stay high after long rain events.
Each source brings different contamination and a different timeline, and we plan the cleanup around which one reached your property.
How we clean up after a flood
- Safety check first. Electrical hazards, gas smells, structural damage and wildlife (snakes and fire ants move indoors with flood water) are assessed before the crew goes to work.
- Mud-out and extraction. Standing water, silt and debris are removed, then remaining water is extracted from floors.
- Flood cuts. Drywall and insulation that absorbed flood water are cut out above the waterline, typically 12 to 24 inches higher than the highest wet reading, so the wall cavity can be cleaned and dried.
- Removal of porous materials. Carpet, pad, upholstered furniture and particleboard cabinets that sat in flood water are generally not salvageable under industry standards.
- Cleaning and sanitizing. Remaining structure, studs and slab are cleaned and treated.
- Drying and verification. Wall cavities and slab are dried to target readings before anything is closed back up.
Before you go back inside
- Don't enter if water is still standing near electrical panels or outlets, or if you smell gas.
- Wear rubber boots and gloves. Flood water should be treated as contaminated.
- Photograph the waterline on walls and every damaged item before removal. Keep samples of flooring and carpet if you can.
- Don't run the HVAC system if flood water reached ductwork or the air handler.
Flood insurance works differently
Most homeowners policies exclude damage from rising water. Flood losses are usually covered, if at all, by a separate National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private flood policy, with its own adjuster, deductible and paperwork. Many Florida properties carry both policies, and a single storm can cause damage that falls under each. We document which damage came from wind-driven rain and which came from rising water, because that distinction shapes both claims. Our insurance claims page covers the details.
Mitigation now, rebuild next
Flood cleanup stops the damage and gets the structure clean and dry. Putting walls, floors and cabinets back is the next phase, covered on our hurricane and flood damage reconstruction page. If a storm also damaged the roof or windows, emergency tarping and board-up are part of storm and hurricane damage restoration.
Flood Cleanup: common questions
Can drywall be saved after a flood?
Drywall that absorbed flood water is generally removed, because flood water is treated as contaminated. We cut above the highest wet reading so the cavity can be cleaned and dried, which keeps the replacement as small as possible.
Is it safe to stay in a flooded house?
Not until power has been checked, standing water is gone and contaminated materials are out. Flood water can carry sewage and chemicals, and wet structures can hide electrical hazards.
Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?
Standard homeowners policies usually exclude rising water. Flood damage is typically covered by a separate NFIP or private flood policy. Check both of your policies, and report the loss to each insurer that might apply.
Flood Cleanup near you
We provide flood cleanup in all 29 Florida metro areas we serve: