Flood cleanup is the hard, dirty first stage after water from outside has gone down. In Fort Myers that water is often salty surge or river water mixed with mud, yard debris and whatever was in the garage. It leaves a film on the slab and a line on every wall. Cleanup removes all of it so drying and repair can start on a clean structure.
The work follows a set order. Debris and ruined contents go out first, photographed for the claim. Wet carpet, pad, laminate and baseboards come up. Drywall and insulation are cut out above the water line. Then the slab, block walls and wood framing are washed and treated with an antimicrobial. Salt water also corrodes metal, so outlets, appliances and AC equipment that sat in surge water need to be checked before use.
Lee County and the cities around it run debris pickup after big storms, with rules on how to sort piles at the curb. Check the county or your city's storm pages for the current schedule.
Flood Cleanup Services
✓Muck-Out and Debris Removal
Shovels out mud and hauls ruined contents and building materials after surge or river flooding.
✓Flooring Tear-Out
Pulls flood-soaked carpet, pad, laminate and baseboards down to the slab.
✓Drywall and Insulation Removal
Cuts wet drywall above the water line and removes insulation from the wall cavities.
✓Slab and Framing Sanitizing
Washes and treats the slab, block walls and framing after Category 3 water.
✓Contents Photos for Claims
Records ruined furniture and belongings before they go to the curb.
Flood Cleanup Cost in Fort Myers, FL
| Service | Typical Range | What Affects It |
|---|---|---|
| Flood water cleanup and drying | $9 to $12 per sq ft | Outside water, porous items removed (HomeGuide 2026) |
| Drywall replacement after cleanup | $1.50 to $3.50 per sq ft | Labor and materials |
| Carpet replacement | $2 to $8 per sq ft | Carpet grade and pad |
Ranges come from HomeGuide's 2026 cost guide. The written estimate sets the price for your home before work starts.
How it works
- 1
Call once the area is safe
Wait for the all-clear, then call and describe how high the water rose.
- 2
Photos and hazard check
The crew photographs every room and checks power before work begins.
- 3
Written estimate
Tear-out, haul-off and sanitizing are priced before work starts.
- 4
Muck-out and tear-out
Debris, flooring, drywall and insulation come out down to the clean structure.
- 5
Sanitize and hand off to drying
Surfaces are washed and treated, then drying equipment goes in.
Pricing
Based on tear-out size