Somewhere in your Florida purchase contract there is probably a line about a “wood-destroying organism” inspection, and many buyers aren’t sure what it is, who performs it, or how it differs from the home inspection they already scheduled. In a state where termites, wood-decay fungi and other wood-eating pests are a fact of life, this is one of the most useful pieces of paper you can have before closing. Here is what the inspection covers, what the report must say under Florida law, and how to read it.
Key takeaways
- A wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspection is a separate pest-control inspection, not part of a standard home inspection report.
- Florida law requires the report to be made on a state-prescribed form and to list areas not inspected, evidence of past treatment or infestation, and any damage seen.
- The report is not a guarantee that the home is free of wood-destroying organisms. Read the fine print about what was and was not accessible.
What is a wood-destroying organism inspection?
A WDO inspection looks for insects and other organisms that feed on wood in a structure, such as subterranean and drywood termites, wood-boring beetles and wood-decay fungi. Florida Statutes section 482.226 says that when a licensed pest control company inspects for wood-destroying organisms for a real estate transaction, and either charges a fee or the customer asks for a written report, the company must provide a WDO inspection report. The inspection must follow good industry practice and standards set by rule, and it must include all wood-destroying organisms, not just termites.
The report must be made on a form prescribed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the company must keep a copy for at least three years.
How it differs from a home inspection
A general home inspection is a limited visual examination of the home’s major systems: roof covering, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and structure. A WDO inspection is a specialized pest-control inspection performed by a person working under a pest control license. Even when your home inspector notices staining, soft wood or mud tubes, that observation is not a substitute for a WDO report. Our article on what a Florida home inspection doesn’t cover explains why specialist evaluations like this one are commonly ordered alongside the main inspection.
What the WDO report must include
Under section 482.226(2), the report must include:
- The licensee’s name, the inspection date and the address of the structure.
- Any visible, accessible areas that were not inspected, and the reasons.
- The areas of the structure that were inaccessible.
- Any visible evidence of previous treatments for, or infestations of, wood-destroying organisms.
- The identity of any wood-destroying organisms present and any visible damage they caused.
- A statement that a notice of the inspection was posted on the property, and where.
- A certification that the inspector and company have no financial interest in the property and no association with any party to the transaction other than for inspection purposes.
If treatment is provided at the time of inspection, the report must also name the organisms treated, the pesticide used, and the conditions and terms of the treatment.
The notice posted at the property
The statute requires the pest control company to post a notice of the inspection next to the access to the attic or crawl area, or another readily accessible area. It must be at least 3 inches by 5 inches, made of material that lasts at least 3 years, and show the company’s name and address and the inspection date. Only the property owner may remove it. If a company treats for wood-destroying organisms, a second notice must name the pesticide and the organism treated. If you are touring a home, finding one of these notices (often near the attic hatch or in a utility area) can tell you the property has been inspected or treated before and which company to ask.
How to read your WDO report
- Start with what was found. The report identifies any organism present and any visible damage. “Visible evidence” can mean live activity, or old evidence of a past infestation or treatment.
- Look at the inaccessible areas. Areas behind finished walls, under insulation or beneath stored items may not be inspected. These are gaps in the report, not clean results.
- Check for previous treatment. A prior treatment does not mean a current problem, but ask whether a transferable warranty or service contract exists.
- Separate “evidence” from “damage.” Damage seen by a pest inspector doesn’t tell you how much repair is needed. A licensed contractor or structural professional can scope repairs.
- Remember the limits. Under the statute, the report does not guarantee the absence of wood-destroying organisms or damage unless it specifically states the extent of any guarantee.
When damage turns up: your options
What you can ask for depends on your contract and the inspection period. Check the deadline before you order the inspection, because a WDO report that arrives after your period ends gives you little leverage. Once you have the report, typical conversations with the seller involve treatment, repair estimates from licensed contractors, a price adjustment, or a credit. Your real estate agent or attorney can tell you what your specific contract form allows. For a broader approach, see our guide on reading your inspection report and deciding what to ask the seller for.
If the home needs substantial repair and you are using renovation financing, a consultant has to scope the work. Our overview of FHA 203(k) limited vs. standard loans in Florida explains how repair costs can be rolled into a purchase loan.
Termites, insurance and your budget
Standard homeowners policies commonly exclude damage caused by pests and wood decay, so a problem found after closing may be your cost to bear. Read your policy’s exclusions and ask your agent, or compare Florida property insurance options before you close. For how homeowners can spot early warning signs, see our Central Florida termite guide.
Sellers: why a WDO report helps too
If you are listing, ordering a WDO report early lets you treat problems and negotiate from facts, not surprises. It pairs well with a pre-listing home inspection.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming your home inspection already covered termites.
- Ordering the WDO inspection late in the inspection period.
- Ignoring the “not inspected” and “inaccessible” sections.
- Treating “no visible evidence” as a guarantee.
- Skipping the question of whether any treatment warranty transfers to you.
Frequently asked questions
Who performs a WDO inspection in Florida?
A pest control licensee qualified under Chapter 482, Florida Statutes. The person inspecting must hold an identification card issued under that chapter.
Does my home inspector check for termites?
A home inspector may note signs of wood damage as part of a visual inspection, but a WDO report comes from a licensed pest control company on the state form.
Is a clean WDO report a guarantee?
No. Under section 482.226, an inspection report is not a guarantee of the absence of wood-destroying organisms or damage unless the report states the extent of a guarantee.
How long must the company keep my report?
At least three years, according to the statute.
Does the report only cover termites?
No. The inspection must include all wood-destroying organisms.
Do I need one for every purchase?
That depends on your contract and lender. Many Florida buyers order one as routine protection; ask your agent and lender what applies to you.
Sources
Florida Statutes s. 482.226, Wood-destroying organism inspection report (Online Sunshine, Florida Legislature), reviewed November 4, 2026.
About the author: Tariq AbouAdma is a Florida Certified Master Inspector (License HI9899) and HUD 203(k) Consultant (A1331) with Quality Real Estate Inspections LLC, 336 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 274-229, Casselberry, FL 32707. Questions or want to book an inspection? Call 321-222-3116. This article is educational and not legal advice.