As Florida's Dec. 31, 2026 deadline approaches, condominium associations across Miami-Dade and Broward counties are grappling with milestone structural inspections and Structural Integrity Reserve Studies, which often uncover water intrusion and potential mold issues. FixMold Miami, a family-owned mold assessment company founded by Abraham Katz, is expanding its independent testing services to help boards navigate these findings.
The expansion comes as special assessments linked to structural findings in coastal South Florida buildings reach six figures per unit, and insurers increasingly scrutinize water-damage issues when setting premiums. Reserve studies focus on waterproofing and building-envelope integrity, but chronic water intrusion may already be affecting wall cavities, mechanical rooms, and individual units by the time boards receive engineering reports.
"When a condominium board calls us today, it is rarely about one isolated leak," said Katz. "It is often a board that has received a milestone inspection, engineering report or reserve study and is now facing a waterproofing finding it does not fully understand. Our responsibility is to provide an independent and specific assessment showing what may be growing, where the moisture is coming from and what areas are affected."
FixMold Miami's condo and HOA division assesses common areas, mechanical rooms, plumbing chases, HVAC systems, and individual units. Technicians use infrared thermal imaging and moisture-detection instruments to trace water intrusion back to its source. Air and surface samples are sent to Hayes Microbial Consulting, an independent third-party laboratory, ensuring that findings are separate from FixMold's own remediation services.
The reports are designed to be used by boards, property managers, engineers, insurers, and attorneys, providing a clear documentation trail. This service is distinct from structural engineering work required for milestone inspections, but it complements those efforts by identifying hidden mold growth.
FixMold Miami serves high-rise towers in Brickell, Downtown Miami, and Edgewater, as well as mid-rise and garden-style communities throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Monroe counties. The company coordinates with property managers and board representatives to minimize disruption to residents, offering floor-by-floor or unit-by-unit assessments.
A typical engagement starts with a consultation, followed by a documented assessment that includes infrared imaging, moisture mapping, air sampling, and inspection of HVAC and plumbing chases. The goal is to identify the moisture source, not just visible mold. If remediation is needed, FixMold offers zero-VOC and biocide-free options, concluding with post-remediation verification and third-party clearance sampling.
As more associations receive inspection findings, FixMold Miami expects inquiries from condo boards and property managers to remain significant through 2026. The company's services are available to help boards meet the deadline with confidence, ensuring that water intrusion issues are properly addressed.
