How Quickly Mold Grows After Water Damage in Florida | Edwards Property Remediation
Mold can grow within 24–48 hours in Florida’s humidity. Learn how fast mold spreads after water damage and how to stop it with expert remediation.
Introduction
In Florida’s hot, humid climate, water damage doesn’t just mean wet floors or stained ceilings — it often means mold. If you’ve had a leak, flood, or burst pipe in your home or business, mold can begin growing in as little as 24 hours.
At Edwards Property Remediation, we’ve seen mold spread quickly in West Palm Beach homes. In this blog, we break down how fast mold grows, what conditions speed it up, and what you should do if you suspect a mold problem.
How Quickly Can Mold Start Growing?
Under the right conditions, mold begins to grow within 24 to 48 hours of moisture exposure. Florida’s naturally high humidity makes the environment even more mold-friendly.
Conditions that speed up mold growth:
- Relative humidity above 60%
- Warm temperatures (75°F–85°F is ideal for mold)
- Porous materials like drywall, wood, and insulation
- Lack of airflow or ventilation
Where Mold Commonly Grows After Water Damage
Even after obvious water is removed, hidden moisture can remain in:
- Behind walls or baseboards
- Under flooring (especially laminate and carpet)
- Inside HVAC ducts or air handlers
- Behind kitchen and bathroom cabinets
- Attics, crawlspaces, or inside closets
These areas are prime breeding grounds for mold in Florida homes.
Signs That Mold Is Already Growing
- A musty or “earthy” smell
- Discolored patches on walls or ceilings
- Peeling paint or bubbling drywall
- Allergy-like symptoms (sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes)
- Black or green spots in corners or around vents
Don’t wait for mold to be visible — hidden mold can be more dangerous and harder to remove.
How to Stop Mold from Growing After Water Damage
- Act Fast – Call a professional within 24 hours
- Remove All Water – Don’t just dry the surface; extract deeply embedded moisture
- Use Industrial Dehumidifiers – These remove airborne moisture and dry the structure
- Sanitize Surfaces – Apply antimicrobial solutions to kill spores
- Inspect Hidden Areas – Use moisture meters or infrared imaging to find hidden water
At Edwards Property Remediation, we handle all of the above — and more.
Why Fast Action Matters
The longer you wait:
- The deeper mold spreads into materials
- The higher the remediation cost
- The greater the health risk for your family or tenants
- The more likely your insurance claim will be denied
Why Call Edwards Property Remediation?
- ✅ Mold remediation experts serving West Palm Beach
- ✅ 24/7 emergency response for water damage
- ✅ Infrared and moisture detection tools
- ✅ Fully licensed, insured, and certified
- ✅ Trusted by homeowners, landlords, and property managers
Conclusion
If you’ve had water damage — even a small leak — don’t assume it’ll dry out on its own. In Florida, mold can appear fast and spread even faster. The team at Edwards Property Remediation is here to protect your home, your health, and your peace of mind.
📞 Call (754)221-6945 for Emergency Mold Help
📅 Schedule a Free Mold Risk Assessment
