Does Insurance Pay for Mold Removal in Orlando?

Mold can lead to significant property damage and even serious health risks if left untreated. 

The cost to clean and remove mold can be high, and many Central Florida homeowners find themselves asking: 

“Does insurance pay for mold removal in Orlando?” 

The answer depends on the source of the mold, the language in your insurance policy, and whether the damage stems from a covered peril.

At The Morgan Law Group, our experienced Orlando mold damage claim attorneys help homeowners throughout Central Florida who are struggling with mold insurance claims. If you’re dealing with mold damage and your insurer refuses to provide fair compensation, we’re here for you. 

What Is Mold Removal?

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in moist environments. In Florida’s warm and humid climate, homes are especially susceptible to mold outbreaks, particularly after water-related incidents like plumbing leaks, hurricanes, or roof damage. Once mold begins to grow, it can spread quickly, deteriorating drywall, flooring, insulation, and even the structural integrity of a home.

Mold Removal vs. Mold Remediation

While the terms “mold removal” and “mold remediation” are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings:

• Mold removal refers to the physical act of temporarily removing visible mold growth from surfaces.
• Mold remediation is a more comprehensive process. It includes identifying the source of moisture, containing the area, removing contaminated materials, cleaning air and surfaces, and restoring the affected area.

In the context of mold insurance coverage, most insurance policies that offer mold protection refer to remediation, not just the surface-level removal.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Mold Removal in Orlando?

Whether your insurance will pay for mold removal depends largely on how the mold originated. Homeowners insurance generally covers mold damage only when it is a result of a “covered peril.” 

Covered perils are specific events listed in your policy, such as:

• A sudden pipe burst
• Roof damage due to a hurricane or windstorm
• Water used to extinguish a fire
• Malfunctioning HVAC systems

In these situations, your insurer may be required to cover both the water damage and the resulting mold remediation.

Mold Exclusions and Limitations

Unfortunately, most standard Florida homeowners insurance policies exclude coverage for mold that develops over time due to:

• Long-term humidity
• Poor ventilatioN
• Ongoing roof or plumbing leaks
• Flooding (unless you have a separate flood policy)

In many cases, insurers also impose strict dollar limits on mold remediation. These caps are usually part of a “fungi, rot, and bacteria” sublimit. To receive higher protection, homeowners must often purchase an endorsement or rider that increases mold coverage.

Optional Mold Coverage Endorsements

Florida insurers may offer policyholders the option to buy mold endorsements that increase the claim limits for mold-related damages. These endorsements typically cost more in premiums but provide added protection in mold-prone regions like Orlando.

If you’re unsure about your current coverage, an experienced mold damage claim attorney in Orlando, FL, can review your policy and help you determine your options.

What Types of Insurance Cover Mold Damage?

As outlined above, homeowners insurance may cover mold if the mold results from a covered event. However, policy language varies significantly between insurers, so it’s essential to read the fine print.

Renters Insurance

Renters insurance may cover mold-damaged personal property, but not the structure itself. In most cases, the landlord’s insurance is responsible for mold remediation in the building, while the tenant’s policy would apply only to damaged furniture, clothing, or electronics if caused by a covered peril.

Condo Insurance

Condo owners have a unique situation. Mold in common areas may be the responsibility of the condo association’s master policy, while mold inside the unit may fall under your individual condo insurance policy – again, depending on the cause.

Flood Insurance

Standard homeowners policies do not cover flooding, and that includes mold caused by rising water. To be covered, homeowners must carry a separate flood insurance policy, typically provided through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). However, even NFIP policies limit mold coverage unless the policyholder takes reasonable steps to prevent mold after the flooding.

How Long Does Mold Claim Payment Take?

When mold is discovered, time is of the essence. Delays can worsen the damage and increase the cost of repairs. 

To begin the process, notify your insurer immediately and document everything:

• Take photos or videos of the mold and water damage
• Save receipts for emergency repairs or inspections
• Obtain a mold inspection report from a certified contractor

Once you file your mold insurance claim, your insurance company should respond promptly. Florida law requires insurers to acknowledge your claim within 14 days, and to make a decision to pay or deny the claim within 90 days in most cases.

Factors That Can Delay Mold Claim Payment

Unfortunately, insurance companies often delay mold-related claims for a variety of reasons:

• Disputes over the cause of the mold (covered vs. excluded peril)
• Disagreements over the extent of damage or repair costs
• Requests for multiple inspections or additional documentation
• Claims that the policyholder failed to prevent the damage

If you’re experiencing delays or underpayment, hiring an Orlando mold damage claim attorney can help expedite the process and push back against bad faith tactics.

If your claim is accepted without dispute, payment for mold remediation can typically be issued within 30 to 60 days of filing. However, if your insurer pushes back, the process can stretch out for months, which is why many homeowners choose to work with a mold damage claim attorney to speed up the process and protect their rights.

What Should You Do If Your Mold Claim Is Denied?

Receiving a denial letter can be frustrating, especially when you’re dealing with a health hazard like mold. 

Insurers may deny your claim for reasons such as:

• The mold resulted from an excluded peril (e.g., flood, long-term leak)
• You didn’t notify the insurer in a timely manner
• You failed to maintain your home adequately
• Your policy’s mold limit was exhausted

Appeal the Decision

If you believe the denial was unfair, you have the right to appeal. Start by reviewing your policy in detail and gathering all supporting evidence (photos, inspection reports, contractor estimates). Submitting a written appeal with documentation may be enough in some cases.

However, if the insurer still refuses to pay, it’s time to bring in legal help.

Hire a Mold Insurance Claim Attorney in Orlando

At this point, an experienced legal team can make a significant difference. 

Mold damage claim attorneys in Orlando understand how insurers operate and can:

• Analyze your policy to determine coverage
• Negotiate with adjusters on your behalf
• Prove that the mold resulted from a covered peril
• File a bad faith lawsuit if your insurer acted unreasonably

The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of securing the full benefits you’re entitled to under your policy.

Let’s Advocate for You in Mold Damage and Removal Claims

Dealing with mold in your Orlando home can be overwhelming. Between the cost of professional cleanup and the frustration of battling with insurance adjusters, many homeowners feel like they’re fighting a losing battle. 

Fortunately, insurance can cover mold removal, but only under the right circumstances, and only if you know how to stand up for your rights.

At The Morgan Law Group, we’ve helped countless Central Florida policyholders recover the compensation they deserve after mold-related property losses. Whether your claim was denied, delayed, or undervalued, our mold damage claim attorneys in Orlando, FL, are here to guide you through the process and help you fight for a fair outcome.

Don’t wait until the damage spreads or your window to file for a mold claim closes. Call our Orlando office today at (407) 638-8689 or contact us using our online form for a free consultation.