Flood Cleanup and Flood Damage Restoration

If floodwater has come into your home or business, call 786-919-0159 once it is safe. A live person answers 24/7 and sends a crew with a fast response anywhere in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach.

Floodwater is different from a burst pipe. Water that rises from outside, whether from heavy rain, an overflowing canal, a king tide or storm surge, carries sewage, chemicals, fuel and debris. It is treated as contaminated, which means more has to be removed, everything it touched must be cleaned and disinfected, and the home dried thoroughly before rebuilding. South Florida saw how fast this can happen in April 2023, when Fort Lauderdale recorded about 25.9 inches of rain in a single day.

Safety First After a Flood

• Do not walk through standing water if there is any chance it is in contact with electricity. Keep the power off until it is safe.
• Avoid contact with floodwater. Wear boots and gloves if you must enter, and wash thoroughly afterward.
• Keep children and pets away from contaminated water and wet materials.
• Do not run generators indoors or in garages.
• Photograph and video everything before cleanup starts, for your flood insurance claim.

How Flood Cleanup Works

1. Water removal. Pumps and extractors remove standing water and mud.
2. Removal of contaminated materials. Drywall is usually cut out above the water line, and wet insulation, carpet and pad are removed.
3. Cleaning and disinfecting. Floors, framing, cabinets and other surfaces that can be saved are cleaned and treated.
4. Structural drying. Commercial dehumidifiers and air movers dry the framing and slab, with daily moisture readings.
5. Documentation. Photos, readings and an inventory of removed materials support your flood claim.
6. Rebuild. Once dry, repairs restore walls, floors and cabinets.

Flood Insurance Versus Homeowners Insurance

This is the most important thing to know about flooding: standard homeowners and condo policies do not cover water that rises from outside. Flood damage is covered by a flood insurance policy, through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer. Rain that comes in through a roof or window damaged by a storm may be a homeowners claim, while water that came in under the doors is a flood claim. If you are not sure which applies, document everything and call both. Check your flood zone anytime on FEMA’s flood map.

Flooding in South Florida

Much of South Florida is low, flat and close to sea level, with a high water table. Intense summer storms, tropical systems, king tides on the barrier islands and storm surge along the coast and the Intracoastal all push water into homes. Western communities with canals and lakes flood when drainage cannot keep up. Wherever it came from, floodwater left in a home for days leads to mold and much bigger repairs, so starting cleanup as soon as it is safe matters.

King Tides and Coastal Flooding

In coastal parts of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach, the highest tides of the year, usually in the fall, can push saltwater up through storm drains and into streets, garages and ground-floor units even on sunny days. Saltwater is especially hard on drywall, insulation and metal. If tidal water reaches inside, treat it like any floodwater: document it, stay out of standing water and start cleanup quickly.

What Can and Cannot Be Saved After a Flood

• Usually removed: drywall and insulation that got wet, carpet and pad, particleboard cabinets, upholstered furniture and mattresses that soaked in floodwater.
• Often saved after cleaning and drying: concrete slab, framing, solid wood cabinets, tile, metal and hard plastic items.
• Case by case: hardwood floors, solid wood furniture, documents and photos (which can sometimes be freeze-dried).

Keep an inventory with photos of everything removed for your flood claim.

Flooding in Western Communities

Flooding is not only a coastal problem. Western communities like Wellington, The Acreage, Loxahatchee, Weston and parts of Pembroke Pines and Miramar sit on flat, low land laced with canals and lakes. When intense rain falls faster than drainage can carry it away, yards, streets and garages fill. Homes on septic systems may also see backups. The cleanup process is the same: remove the water, remove contaminated materials, disinfect and dry.

Saving Documents, Photos and Keepsakes

Paper documents and photographs soaked in floodwater can sometimes be saved. Rinse off mud gently with clean water, separate pages and photos, and freeze them in sealed bags if you cannot dry them right away; freezing stops mold and buys time. Prioritize irreplaceable items. Electronics that got wet should not be turned on until they have been checked.

Flood Insurance Tips

• NFIP flood policies generally have a 30-day waiting period before coverage starts, so buy before storm season.
• Flood policies treat buildings and contents separately; check that you have both.
• Keep receipts for cleanup and temporary repairs.
• Photograph damaged items before discarding them, and keep a written inventory.
• If you rent, renters flood coverage is available for your belongings.

Cleaning Up Mud and Debris

Storm floodwater often leaves mud, sand and debris behind. It is removed before cleaning and drying, because mud holds moisture and contaminants against floors and walls. Hard surfaces are scrubbed and disinfected, and cavities behind removed drywall are cleaned out. Garages, patios and lanais are cleaned too, since contaminated sediment there can be tracked back inside.

Flooded Electrical and HVAC Equipment

Outlets, wiring, water heaters and air handlers that sat in floodwater can be dangerous and may need replacement. Do not turn on power or equipment that was underwater until a licensed electrician or technician has checked it. Ductwork that took on floodwater is usually cleaned or replaced to prevent contamination and mold from spreading through the home.

Flooding and Mold

Mold growth after a flood is common, especially when power is out and homes cannot be cooled or dehumidified. Removing wet drywall and insulation promptly, cleaning framing and drying the structure fast are the best protection. If mold has already started, it is handled with containment before rebuilding. See mold remediation.

Renters and Floods

If you rent and floodwater came in, the landlord is usually responsible for the building, and your belongings are covered only if you have renters insurance with flood coverage or a separate contents flood policy. Tell your landlord right away, photograph your damaged belongings and move what you can to a dry place. Landlords and property managers can call 786-919-0159 to start cleanup.

Garages and Ground Floors

Garages and ground-floor rooms usually flood first. Water in a garage can wick into adjoining walls and seep under doors into living space. Even if the house itself stayed dry, check the walls between the garage and the home and the base of interior doors for moisture.

Related Services

• Hurricane Damage Restoration: storm damage beyond flooding
• Sewage Cleanup: backups during heavy rain
• Mold Remediation: if mold follows a flood
• Water Extraction: removing standing water

Where We Provide Flood Cleanup

Flood cleanup is available 24/7 across all three South Florida counties, in every city, town and neighborhood:

• Miami-Dade County: Miami, Hialeah, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Doral, Kendall, Homestead and more
• Broward County: Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach and more
• Palm Beach County: West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Jupiter, Wellington and more

See every community on our South Florida service areas page.

Flood Cleanup Questions