Florida · St. Lucie County
Fire Damage Restoration in Florida: The Rules That Shape Recovery
After a fire in Florida, restoration typically involves securing the property, removing water from firefighting, cleaning smoke and soot, and rebuilding. Florida-specific rules affect the recovery: claim notice deadlines, licensing for structural repairs under Chapter 489, local building permits, and the option to hire a public adjuster licensed by the Florida Department of Financial Services. We connect callers across St. Lucie County with independent restoration companies.
- Wait for the fire department to clear the building
- Call your insurer and start a claim
- Secure the property (board-up, tarp)
- Photograph damage before cleanup
Short answer
Fire Damage Restoration in Florida: the short answer
A fire leaves three kinds of damage: the burned materials themselves, smoke and soot that travel through the house, and water from firefighting. A complete restoration addresses all three, in the right order.
- Call (772) 218-9226
- Smoke & Soot Cleanup
- Smoke Odor Removal
- Coverage
- St. Lucie County, Florida
- Local fire service
- St. Lucie County Fire District
- State fire authority
- Division of State Fire Marshal (DFS)
- Repairs licensing
- Chapter 489, Florida Statutes
Services
Fire Damage Restoration services available in Florida
Smoke and Soot Cleanup
How smoke and soot are cleaned after a Fort Pierce fire: dry vs.
Smoke Odor Removal
How smoke smell is removed after a Fort Pierce fire: source removal, cleaning, sealing, HVAC, thermal fogging and hydroxyl or ozone, with safety limits..
Florida
Fire Damage Restoration in Florida
A fire leaves three kinds of damage: the burned materials themselves, smoke and soot that travel through the house, and water from firefighting. A complete restoration addresses all three, in the right order.
Florida's humidity adds urgency. Water from firefighting can lead to mold if it is not dried, and soot residue can etch surfaces as it sits.
This page explains the Florida rules that shape a fire recovery. The Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie pages cover local permits and conditions.
Step by step
How fire damage restoration works in Florida
What an independent restoration crew typically does, from the first call to a verified dry structure.
- 1
Clear and secure
Fire department clearance, then board-up and tarping.
- 2
Water removal
Extraction and drying of firefighting water.
- 3
Soot and smoke cleanup
Surfaces, contents and HVAC are cleaned.
- 4
Odor removal
Sources removed, surfaces sealed, air deodorized.
- 5
Rebuild
Permitted repairs by licensed contractors.
Florida rules
Who responds and who investigates
In St. Lucie County, fire response is provided by the St. Lucie County Fire District. Florida's Division of State Fire Marshal, part of the Department of Financial Services, oversees fire safety statewide and investigates certain fires. Do not re-enter a fire-damaged building until the fire department says it is safe.
Board-up and securing the property
Broken windows, damaged doors and roof openings are usually boarded up or tarped quickly to prevent weather damage, theft and further loss. Policies generally expect reasonable steps to protect the property after a loss.
Water from firefighting
Hoses and sprinklers can soak drywall, insulation and flooring. That water must be extracted and dried like any other water loss, and in Florida's climate quickly, to avoid mold.
Need fire damage restoration in Florida?
Call to be connected with an independent restoration company that serves the area. Free referral, no obligation.
What to know
Insurance after a fire in Florida
Fire is a commonly covered peril under Florida homeowners policies, including smoke damage and, often, additional living expenses while the home is uninhabitable. Florida law generally requires notice of a new claim within one year of the date of loss. You can hire a public adjuster licensed by the Department of Financial Services, but you are not required to.
Permits and licensed contractors
Structural repairs after a fire usually need building permits from the city or county and must be performed by appropriately licensed contractors under Chapter 489. Verify licenses at myfloridalicense.com.
Lightning and electrical fires
Florida sees some of the most lightning activity in the United States, and lightning strikes and electrical faults are among the causes of home fires. After any fire, have the electrical system inspected before power is restored.
Where we connect callers
Fire Damage Restoration by city in St. Lucie County
Each page covers local conditions, agencies and permits.
- Fort PierceCity
- Port St. LucieCity
- 1Wait for the fire department to clear the building
- 2Call your insurer and start a claim
- 3Secure the property (board-up, tarp)
- 4Photograph damage before cleanup
- 5Keep receipts for temporary housing and essentials
Other services
Other restoration services in Florida
Water Damage Restoration in Florida
Every water damage restoration service explained: extraction, mitigation, drying, leaks, flood, sewage, condo, commercial and repair in St.
Mold Remediation in Florida
Mold remediation across St.
Biohazard Cleanup in Florida
Biohazard cleanup across St.
FAQ
Fire Damage Restoration in Florida: questions people ask
Still unsure? Describe the problem on the phone and you will be connected with a restoration company serving your area.
Who cleans up after a house fire in Florida?
A fire and smoke restoration company, usually arranged by the homeowner or through the insurance claim. Call the number on this page for a referral in St. Lucie County.
Does homeowners insurance cover fire damage in Florida?
Fire is a commonly covered peril, including smoke damage. Check your policy for limits, deductibles and additional living expense coverage.
How long do I have to file a fire claim in Florida?
Florida law generally requires notice of a new property claim within one year after the date of loss. Report as soon as possible.
Do I need a public adjuster after a fire?
No, but you may hire one. Public adjusters in Florida are licensed by the Department of Financial Services and charge a fee from the claim.
Who investigates fires in Florida?
Local fire departments, and in some cases the Division of State Fire Marshal's investigators.
Can I go back into my house after a fire?
Only after the fire department says it is safe. Structural damage, electrical hazards and air quality can all be concerns.
Do fire repairs need permits in Florida?
Structural, electrical, plumbing and many other repairs need permits from the city or county building department.
Who fights fires in St. Lucie County?
The St. Lucie County Fire District serves the county, including Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie.
What is board-up after a fire?
Covering broken windows, doors and roof openings to protect the property from weather and intruders.
Will my insurance pay for a hotel after a fire?
Many policies include additional living expenses while the home is uninhabitable. Check your policy and keep receipts.
Can smoke damage be covered even if the fire was next door?
Smoke damage from a neighboring fire may be covered under your policy. Ask your insurer.
How long does fire damage restoration take?
Cleaning may take days to weeks; rebuilding after significant damage can take months, depending on permits and materials.
Does the American Red Cross help after house fires?
The Red Cross offers help to families affected by home fires, such as emergency lodging and essentials. Contact them directly.
Is water damage from firefighting covered?
Water damage resulting from putting out a covered fire is generally part of the fire claim.
Is there a fee to call?
No. Calling is free and you are under no obligation to hire the company you are connected with.
Talk to a fire damage restoration company serving Florida
Free referral. No obligation to hire. Verify Florida licenses before you sign.