In South Florida, black mold—most often Stachybotrys chartarum—is quite frequent and feared. The region’s heat, humidity above 70% most of the year, and frequent storms create perfect conditions for mold growth. A small roof leak or an air-conditioning drip pan overflow can turn into a serious black mold colony in as little as 48 hours.
How to Identify Black Mold in Your Home
Black mold is not always dark green to black and has a slimy appearance when actively growing. It produces a distinct earthy, musty odor that many homeowners describe as “old basement smell,” even in homes without basements. Common hiding places include:
- Behind baseboards and drywall after minor flooding
- Under sinks and around plumbing penetrations
- Inside air-handler closets and on evaporator coils
- Attics with poor ventilation or past roof leaks
- Crawl spaces and exterior wall cavities after heavy rains
Look for black staining that appears to “grow” over time and for accompanying white efflorescence (salt-like crystals) on concrete block walls—a sign that moisture is moving through the wall.
When to Call a Mold Removal Professional vs. DIY
Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 468.84) requires a licensed mold assessor and remediator for any affected area larger than 10 square feet. Even when the patch is smaller, most homeowners insurance companies and mortgage lenders insist on professional documentation if black mold is confirmed growing in the home.
DIY mold removal is reasonable only for surface growth on non-porous materials (glass, metal, hard plastic) and when the total visible area is under 3–4 square feet and you have no health issues.
Safe Removal Steps for Small Surface Areas
- Isolate the area with plastic sheeting and tape.
- Run a HEPA air scrubber and maintain negative pressure.
- Wear an N95 or better respirator, nitrile gloves, and eye protection.
- Lightly mist the mold with water or an EPA-registered fungistatic to reduce spore release.
- Wipe or use a HEPA-vacuum—never dry-scrape or use a household vacuum.
- Clean with a detergent solution, then apply an EPA-registered mold disinfectant (do not mix bleach with ammonia-containing cleaners).
- Dry the area rapidly with fans and dehumidifiers set below 50% RH.
Professional Mold Remediation Process in South Florida
Licensed companies follow IICRC S520 standards:
- Independent mold assessment and scope of work
- Containment with critical barriers and negative air
- Removal of all porous materials that cannot be restored (drywall, carpet, insulation)
- HEPA vacuuming and sanding of framing lumber
- Abrasive blasting or dry-ice blasting for heavy growth on block walls
- Application of antimicrobial sealants on wood framing
- Post-remediation verification testing by a separate assessor
Expect to replace at least the bottom 18–24 inches of drywall in most flooded South Florida homes.
Mold Prevention Tips Specific to South Florida Homes
- Keep indoor humidity below 55% year-round with properly sized dehumidifiers (70–100 pints/day in most homes).
- Run the A/C fan in an “on” position rather than “auto” to circulate air and reduce condensation.
- Install exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens vented directly outdoors.
- Grade soil away from the foundation and keep gutters clean.
- Inspect the roof and flashing after every major storm.
- Use mold-resistant drywall and paints in bathrooms and laundry rooms.
Black mold is not inherently more toxic than other molds, but in South Florida’s climate it grows fast and extensively. Early detection, rapid drying, and hiring a professional mold remediation company like Mold Only for expert black mold removal services when needed are the only reliable ways to protect both the house and the family’s health.
