Updated November 4, 2026
Start here: the first hours matter
Water damage gets worse by the hour. Drywall, insulation, carpet pad and wood all soak up moisture, and the CDC says that if a flooded home and its contents can't be dried within 24 to 48 hours, you should assume mold is growing. That is why this site focuses on what to do first, and who to call next.
Pinellas Water Damage Help is a plain-English guide for Pinellas County homeowners dealing with a burst pipe, a roof leak, storm flooding or mold. We explain the steps, the insurance basics and the local rules. When you are ready for help, our free form passes your request to TheBayPros, which connects you with local restoration pros. There is no cost to you to ask.
Not every loss is a hurricane. Homeowners here deal with burst or leaking supply lines, failed water heaters and washing machine hoses, roof leaks during heavy summer rain, clogged drains and sewer backups, and storm surge or rising water during tropical systems. The cause matters because it affects the cleanup steps and which insurance policy may respond.
Clean-water leaks that are dried fast are usually the easiest to recover from. Water that is contaminated, such as floodwater or sewage, calls for more caution and often more tear-out. When in doubt, treat the water as contaminated and keep children and pets away.
Safety comes before cleanup
Water and electricity are a dangerous mix. The CDC advises that you never turn power on or off, or use electric tools, while standing in water. If there is standing water and you can only reach the main switch by walking through it, call an electrician instead.
- Have an electrician inspect the electrical system before you restore power to a flooded home.
- If you smell gas, leave right away and call from outside. Do not flip switches.
- Never run a gasoline generator, pump or pressure washer inside a home, garage, carport or porch. Keep it at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents.
- Floodwater can carry sewage. Wear rubber boots, and do not use suspect water for drinking, dishes, brushing teeth or food prep.
If the home looks structurally damaged, stay out until a building inspector has looked at it.
Document everything for your insurance claim
Before you move or throw away anything, take photos and video of the damage, room by room. FEMA's flood-claim guidance also suggests photographing appliance make, model and serial numbers, keeping a small sample of damaged material (like a cut piece of carpet) for the adjuster, and making a contents list with descriptions, prices and receipts where you have them.
Then report the loss to your insurer promptly and in writing. Florida law sets claim-notice deadlines: notice of an initial or reopened claim must reach your insurer within one year of the date of loss, and a supplemental claim within 18 months, following your policy's terms. Do not wait. Our guides walk through the process step by step.
Homeowners insurance and flood insurance are different
Pinellas County's flood information page says most homeowners' and renters' policies do not cover flooding, and that everyone in Pinellas County lives in a flood zone, whether high, moderate or low risk. A burst pipe or storm-driven roof leak may fall under a homeowners policy. Rising water from storm surge or heavy rain is usually a flood policy matter.
A new flood policy generally takes 30 days to take effect, so it cannot be bought after a storm is on the way. Building and contents are covered separately, so check both limits and deductibles. Read our guide on flood versus homeowners insurance for the basics.
Mold: who can test, and who can clean it up
In Florida, mold assessors and mold remediators are licensed as individuals by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) under Chapter 468, Part XVI of the Florida Statutes. A licensed assessor or remediator generally may not do both jobs on the same structure within a 12-month period, which helps keep testing independent from the cleanup sale. Certain licensed contractors working within their scope are exempt.
The CDC says routine mold sampling is not usually recommended, because results are hard to interpret and you need to fix the moisture and remove the mold either way. Before you pay for testing, read our guide on when to test and who can do it.
Rebuilding rules: the substantial damage (50 percent) rule
If a home in a flood hazard area is badly damaged, the local building official compares repair cost to the value of the structure, not the land. Under the National Flood Insurance Program standard, repairs costing 50 percent or more of the structure's pre-damage market value make it substantially damaged, and it must then be brought into compliance with floodplain rules, which can mean elevating the home. Pinellas County's own page describes its threshold as 49 percent or more, so confirm the number with your city or the County.
Do not begin repairs without a permit. Pinellas County says unpermitted work may have to be undone at the owner's expense. Our guide on the 50 percent rule explains more.
Choosing a restoration company, and how our form helps
After a storm, scams and rushed decisions are common. Check any contractor's license on MyFloridaLicense.com, ask for proof of insurance, get several itemized estimates, and be wary of anyone who offers to waive your deductible. Florida has prohibited assignment of benefits on residential property policies issued on or after January 1, 2023, so a contractor cannot take over your claim that way.
When you are ready, fill out the free matching form on this site. TheBayPros will pass along what you tell us so a local pro can follow up. You decide whether to hire anyone, and you should still compare quotes.
Pinellas County offers a Flood Map Service and Know Your Zone lookup at pinellas.gov. Its Floodplain Management office can be reached at (727) 464-7700, and Building and Development Review Services at (727) 464-3888. To report suspected unlicensed contractor activity, call DBPR at 866-532-1440. Cities handle their own permits, so if you live in a municipality, start with your city's building department.
Guides
Areas we cover
Frequently asked questions
How fast does mold start growing after water damage?
The CDC says to assume mold is growing if a flooded home and its contents cannot be dried within 24 to 48 hours. Start drying quickly and fix the water source.
Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?
Pinellas County says most homeowners' and renters' policies do not cover flooding. A separate flood policy is needed, and a new policy generally takes 30 days to take effect. Check your own policy and ask your agent.
Do I need a license to test for mold in Florida?
Mold assessors are licensed by DBPR as individuals under Chapter 468, Part XVI. Certain exempt professionals, such as some licensed contractors, may work within their authorized scope. You can check licenses on MyFloridaLicense.com.
How long do I have to report a claim in Florida?
Under Florida law, notice of an initial or reopened claim must reach your insurer within one year of the date of loss, and a supplemental claim within 18 months, following your policy's terms. Report as early as you can.
Can a contractor take over my insurance claim?
No for newer policies. Florida law bars assigning post-loss benefits on residential policies issued on or after January 1, 2023, and the Department of Financial Services says such contracts are invalid and unenforceable.
What is the 50 percent rule?
It is a floodplain rule. If repairs cost 50 percent or more of the structure's pre-damage market value, the home is substantially damaged and must meet current floodplain standards. Pinellas County's page words its threshold as 49 percent or more, so ask your local building department.
Is this service free?
Yes. Submitting the matching form costs you nothing, and you are under no obligation to hire anyone. Restoration pricing varies, so get quotes.