Part 16 of our 25-part Seller Series for UK homeowners selling Florida vacation homes.
Understand Florida home inspections and surveys, what buyers may uncover, and how inspection or survey issues can affect your property sale.
Selling a Florida property involves several stages that may feel unfamiliar to UK homeowners, and Florida home inspections and surveys can be particularly confusing because the terminology differs between the UK and the US.
In the UK, what you might commonly refer to as a property “survey” is generally called a home inspection in the US. In Florida, a survey is something quite different: it is a drawing showing the property’s boundaries, improvements, easements and other important features.
In this video of our Seller Series, we explore the different types of home inspections a buyer may choose to carry out, what a Florida property survey shows, and what happens if problems are discovered. You can watch the full video above, or continue reading below for the written version — perfect if you prefer to skim through the highlights at your own pace.
1. General Home Inspection
A general home inspection is a limited, non-invasive examination of the condition of a property. The inspector is primarily looking for items that may not be safe, sound or secure rather than simply identifying cosmetic imperfections.
For example, worn carpet would not usually be a concern purely because of its appearance, but a tear that creates a trip hazard could be highlighted.
The inspector will generally produce a written report either on the day of the inspection or shortly afterwards. As the seller, you will need to ensure that the utilities remain connected and available so the buyer can complete the necessary inspections.
2. Wind Mitigation Inspection
Many general home inspectors are also qualified to carry out wind mitigation inspections.
This is a visual examination of the roof and the construction techniques used to help protect the property against wind damage. Buyers may obtain this inspection to provide information to their homeowner’s insurance company, particularly when purchasing an older property.
3. Four-Point Inspection
A four-point inspection focuses specifically on four of the home’s major systems: the roof, plumbing, electrical and HVAC system.
Like a wind mitigation inspection, it is often associated with obtaining homeowner’s insurance on an older property and demonstrating the condition of these important components.
4. Mold Inspection
A buyer may also choose to have a specialist mold inspection performed.
Because these inspections can be relatively expensive, they are generally not carried out unless the initial general home inspection identifies an area where mold may be present or there is another reason for concern.
5. WDO Inspection
A WDO, or Wood Destroying Organism, inspection is a visual inspection looking for organisms that can damage the wood within a property.
These may include termites, certain wood-boring beetles and wood-decay fungi.
Issues of this nature can become particularly important with government-backed financing such as FHA and VA loans, where certain repairs may need to be addressed by the seller for the buyer’s financing to proceed.
6. Structural Inspection
A structural inspection is another specialist inspection that is generally ordered when the initial home inspection identifies a possible structural concern.
The structural inspector may examine important components such as beams and joists and look for problems involving foundation settling, additions to the property or other potential structural weaknesses.
7. Infrared Inspection
Infrared technology can help an inspector identify problems that may not otherwise be visible without using invasive inspection methods.
It can potentially reveal issues above ceilings, within walls or beneath floors. This can be particularly useful in older properties where there may be hidden concerns involving moisture or mold, electrical problems, missing insulation, heat loss, foundation cracks or even evidence of rodents.
8. What Is A Florida Property Survey?
This is where the terminology can become particularly confusing for our UK sellers.
As part of the Florida home inspections and surveys process, a property survey is not an inspection of the condition of the home. Instead, it is a sketch showing the land’s boundary lines together with physical features and permanent improvements.
These might include the home itself, driveway, fences, shed or swimming pool.
The survey can also show utility easements. This is important because permanent structures should not generally be constructed within these easements, as access may later be required to reach underground utility lines.
9. Are Inspections And A Survey Mandatory?
A general home inspection is not mandatory, even when the buyer is financing the purchase.
The buyer’s lender will generally order an appraisal, and the appraiser may identify certain repairs that need to be completed for the property to qualify for the buyer’s particular financing.
A survey, however, is generally required by lenders and is typically ordered through the title company or attorney’s office handling the closing. In some circumstances, an existing survey may be accepted if the seller can provide it and sign an affidavit confirming there have been no changes to the property.
For a cash purchase, neither an inspection nor a survey is mandatory.
👉 If you’d like to understand more about cash and financed transactions, take a look at our previous Seller Series blog on Cash Vs Financed Buyers.
10. What Happens If The Inspection Finds Problems?
It is extremely common for a home inspection to identify at least some issues.
What happens next depends heavily on the contract agreed between the buyer and seller.
If the contract already includes an agreed repair allowance, the buyer may provide a list of requested repairs and the seller will address as many as possible within that negotiated amount. If the repairs exceed the allowance, the buyer may prioritise which items are most important, request additional repair funds or, depending on the contract terms, decide to cancel.
With an As Is contract, buyers may still present a list of requested repairs. However, the seller can refuse to make them. The buyer then decides whether to continue with the purchase and address the repairs after closing or exercise their contractual right to cancel during the inspection period.
This is why the expiration of the inspection contingency can be such an important milestone for a Florida seller.
In a particularly competitive seller’s market, a buyer may even choose to waive their inspection rights to make their offer more attractive, although this is entirely the buyer’s decision.
11. What Happens If The Survey Finds A Problem?
Survey problems tend to be less common than inspection issues, but they can still arise.
For example, a neighbour’s fence or another permanent structure may encroach onto the property. A structure could have been constructed within a utility easement, or something such as a swimming pool could extend into a conservation easement.
Depending upon the nature and location of the issue, it may need to be resolved before closing. In certain circumstances, the seller may need to apply to the relevant city or county planning and zoning department for a variance.
12. The Buyer’s Final Walkthrough
Shortly before closing, the buyer generally has the opportunity to complete a final walkthrough of the home.
This allows the buyer to check that the property remains in the expected condition, that items are still working as they were at the time of the inspection and that nothing significant has happened since — such as a broken window or water intrusion.
The utilities therefore need to remain connected for the final walkthrough, just as they do for the inspections.
The final walkthrough is one of the last stages before the transaction reaches closing and gives the buyer a final opportunity to confirm that the property is ready to proceed.
Preparing For Florida Home Inspections And Surveys
For sellers, inspections can sometimes feel like one of the more uncertain parts of the transaction. Even a well-maintained home may have items noted on an inspection report, and that does not necessarily mean there is a serious problem.
Understanding the process beforehand can make it considerably less daunting.
For our UK homeowners in particular, knowing the difference between an American home inspection and a Florida property survey also helps avoid one of the most common terminology mix-ups when selling a home across the Atlantic.
Thinking About Selling Your Florida Home?
If you’re a UK homeowner thinking about selling your Florida home, feel free to reach out — we’d be happy to chat.
Cell: 321-443-7535
Email: TheAistropTeam@gmail.com
About The Authors
Irena and Suzanne Aistrop are a UK mother-and-daughter real estate team based in Central Florida. With over 40 years of combined experience, they specialize in helping UK homeowners sell their Florida vacation homes with ease — even while remaining abroad. Known for their hands-on service, clear communication, and deep understanding of both sides of the Atlantic, they guide clients through every step of the process with professionalism and care.
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