Central Florida Dry Call

Water in the house? Close the main, then call.

Water damage restoration in Orlando, one call away

Slab leak, AC closet overflow, storm water through the ceiling or mold after a leak. One call connects you with an independent restoration company that serves your ZIP. Line open 24/7.

What's wet, and how bad is it?

Four questions, about a minute. See the water category, typical drying equipment and the usual insurance picture.

Nothing you enter leaves your browser. It's an estimate for planning, not a quote. Only an on-site moisture check sets the real scope.

Where is the water coming from?

Pick the closest match. The source sets the water category.

Your drying scope estimate

Orlando

Based on IICRC S500
Water category
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Evaporation class
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Extraction
...
LGR dehumidifiers
...
Air movers
...
Antimicrobial
...
Typical drying time
...
Moisture mapping & claim photos
Done on site

Answer four quick questions to build your scope. In a hurry? Call (689) 220-7672

Before anyone starts work in your home

We connect your call with an independent company. We don't vet or certify them, so here is what to check. It takes five minutes and protects you.

Central Florida Dry Call badge: Orlando ZIP codes 32801 to 32839Central Florida Dry Call badge: calls not recordedCentral Florida Dry Call badge: 24/7 phone line
  1. 1Ask for the company's Florida license number and look it up on the DBPR license search
  2. 2For mold work, confirm a Florida mold remediator license
  3. 3Ask for proof of liability insurance before work starts
  4. 4Get a written estimate and read any contract before you sign
  5. 5Keep your own photos, and ask for copies of moisture readings

Florida DBPR license searchHow we are paid

Why Orlando homes take on water

Hurricanes and summer storms bring water in from above and from outside. Slab floors and year-round AC bring it from below and inside.

  • 16 in

    of rain across Orange County during Hurricane Ian, 2022

  • 17.24 in

    near Union Park, the county's highest total

  • 10,591

    housing units with losses in Orange County

  1. Hurricane Ian put about 16 inches of rain on Orange County

    In September 2022 Ian dropped about 16 inches across the county and 17.24 inches near Union Park. The county counts 10,591 housing units with losses of more than $243 million.

    Source: Orange County CDBG-DR Hurricane Ian Action Plan
  2. Creeks and ponds can top their banks

    The National Hurricane Center reported major flooding along Shingle Creek and the Little Wekiva River during Ian. In Orlo Vista, 13.2 inches in 24 hours overwhelmed the pond pumps and flooded homes, as Irma had in 2017.

    Source: Orange County Orlo Vista/Westside Manor flooding FAQ
  3. Flood zones are not the whole story

    The City of Orlando lists heavy rain, tropical storms, nearby lakes and overloaded drainage as common causes of flooding. Flood insurance takes 30 days to start, and city residents can pay up to 20% less for flood insurance through FEMA's rating program.

    Source: City of Orlando floodplain information
  4. Past the meter, the pipes are yours

    OUC is responsible for water mains and service lines up to and including the meter. A leak on the house side of the meter, including irrigation and hose bibs, is the property owner's to fix.

    Source: OUC: report an outage or problem

Does homeowners insurance cover water damage in Florida?

It depends on where the water came from. Pick your situation to see how a standard Florida HO-3 policy often treats it. If you and your insurer disagree about a claim, Florida offers mediation through the Department of Financial Services.

Often covered

Sudden water from plumbing, the AC system or a household appliance is the core water peril on a standard Florida HO-3 policy. After your deductible, drying and resulting repairs are often paid.

Typically paid

  • Water extraction, drying and dehumidification
  • Opening drywall or flooring needed to dry the house
  • Repairing damaged finishes, plus contents up to your limits
  • Living costs if the home cannot be lived in, under many policies

Watch for

  • The failed pipe, drain line or appliance itself usually is not covered
  • Leaks that went on for weeks are commonly excluded
  • Florida generally bars claims not reported within 1 year of the date of loss

You generally have 1 year from the date of loss to give notice of a new or reopened property claim, and 18 months for a supplemental claim.

Fla. Stat. 627.70132

Your insurer must acknowledge your claim within 7 days, inspect within 30 days of your proof of loss, and pay or deny within 60 days, unless factors beyond its control prevent it.

Fla. Stat. 627.70131

Within 14 days of your first claim contact, your insurer must send you the Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights, which explains state mediation of disputed claims through the Department of Financial Services.

Fla. Stat. 627.7142

General information, not insurance or legal advice. We don't file, adjust or negotiate claims.

The first 15 minutes after you find water

These protect your house, your safety and your records. Tap each one as you go.

Dehumidifier and air movers drying a tiled Florida living room after a leak
Drying a tiled Florida living room after a leak. Illustrative photo.
0/4 done

Done with these? The next step is professional extraction and drying.

Orlando ZIP codes we cover

Every residential Orlando ZIP, from Pine Hills to Alafaya.

Enter a 5-digit ZIP. The line covers 31 Orlando ZIP codes.

(689) 220-7672

Leak at the street or the meter? OUC customers can call OUC at (407) 423-9018, 24 hours. Water inside the house is yours to deal with, and that's where we come in.

Downtown and the historic lake districts
Downtown, Parramore, Lake Eola Heights, Lake Cherokee, Lake Copeland, Lake Lawsona, Colonialtown South
32801 · 32803 · 32806
College Park, Pine Hills and the northwest
College Park, Rock Lake, Pine Hills, Lockhart, Hiawassee
32804 · 32805 · 32808 · 32810 · 32818
Baldwin Park, Engelwood and Belle Isle
Baldwin Park, Engelwood, Belle Isle, Airport Lakes, Citrus Square
32807 · 32812 · 32814 · 32822
East Orlando toward UCF
East Orlando and Alafaya, near the UCF campus
32817 · 32820 · 32825 · 32826 · 32828 · 32829 · 32831 · 32833
Pine Castle and south Orlando
Pine Castle, Edgewood and the neighborhoods south toward the airport
32809 · 32824 · 32827 · 32832 · 32837 · 32839
Orlo Vista, Turkey Lake and the southwest
Orlo Vista, Turkey Lake and the southwest side
32811 · 32819 · 32821 · 32835 · 32836

PO box ZIPs: 32802, 32815, 32830, 32853, 32854, 32855, 32856, 32857, 32858, 32859, 32860, 32861, 32862, 32867, 32868, 32869, 32872, 32877, 32878. Used for post office boxes, not street addresses. Give the street address of the property when you call.

UCF campus: 32816. University property is handled by the university, not by homeowners. Off-campus homes nearby use 32817 and 32826.

Heading to a game? Give the house two minutes first

A Magic night at Kia Center, a Florida Classic at Camping World Stadium or a Knights kickoff can keep you out of the house for six hours or more. Leaks do their worst damage when nobody is home.

Save (689) 220-7672
  1. 1.

    Don't leave the washer or dishwasher running

    A hose that lets go while you are out can run for hours. Start them when you get back.

  2. 2.

    Look at the AC closet

    Water in the drain pan or on the floor around the air handler means the drain line is backing up. Turn the system off and call an HVAC tech before you go.

  3. 3.

    Know where your main shutoff is

    On many Orlando homes it is outside near the meter or by the garage. Find it now, not when the floor is wet.

  4. 4.

    Save the number in your phone

    If you come home to water, close the main, take photos, then call.

Questions Orlando homeowners ask

How much does water damage restoration cost in Orlando?

Nationally, Angi puts the average at about $3,800, but that is not a quote or an Orlando price. Your cost depends on the water category, how many square feet got wet, how long the water sat and how much flooring or drywall has to come out. No one can price it over the phone. A company measures the moisture on site and gives you a written estimate.

Who do I call about a leak at the street or the water meter in Orlando?

If OUC is your water utility, call OUC at (407) 423-9018, 24 hours a day. OUC is responsible for the mains and service lines up to and including the meter. Anything on the house side of the meter is the owner's. If your water bill comes from someone else, call the number on that bill.

How long do I have to report water damage to my insurer in Florida?

Florida law generally bars a property claim unless notice is given within 1 year of the date of loss, or 18 months for a supplemental claim (Fla. Stat. 627.70132). Policies can also require prompt notice, so report a loss as soon as you can.

Can a restoration company take over my insurance claim in Florida?

No. On policies issued on or after January 1, 2023, Florida law does not allow you to assign your post-loss benefits to a contractor. You deal with your insurer directly. Only a licensed public adjuster or an attorney may negotiate a claim for you for a fee.

Is rain that came in during a hurricane covered?

It depends on how it got in. Rain that entered because wind first damaged the roof, a window or a wall is often covered, usually subject to your hurricane deductible. Rising water from outside is flood and needs a flood policy. Your policy wording decides.

Does Florida require a license for mold remediation?

Yes. Florida licenses mold remediators and mold assessors under Chapter 468, Part XVI of the Florida Statutes. Ask for the license number and look it up on the Florida DBPR license search before work starts.

My AC closet is leaking. What should I do?

Turn the AC off at the thermostat, mop up what you can and photograph the closet and floor. The usual cause is a clogged condensate drain line. An HVAC technician clears the line; if the water reached drywall, flooring or the ceiling below, it needs to be dried too.

How fast does mold grow after water damage?

The EPA says water-damaged materials should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. In Orlando's heat and humidity, start the same day if you can.

I rent. Should I call a restoration company?

Tell your landlord or property manager first, in writing, with photos. The owner's insurance covers the building, so the owner needs to arrange the work. If water is still flowing and you cannot reach anyone, close the main shutoff.

In Florida heat, the clock on mold starts the day the water does.

(689) 220-7672Estimate