If you're dealing with water damage in your Florida home, one of the first questions on your mind is probably: "How much is this going to cost me?"
It's a fair question — and unfortunately, the answer is "it depends." But we're not going to leave you with that. This guide breaks down real pricing data for water damage restoration in Florida in 2026, explains what drives costs up (and what keeps them down), and walks you through how insurance factors in.
Whether you're dealing with a burst pipe in Melbourne, hurricane damage in Cocoa Beach, or a slow leak in Palm Bay, here's what to expect financially — and how to avoid paying more than you should.
Water Damage Restoration Cost: Quick Overview
Here's a snapshot of typical water damage restoration costs in Florida for 2026:
| Damage Level | Typical Cost Range | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Minor | $1,500 – $4,000 | Small leak, one room, caught early |
| Moderate | $4,000 – $10,000 | Multiple rooms, soaked carpet/pad, drywall affected |
| Major | $10,000 – $25,000 | Widespread flooding, structural damage, mold present |
| Catastrophic | $25,000 – $75,000+ | Whole-home flooding, sewage, hurricane damage, major reconstruction |
These are general ranges for Florida in 2026. Actual costs vary based on the factors detailed below. Most insurance-covered jobs fall in the $3,000–$12,000 range.
Cost Breakdown by Service Type
Water damage restoration isn't one service — it's several. Here's what each component typically costs in Florida:
Emergency Water Extraction
$2 – $7 per square foot
This is the first phase: removing all standing water from your property using commercial-grade pumps and extractors. Cost depends on the depth of water, number of rooms, and accessibility. A typical 1,000 sq ft extraction runs $2,000–$5,000.
After-hours or emergency surcharges: Some companies charge extra for nights and weekends. At DryResponse, our pricing is the same 24/7 — no surprise upcharges.
Structural Drying & Dehumidification
$3 – $6 per square foot
After extraction, industrial air movers and dehumidifiers are placed throughout the affected area. Drying typically takes 3–5 days, with daily moisture monitoring. Florida's high humidity makes professional drying essential — consumer dehumidifiers simply can't handle it.
Equipment costs: Most companies charge per piece of equipment per day. Expect 1–2 air movers and 1 dehumidifier per affected room. Total equipment rental for a typical job: $800–$2,500.
Demolition & Material Removal
$2 – $5 per square foot
When drywall, baseboards, insulation, or flooring is too damaged to save, it needs to be professionally removed. This includes controlled demolition (cutting drywall to the flood line, typically 2 feet above the water level), removal of saturated carpet padding, and disposal.
What can be saved: Hardwood floors can sometimes be dried and refinished instead of replaced, saving thousands. Tile floors rarely need removal. Carpet can sometimes be cleaned and re-installed — but the padding almost always needs replacement.
Mold Remediation
$10 – $30 per square foot
If water damage isn't addressed within 24–48 hours, mold almost always follows — especially in Florida's climate. Mold remediation is a separate, specialized process that involves containment, HEPA air filtration, antimicrobial treatment, and removal of colonized materials.
The expensive lesson: A $5,000 water damage job that gets ignored for a week can turn into a $15,000–$30,000 mold remediation project. This is the #1 reason to call a professional immediately.
Reconstruction & Repairs
$5 – $20+ per square foot
Once the structure is dry and clean, damaged materials need to be replaced — new drywall, paint, baseboards, flooring, cabinetry, etc. Reconstruction costs vary widely depending on materials and finishes.
Common reconstruction costs: Drywall replacement: $2–$4/sq ft installed. Interior painting: $2–$4/sq ft. Carpet replacement: $3–$8/sq ft. Hardwood flooring: $8–$15/sq ft. Laminate: $3–$7/sq ft.
Sanitization & Antimicrobial Treatment
$1 – $3 per square foot
Required for any water damage involving Category 2 (gray water) or Category 3 (black water/sewage). Includes application of EPA-registered antimicrobial solutions to all affected surfaces. Sewage cleanup jobs typically add $2,000–$5,000 to total costs due to the additional sanitization and safety protocols required.
Not Sure What Your Damage Will Cost?
DryResponse provides free, no-obligation water damage assessments for all Brevard County properties. We'll inspect the damage, explain exactly what's needed, and give you an honest estimate — before any work begins.
📞 Call Now — (321) 306-4584Free assessment • No pressure • Available 24/7
7 Factors That Affect Water Damage Restoration Cost
Two water damage jobs can look similar but cost very different amounts. Here's what drives pricing:
Water Category (Clean vs. Contaminated)
The IICRC classifies water damage into three categories. Category 1 (clean water from supply lines) is the least expensive to address. Category 2 (gray water from dishwashers, washing machines, or sump pump failures) requires additional sanitization. Category 3 (black water from sewage, storm flooding, or river overflow) is the most expensive due to hazardous material handling, PPE requirements, and extensive sanitization protocols. Category 3 jobs typically cost 2–3x more than equivalent Category 1 jobs.
Affected Area (Square Footage)
The larger the affected area, the more equipment, labor, and materials required. A single-room water heater leak is a fundamentally different job than whole-home hurricane flooding. Most restoration companies price by the square foot for extraction and drying, so affected area is one of the biggest cost drivers.
Damage Class (How Deep the Water Went)
The IICRC also classifies damage by how deeply water has penetrated. Class 1: water affected only a small area with minimal absorption. Class 2: water wicked up walls less than 24 inches. Class 3: water came from overhead (ceiling, roof) and saturated walls, insulation, and subfloor. Class 4: water penetrated deep into hardwood, stone, concrete, or plaster, requiring specialty drying. Higher classes require more equipment and longer drying times.
Response Time
This is the factor you have the most control over. Water damage gets exponentially worse over time. A job that costs $4,000 when addressed within a few hours can easily cost $12,000–$15,000 if left for 48–72 hours due to mold growth, secondary damage, and material that could have been saved but now needs replacement. Fast action is the single best way to keep costs down.
Materials Affected
Hardwood floors, custom cabinetry, and specialty materials are more expensive to restore or replace than standard carpet and builder-grade drywall. Older Brevard County homes (especially in historic Cocoa, Rockledge, and Melbourne) may have materials that require specialized treatment or are no longer standard, increasing costs.
Mold Presence
If mold has already started growing, the job scope changes significantly. Mold remediation requires containment, HEPA filtration, antimicrobial treatment, and often more extensive demolition. In Florida, mold remediation companies must hold a separate state license. This adds $5,000–$25,000+ to the total project cost depending on the extent of colonization.
Access and Logistics
Multi-story homes, finished basements (rare in Florida but present in some commercial properties), and areas with limited access increase labor time and equipment needs. Similarly, if water has entered wall cavities, ceiling spaces, or under-slab areas, specialized equipment like injection drying systems or thermal imaging may be needed.
Insurance Coverage for Water Damage in Florida: What You Need to Know
For most Florida homeowners, insurance is the difference between a manageable expense and a financial catastrophe. Here's how coverage works in 2026:
✅ Typically Covered by Homeowners Insurance
- • Sudden burst pipes and plumbing failures
- • Appliance malfunctions (water heater, dishwasher, washing machine)
- • Accidental overflows (bathtub, toilet, sink)
- • Wind-driven rain through a damaged roof (hurricane/storm)
- • Ice maker line failures
- • Fire sprinkler malfunctions
❌ NOT Covered by Standard Homeowners Insurance
- • Flood damage from rising water (storm surge, heavy rain accumulation) — requires separate flood policy
- • Gradual or long-term leaks you failed to maintain
- • Sewer backup (some policies offer this as a rider)
- • Ground water seepage
- • Damage from neglected maintenance
Florida-Specific Insurance Considerations
Citizens Property Insurance
Citizens is Florida's state-backed insurer of last resort. If you're insured through Citizens, be aware that they have strict documentation requirements and specific timelines for reporting claims. Citizens policies also carry a hurricane deductible (typically 2% of your dwelling coverage), which is separate from your standard deductible. For a home insured at $300,000, that's a $6,000 hurricane deductible.
Florida's AOB (Assignment of Benefits) Reform
Florida's 2023 tort reform legislation significantly changed how Assignment of Benefits works. Under the current law, one-way attorney's fees were eliminated in insurance disputes, and there are new requirements for AOB agreements. What this means for you: you can still assign benefits to a restoration company (allowing them to bill your insurer directly), but make sure your restoration company explains the agreement clearly before you sign.
Flood Insurance (NFIP & Private)
If your water damage is from a flood (rising water), you'll need a separate flood policy. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides coverage up to $250,000 for residential structures and $100,000 for contents. Private flood insurance options in Florida often offer higher limits and additional coverage. Brevard County's barrier island communities (Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, Indialantic, Melbourne Beach) are in high-risk flood zones and are often required to carry flood insurance.
Your Deductible
Most Florida homeowners policies carry deductibles of $1,000–$5,000 for non-hurricane water damage. Hurricane deductibles are typically 2%–5% of your dwelling coverage. This is the amount you'll pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. Understanding your deductible helps you decide whether to file a claim — for a $2,000 job with a $2,500 deductible, filing a claim may not make sense.
We Work With Every Major Florida Insurance Carrier
DryResponse handles documentation and bills your insurance directly — State Farm, Allstate, Citizens, USAA, and all other Florida carriers. You focus on your family. We handle the paperwork.
📞 Call Now — (321) 306-45848 Ways to Reduce Your Water Damage Restoration Costs
Act immediately
Every hour you wait increases costs. A 2-hour response vs. a 24-hour response can mean the difference between saving your floors and replacing them. This is the single most impactful thing you can do.
Stop the water source
Know where your main water shutoff valve is before an emergency. Stopping the flow prevents additional damage and keeps restoration costs from climbing.
Document everything
Thorough photo and video documentation before, during, and after cleanup strengthens your insurance claim and helps ensure maximum coverage.
Don't attempt DIY demolition
Ripping out wet drywall or carpet without proper containment can spread mold spores and contamination, potentially doubling remediation costs.
Choose a company that bills insurance directly
Working with a restoration company experienced in insurance billing means proper documentation, correct pricing (using industry-standard Xactimate software), and fewer claim disputes. You pay your deductible, not the full bill.
Get a free assessment first
Any reputable restoration company will assess damage and provide an estimate before starting work. If they won't, that's a red flag. Get at least one professional assessment before committing.
Ask about what can be saved vs. replaced
An ethical restoration company will dry and save materials when possible rather than unnecessarily demolishing and replacing everything. Drying hardwood floors costs much less than replacing them.
Maintain your home to prevent claims
Regular plumbing inspections, checking water heater age (replace after 8–12 years), monitoring washing machine hoses (replace every 5 years), and clearing AC drain lines can prevent the most common water damage incidents.
Real-World Cost Examples in Brevard County
To give you a better sense of actual costs, here are scenarios based on typical Brevard County restoration jobs:
Water Heater Failure — Melbourne Home
Affected area: ~400 sq ft affected (garage + adjacent bedroom)
Scope of work: Water extraction, carpet/pad removal, structural drying (4 days), drywall cut (2 ft), antimicrobial treatment
Total cost: $3,800 – $5,500
Insurance: Covered by standard homeowners policy. Homeowner paid $1,000 deductible.
Burst Pipe During Cold Snap — Titusville Home
Affected area: ~800 sq ft affected (kitchen, living room, hallway)
Scope of work: Emergency water extraction, hardwood floor drying system, structural drying (5 days), cabinet dry-out, drywall repair
Total cost: $6,500 – $9,000
Insurance: Covered by homeowners insurance. Hardwood floors saved through professional drying — avoided $12,000+ replacement.
Hurricane Storm Surge — Cocoa Beach Condo
Affected area: ~1,200 sq ft (entire first floor)
Scope of work: Category 3 water extraction, full demolition to flood line, antimicrobial treatment, structural drying (7 days), mold prevention, reconstruction
Total cost: $18,000 – $28,000
Insurance: Required flood insurance policy (NFIP). Hurricane deductible applied. FEMA assistance supplemented coverage.
Slow Toilet Leak Discovered Late — Palm Bay Home
Affected area: ~200 sq ft affected, but mold had colonized behind walls
Scope of work: Mold remediation with containment, water damage restoration, bathroom reconstruction
Total cost: $14,000 – $20,000
Insurance: Partially covered. Insurer argued gradual damage. Thorough documentation from restoration company helped secure 70% coverage.
Get Your Free Water Damage Assessment
Every water damage situation is different. The only way to know exactly what your restoration will cost is a professional on-site assessment. DryResponse provides these free for every Brevard County property — no obligation, no pressure.
📞 Call Now — (321) 306-4584Call (321) 306-4584 or request a callback. Available 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does water damage restoration cost on average in Florida?
The average water damage restoration job in Florida costs between $3,000 and $8,000 for a typical residential incident. Minor jobs (small leaks caught early) may cost $1,500–$3,000, while major flooding or sewage damage can exceed $15,000–$30,000+. Costs vary based on the affected area, water category, and extent of structural damage.
Does homeowners insurance cover water damage restoration costs?
Most Florida homeowners insurance policies cover sudden, accidental water damage such as burst pipes, appliance failures, and accidental overflows. However, flood damage from rising water requires a separate flood insurance policy. Gradual damage (slow leaks you knew about) is typically excluded. Filing a claim promptly and having thorough documentation is key to getting covered.
How much does it cost to dry out a house after water damage?
Professional structural drying typically costs $3–$6 per square foot in Florida, depending on the severity. For a typical 500-square-foot affected area, expect $1,500–$3,000 for drying alone. This includes commercial dehumidifiers, air movers, and daily moisture monitoring until the structure reaches safe moisture levels.
Is water damage restoration worth the cost?
Yes. Delaying restoration dramatically increases total costs — water damage gets 40% worse every hour it's left untreated. Mold remediation alone can cost $10,000–$30,000 if water damage isn't addressed within 24–48 hours. Professional restoration also protects your home's structural integrity and your family's health.
How can I reduce water damage restoration costs?
The single most effective way to reduce costs is to act fast — call a restoration company immediately. Other cost-saving steps: stop the water source, document everything for insurance, don't attempt DIY demolition (which can spread contamination), and work with a restoration company that bills insurance directly so you only pay your deductible.
Does DryResponse offer free estimates for water damage?
Yes. DryResponse provides free water damage assessments for all Brevard County properties. We'll inspect the damage, explain the scope of work, provide an estimate, and help you understand your insurance coverage — all before any work begins. Call (321) 306-4584 anytime, 24/7.
The Longer You Wait, the More It Costs
Water damage restoration costs escalate with every hour of delay. Mold, structural damage, and secondary water migration can double or triple your final bill.
The most affordable restoration is the one that starts now.
📞 Call Now — (321) 306-4584Free assessment • Insurance accepted • No upfront cost for insured claims
Related Services
Emergency Water Extraction
Standing water removed fast with industrial-grade pumps and extractors.
Learn More →Structural Drying & Dehumidification
Commercial air movers and dehumidifiers to dry walls, floors, and ceilings.
Learn More →Mold Prevention & Remediation
Prevent and remove mold that grows within 24-48 hours of water damage.
Learn More →Insurance Claims Assistance
We work with every major Florida carrier. Documentation and billing handled.
Learn More →