Post-Remediation Clearance Testing in Sun City Center, FL

What happens when you call

The number connects you with an independent local mold assessment company. Explain what caused the original problem, which rooms were cleaned, whether the remediation company followed a written plan, and whether anyone in the home has asthma or a weakened immune system. EPA advises that people in those groups stay away from moldy areas, so many residents prefer to have an assessor confirm the room before moving back in. The assessor walks the work area, measures moisture, checks that the source was repaired and samples where it adds information. The written report states whether the area passed. Florida's s. 468.8419 keeps the remediator from assessing its own job on the same structure within 12 months.

Cost factors

• How many rooms or separate areas need sign-off
• Number of surface or air samples and outdoor baselines; HomeAdvisor lists typical Tampa-area mold testing at $327 to $903
• A fuller inspection bundled in; Angi lists Tampa-area inspections at about $300 to $1,075
• Including the air handler or ducts
• Any retest after recleaning

Sun City Center homes

Sun City Center is an age-restricted retirement community, with a median age of 70.4 in 2020, about five golf courses and golf carts on its streets. Housing includes single-family homes, duplexes, townhouses and apartment buildings, and its southern edge follows the Little Manatee River. In attached homes and condo buildings, a leak can start next door or in a shared wall, so ask the assessor to confirm the source was repaired even if it isn't inside your unit, and keep the association informed. Air conditioning runs most of the year, so condensate lines, drain pans and air handler closets are frequent starting points. The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County can take health questions, though the state DOH does not provide mold testing.

Before the assessor's visit

• Leave plastic sheeting and opened walls as the crew left them.
• Gather the remediation scope, invoice and any photos.
• Have the name of whoever fixed the leak or AC drain.
• Make sure the assessor can reach the air handler closet.
• Arrange for someone to let the assessor in if you are staying elsewhere.