What Is a WDO Inspection in Florida?
A Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) inspection is a formal evaluation of a property for evidence of wood-destroying pests and organisms. In Florida, WDO inspections are required for most real estate transactions involving a mortgage and must be performed by a company licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). The official report is FDACS Form DACS-13645, which is accepted by all Florida lenders, title companies, and real estate attorneys.
What Does a Florida WDO Inspection Cover?
A Florida WDO inspection evaluates the property for four categories of wood-destroying organisms: subterranean termites, drywood termites, wood-boring beetles, and wood-decaying fungi. The inspector examines all accessible areas of the structure including the attic, garage, crawl space, and exterior. The report documents any evidence of current infestation, previous treatment, and conditions conducive to wood-destroying organism activity.
How to Read a WDO Report
The FDACS Form DACS-13645 is divided into sections for each type of wood-destroying organism. Each section notes whether evidence of current infestation was found, whether evidence of previous treatment was found, and whether conditions conducive to infestation were observed. A clean report shows no evidence in any category. A report with findings does not necessarily mean the deal should fall through, but it does require further evaluation and potentially negotiation on treatment costs.
What Buyers Should Know
As a buyer, always order an independent WDO inspection rather than relying on the seller's inspection. Ensure the inspector is FDACS-licensed and that the report is on the official FDACS form. If the report shows evidence of termites or other wood-destroying organisms, request a treatment estimate and negotiate accordingly. At Dade Pest Solutions, our WDO inspection starts at $150 and includes same-day report delivery in most cases.
What Sellers Should Know
As a seller, having a pre-listing WDO inspection gives you the opportunity to address any issues before they become deal-breakers. It also demonstrates transparency to buyers and can speed up the closing process. Call Dade Pest Solutions at 305-330-5565 to schedule your WDO inspection. We serve buyers and sellers throughout Miami-Dade County.
Shaun Judy
Founder & CEO, Dade Pest Solutions
Shaun Judy is a dedicated South Florida native and the founder of Dade Pest Solutions. With over 17 years of hands-on pest control experience, Shaun has built a reputation for reliability, results, and real local knowledge. He treats every property as if it were his own, delivering expert care with a personal touch.