Phone on a kitchen counter in front of a rain-streaked window

Water Damage Guides

Short, sourced guides written for the questions people ask after water gets in: what it costs, how long it takes, which kind of damage it is, and who to trust with the work.

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Read before you sign anything

Water damage brings a lot of decisions in a short time: who to call, what to throw away, whether it is flood or water damage, what a fair price looks like and what Florida law says about the paperwork. These guides take one question each and answer it with sources you can open yourself, from federal agencies, Florida statutes, county flood offices and published national cost guides.

They are written for South Florida, starting with Miami, because that is where this site begins. Most of the advice works anywhere.

Notebook and pen on a table by a sunny window, ready for notes about water damage

How Much Does Water Damage Restoration Cost?

Published national price ranges, the per square foot figures by water category, what moves a quote, and how insurance and Florida's contract rules fit in.

What Is Water Damage Restoration?

The steps a restoration company follows, from stopping the water to drying, testing and rebuilding, and how long each stage tends to take.

Flood Damage vs Water Damage

Why the source of the water matters, how the federal flood program defines a flood, and what that means for the cleanup and the paperwork.

Miami Flooding and Your Home

Does Miami flood? Rainy season, hurricane season and king tides, how to look up a Miami-Dade flood zone, and what to do when water gets inside.

Choosing a Water Damage Company in Florida

What to ask before anyone starts, how to check a Florida license, why mold work is licensed separately, and what Florida law says about contracts and insurance.

Quick answers

What does it cost?

HomeAdvisor's June 2026 national average is $3,868, typically $1,383 to $6,369. Full cost guide.

Is it a flood?

Under the federal flood program, a flood covers two or more acres or two or more properties. A burst pipe in one home is not. Flood vs water damage.

How fast does mold start?

The EPA says to clean and dry damp materials within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. Mold after water damage.

Guides by situation

Your street flooded or a king tide came up: Miami flooding and your home.
You have two quotes and cannot compare them: water damage restoration cost.
A company wants you to sign today: choosing a water damage company in Florida.
You want to know what the crew will do and for how long: what is water damage restoration.

Not sure what kind of help you need? Call and describe what you see. The company you are connected with can tell you what it would do and what it would charge.

Call (844) 906-3984

Homeowner on the phone in a hallway after a leak, calling for help

About this line: Dominion Water Damage is a free phone line, not a restoration company. It answers your call and connects you with an independent local water damage restoration company, which inspects, quotes and does the work, and which you pay directly. Companies may pay a referral fee. You never pay the line. See how the line works.

Common questions

Where should I start if water just got into my home?

Safety and the water first: stay away from standing water near outlets, shut off the main valve if it is safe, and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Then call the line to get a company started, and read the guides while you wait. What is water damage restoration explains what the crew will do.

Are these guides insurance or legal advice?

No. They summarize what public sources say, such as FEMA, the EPA, Florida statutes and the Florida Department of Financial Services, and link to each source. For your own claim, talk to your insurer or agent, or the Florida Department of Financial Services consumer helpline.

Who writes these guides?

Dominion Water Damage, a free phone line run by Dominion Digital Group. The line is not a restoration company. Each guide lists its sources at the bottom so you can check the facts yourself.

Water where it should not be? Make one call

Call the free line any hour. Say what happened and whether water is still coming in, and the call is put through to an independent, locally owned restoration company that serves your area. That company looks at the damage and gives you its own price.

Call (844) 906-3984

Answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by an automated assistant, in English or Spanish
Free to call. You never pay the line.
The company you are connected with inspects, quotes, does the work and is paid by you or your insurer, as you arrange.