7 Types of Mold Found in the Home (Especially in Florida)

If you’ve found mold in your home—or even suspect it—you’re probably feeling overwhelmed. You might be asking: Is this dangerous? Do I need to leave? Can I handle this myself?

In Florida, it’s not a matter of if you’ll deal with mold at some point—it’s when. Our hot, humid climate, frequent storms, and high indoor moisture levels create the perfect conditions for mold growth.

And while not all mold is dangerous, certain types of mold can trigger allergic reactions or lead to more serious health problems if left untreated. That’s why understanding the common types of mold found in Florida homes is so important.

Read on for more information about the top seven types of mold most frequently found in Florida homes, what they look like, and when you should call in a professional.

What Types of Mold are Found in Florida Homes?

Before you can treat a mold issue, it helps to know what you’re dealing with. Florida homes can host many different species of mold—some more harmful than others.

Here are the most common types of mold found in Florida homes:

1. Cladosporium

Cladosporium is one of the most common types of mold found in Florida homes. Unlike many molds that prefer only warm environments, Cladosporium can grow in both cool and warm conditions—making it a frequent visitor in both well-ventilated living spaces and humid, neglected corners of the home.

• Where it grows: On wood, carpet, fabrics, window frames, and air conditioning systems. It’s especially common in areas with fluctuating humidity levels, like closets or utility rooms.
• What it looks like: Dark green or black with a suede-like texture.
• Why it matters: Though not considered a toxic mold, Cladosporium can still trigger allergic reactions such as itchy eyes, skin irritation, or hay fever-like symptoms. In individuals with asthma or weakened immune systems, it may also lead to more persistent respiratory problems if exposure is prolonged.

2. Aspergillus

Aspergillus is a fast-spreading mold made up of hundreds of different species—some of which can be harmful, especially in Florida’s consistently humid conditions.

• Where it grows: On drywall, insulation, air conditioning systems, and even in humidifiers or cooling coils. It can also appear on food, making kitchens and pantries vulnerable.
• What it looks like: Colors range from white and yellow to green or black, typically with a dry, powdery texture.
• Why it matters: Aspergillus can cause allergic reactions, sinus infections, and, in more severe cases, lung infections or inflammation—especially for those with respiratory conditions or immune deficiencies. Some species can also produce mycotoxins, which are harmful when inhaled over time.

3. Stachybotrys Chartarum (Black Mold)

Commonly known as black mold, Stachybotrys is infamous—and for good reason. It thrives in damp, poorly ventilated spaces and can lead to significant health risks.

• Where it grows: Behind walls, under floors, inside insulation, and on water-damaged drywall or ceiling tiles—especially after flooding or hidden leaks.
• What it looks like: Dark green or black, slimy in texture, and often found in patches that spread across surfaces.
• Why it matters: This toxic mold releases potent mycotoxins that have been linked to chronic health problems, including headaches, fatigue, respiratory issues, and, in rare cases, neurological effects. Black mold has also been associated with more serious concerns such as bone marrow suppression in extreme exposure scenarios.

4. Penicillium

While it famously led to the development of penicillin, Penicillium mold is no friend to your home or your health.

• Where it grows: On water-damaged materials such as wallpaper, mattresses, carpet, and cooling coils in HVAC systems.
• What it looks like: Velvety or fuzzy in texture, with distinctive blue or green coloring.
• Why it matters: Penicillium spreads rapidly through mold spores in the air and is known to cause skin irritation, congestion, and asthma flare-ups. Some species may produce mycotoxins, particularly in poorly ventilated areas.

5. Alternaria

One of the most allergenic mold types, Alternaria flourishes in damp, dimly lit environments—many of which are common in Florida homes.

• Where it grows: Around window frames, beneath sinks, in bathrooms, or anywhere water tends to collect.
• What it looks like: Dark brown or green, with a soft, fuzzy texture that often appears in clusters.
• Why it matters: Alternaria is a major trigger for hay fever, asthma, and other respiratory problems, especially in children or individuals with allergies. It spreads quickly and can migrate from one surface to another when humidity is high.

6. Fusarium

Unlike many mold types that need heat to thrive, Fusarium can grow even in cooler conditions—making it a year-round risk for Florida homeowners.

• Where it grows: On wet carpet, fabrics, wallpaper, and areas that have experienced water damage.
• What it looks like: Pale pink, white, or reddish tones with a soft, cotton-like appearance.
• Why it matters: Certain strains of Fusarium produce mycotoxins that can cause eye, skin, or lung infections, especially in vulnerable individuals. Though less common than black mold, its ability to survive in various climates makes it especially persistent.

7. Chaetomium

This mold often shows up after prolonged exposure to moisture and is typically a sign of a larger water intrusion issue.

• Where it grows: Inside wet drywall, soaked wood, or insulation following roof leaks, burst pipes, or severe storm damage.
• What it looks like: Starts off white and fluffy, eventually darkening to gray or black with a rough texture as it matures.
• Why it matters: Chaetomium is known for causing skin irritation, nail infections, and respiratory problems. Because it typically signals ongoing moisture issues, professional remediation is almost always necessary.

Why Mold Spreads So Easily In Florida Homes

Florida homes don’t just attract mold—they practically invite it in. Between afternoon thunderstorms, high humidity, and dense insulation designed to keep cool air in, it’s no surprise that many homeowners deal with mold at some point. And while water damage from storms or plumbing issues is a well-known risk, mold doesn’t always need a major disaster to take hold. Even a small roof leak or a broken AC unit can be enough to set the stage for mold growth.

But what makes mold especially dangerous is how silently it spreads.

Mold spores are microscopic and can travel easily through your home’s ventilation, HVAC system, or even just on air currents from opening doors and windows. Once disturbed—even during casual cleaning—those spores settle into new places and begin to grow again. Mold can move from room to room behind drywall, under tile, or through soft materials like carpet and furniture, all without being visible until the damage is widespread.

Even newer homes aren’t immune. Florida’s warm, moist climate, combined with poor airflow in attics or wall cavities, creates ideal conditions for mold to thrive indoors and outdoors.

If you’ve experienced even minor water damage or notice persistent moisture in certain areas, now is the time to act. Early detection and remediation are key to stopping mold before it becomes a much bigger (and costlier) problem.

What To Do If You Spot Mold

If you’ve noticed discolored patches on walls, a lingering musty odor, or an uptick in allergy symptoms at home, don’t ignore it. What looks like a minor spot of mold could be just the surface of a much larger issue hidden beneath flooring, behind drywall, or inside your HVAC system.

It’s natural to want to handle it yourself—but scrubbing with bleach or priming the walls usually isn’t enough, especially in Florida’s damp climate. In many cases, DIY methods only remove surface mold while leaving the underlying moisture—and mold spores—intact. This often allows the mold to return, spread, and even worsen over time.

Professional mold remediation goes far beyond wiping surfaces. A certified team like Axel Works will:

• Conduct a full mold assessment and inspection
• Identify the source of water damage or excess moisture
• Safely contain and remove the affected materials
• Clean the air and improve your home’s air quality
• Repair or restore damaged areas so the mold doesn’t come back

If you’re unsure where to start, that’s okay. Our experts are here to walk you through every step, answer your questions, and restore your space with minimal disruption.

Worried About Mold? We Can Help.

Whether you’ve just discovered discoloration on a wall or you’re struggling with ongoing health problems like congestion, coughing, or itchy eyes, the most important thing you can do is act quickly.

At Axel Works, our IICRC-certified mold professionals are trained to detect, remove, and remediate mold safely and thoroughly. From your first mold inspection to the final walk-through of your restored space, we handle every detail of the process with precision and care. We don’t just clean up—we help prevent the mold from coming back.

So if you’re concerned about toxic mold, suspicious of a lingering musty smell, or recovering from a recent leak or storm, give us a call. We’ll help restore your home—and your peace of mind.

Call Axel Works today to schedule your mold inspection and remediation. We’re here when you need us.