Mold Solutions FAQs
Mold Solutions Tampa Bay • Fl State Licensed
Is mold remediation licensed in Florida?
Yes. Florida is one of the few states with specific mold-related licensing requirements, and Mold Solutions meets state licensing requirements.
Under Florida Statute 468, Part XVI, anyone performing mold assessment or mold remediation for compensation must hold the appropriate state license:
- Mold Assessors must hold a Florida Mold Assessor License.
- Mold Remediators must hold a Florida Mold Remediator License.
- Additionally, the same company cannot perform both the assessment AND the remediation on the same project (with limited exceptions) — this is specifically designed to prevent conflicts of interest.
Always verify a contractor’s license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) at myfloridalicense.com before signing any contract.
How do I prepare for your mold dog, Aspen, to come to my home?
No special preparation is usually required before our mold detection K9 enters most homes. If you have cats or other at-home pets, they’ll be best secured somewhere outside of the house temporarily. Putting your cat into a room that is unaffected by mold (such as the garage) is an option—as long as you’re sure you won’t want that room gone through as we look for potential mold growth.
What is "Dry Fog Sanitization"?
Mold Solutions uses an EPA-registered, non-toxic, aerosolized formulas that kill up 99.99% of mold spores, bacteria, and other airborne viruses, often without requiring demolition. Aerosolizing this formula allows it to penetrate walls, crevices, and HVAC systems to disinfect entire spaces, while leaving no toxic residue behind, and allowing for same-day re-occupancy. “Dry-Fogging” is not a replacement for proper mold remediation. Rather, it augments a properly-done remediation job that locates the source of the unwanted moisture and removes mold-affected materials.
What is your "Free Environmental Consultation"?
Our Free Environmental Consultations allow us to provide an informed opinion on the scope of any mold problem you might have, at no cost to you. Since no two mold problems are alike, we’ve found this is the best way we can help homeowners determine what they’re dealing with. If you believe (or know) that you need actual mold testing (air sampling, surface sampling, swabs, tape lifts, or bulk sampling), this Free Consult won’t provide that—but if you’re unsure whether Testing is called for, this Consult will help you determine that.
What are the most mold-prone areas in a Florida home?
Based on our experience in the Clearwater and Tampa Bay area, the highest-risk locations include:
- Bathrooms – Especially around toilets, under sinks, and in shower grout.
- Attics – Poor ventilation combined with Florida heat creates ideal mold conditions.
- AC Air Handlers and Ductwork – Condensation and dust make HVAC systems prime targets.
- Under Kitchen and Bathroom Sinks – Slow drip leaks often go unnoticed for months.
- Around Windows and Sliding Glass Doors – Especially older units with failed seals.
- Crawl Spaces – Ground moisture and limited airflow create chronic humidity problems.
- Laundry Rooms – Dryer vents that don’t exhaust properly and washer hose leaks.
- Behind Refrigerators – Condensate pan overflows and ice maker line leaks.
- Garage Walls – Especially those shared with air-conditioned living spaces.
Can mold grow inside my A/C system?
Yes, and this is one of the most common and serious mold problems in Florida homes. Because we run our AC systems almost year-round, the combination of cool coils, condensation, and dust creates a perfect mold breeding ground. When mold grows inside your HVAC system, it can distribute spores throughout your whole home every time the system runs. Signs of HVAC mold include musty smells when the AC turns on, visible growth around vents, or unexplained respiratory symptoms that improve when you leave the house.
Will I need to leave my home during mold remediation?
For small, well-contained jobs in a single room, it’s usually not necessary to vacate or relocate. However, for larger projects—or if anyone in the home has health sensitivities—temporarily relocating during the mold remediation is recommended. Mold Solutions will help advise based on the specific situation. At minimum, everyone in the home should stay out of the “containment area” we put up, and any areas where HEPA equipment is running.
How much does mold remediation cost in Tampa Bay?
The cost of mold remediation depends on the size and severity of a mold problem, but here’s a helpful approximation:
| Scope of Problem | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Small area (<10 sq ft) | $500 – $1,500 |
| Moderate area (10–100 sq ft); single room | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Large area (100–300 sq ft); multiple rooms | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Extensive/whole-house remediation | $10,000 – $30,000+ |
| HVAC/duct system remediation | $3,000 – $10,000+ |
| Crawl space remediation | $2,000 – $8,000+ |
These are general ranges. Actual costs depend on the mold type, extent of damage, and the type of materials affected.
What determines the cost of mold remediation?
The final cost of mold remediation is usually influenced by:
- Size of the affected area – Larger areas require more labor, materials, and containment.
- Location of the mold – Mold inside walls, under floors, or in crawl spaces is more expensive to access and treat.
- The type of mold – Some varieties require more aggressive treatment protocols.
- Extent of structural damage – Rotted wood, damaged drywall, or compromised insulation adds to the cost.
- Materials involved – Porous materials (drywall, insulation, carpet) often need to be removed and replaced.
- Remediation method required – Some situations require more specialized equipment or techniques.
- Post-remediation repairs – Rebuilding walls, replacing flooring, or repainting adds cost.
- Access and containment – Difficult-to-reach areas or large containment setups increase labor costs.
What does mold remediation actually involve?
Proper professional mold remediation typically follows these steps:
- Inspection & Assessment – Identify all affected areas and moisture sources.
- Moisture Source Location & Correction – Fix the leak, drainage issue, or humidity problem causing mold growth (this must happen first).
- Containment Setup – Use plastic sheeting and negative air pressure to isolate the work area and prevent spore spread.
- Air Filtration – HEPA air scrubbers run continuously to capture airborne spores.
- Mold Removal – Remove and bag all mold-contaminated porous materials (drywall, insulation, carpet).
- Surface Treatment – Clean and treat remaining surfaces with EPA-approved antimicrobial solutions.
- HEPA Vacuuming – Thoroughly vacuum all surfaces in and around the area.
- Dry Out – Ensure all affected areas are thoroughly dried with industrial-grade dehumidifiers.
- Post-Remediation Verification – Third-party testing confirms mold levels have returned to normal
- Restoration – Rebuild or repair affected structural elements.
