If you’re a New Yorker who recently moved to Florida or a Florida homeowner who also owns a place up north, you may have already noticed one thing:
Mold behaves differently in Florida than it does in New York!
Same fungus. Different rules.
FLORIDA: MOLD IS A YEAR-ROUND BATTLE
Based on guidance from the Florida Department of Health and EPA, mold grows extremely easily in Florida because:
- Florida’s outdoor humidity is high for much of the year, which can push indoor humidity above the EPA’s recommended 60% threshold if a home isn’t actively controlling moisture.
- Heavy rain, tropical storms, and hurricane seasons cause leaks, flooding, and moisture intrusion.
- Warm temperatures keep indoor surfaces moist.
- A/C systems run constantly and can create condensation if not maintained properly.
According to the Florida DOH, mold can start growing within 24–48 hours on wet materials.
WHAT SURPRISES NEW YORKERS
-
Florida closets mold very easily if they don’t have ventilation.
Because closets are enclosed, dark, and often cut off from the home’s A/C airflow, humidity gets trapped inside. - AC vents can develop mold if coils or drip pans stay wet.
- Bathrooms grow mold fast if exhaust fans don’t vent outside.
If you’re used to New York winters drying the air, Florida’s constant moisture can feel shocking.
NEW YORK: MOLD FROM WINTER CONDENSATION
INDOOR MOISTURE + COLD SURFACES
- In winter, warm indoor air can come into contact with cooler surfaces like windows or exterior walls.
- When that happens, a small amount of condensation can form (like the fog on a bathroom mirror).
- Over time, that moisture can create the conditions mold needs.
This process is normal in places with cold seasons — it’s not unique to New York or a sign of something dangerous.
LEAKS
- Roof leaks, plumbing leaks, window leaks, and seepage in multi-unit buildings can introduce moisture.
- Mold grows when these leaks aren’t dried promptly.
BASEMENT DAMPNESS
- New York has many homes with basements or ground-level spaces where moisture can enter through soil, foundations, or poor drainage.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR HOMEOWNERS
You don’t need to think of New York mold as anything dramatic. It doesn’t signal an unhealthy building, a “toxic” environment, or some regional crisis. It’s simply:
moisture + time
often seasonal
usually easy to control with ventilation, dehumidifiers, insulation, or addressing small leaks quickly.
FLORIDA VS. NEW YORK: WHY THIS MATTERS FOR SNOWBIRDS & NEW TRANSPLANTS
If you spend part of the year in each state, you’re juggling two different sets of risks:
IN FLORIDA:
You must actively manage humidity, even when you’re gone:
- Run A/C consistently or use humidity controls
- Keep indoor humidity below 50–60% (CDC/EPA recommendation)
- Use smart thermostats or humidistats when away
- Check A/C drip pans, coils, and vents
- Inspect bathrooms and closets regularly
IN NEW YORK:
Focus on building maintenance:
- Check for leaks after storms
- Watch for condensation around windows in winter
- Make sure bathroom fans vent outside
- Empty and dry dehumidifiers in basements
- Address roof, plumbing, or upstairs leaks ASAP
QUICK TIPS FOR PEOPLE WHO OWN HOMES IN BOTH STATES
When you leave Florida for the summer:
- Never turn the A/C off — set it to around 76–78 with humidity control
- Use a dehumidifier or whole-home humidity system
- Leave closet doors open
- Replace A/C filters
- Have someone check the home monthly for dampness
When you leave New York for Florida:
- Run a dehumidifier in the basement
- Ensure gutters and drainage are clear
- Check window caulking and weatherstripping
- Address any roof or plumbing leaks before leaving
Small steps go a long way in both climates.
BOTTOM LINE
If you split your time between Florida and New York (or recently moved from one to the other), it makes sense that mold feels different in each place — because the moisture sources are different.
Florida mold = moisture from year-round humidity, A/C moisture, and storm-related leaks
New York mold = moisture from everyday leaks, basement dampness, and occasional cold-weather condensation
Neither state is “worse” — the conditions are just different.
Once you understand what drives moisture in each climate, keeping both homes dry, healthy, and mold-free becomes a lot more straightforward.
If you ever have questions or want peace of mind about the condition of your Florida property, schedule a commercial or residential inspection with us at Full Spectrum.