Worried About Lead Paint? You Can Still Sell Your House in Florida

Selling a house with lead-based paint in Florida isn’t as complicated as it sounds, especially if you work with a buyer who knows how to handle it. You’re not required to remove the paint or make repairs, even if the home was built before 1978. Federal law only requires proper disclosure, and from there, your next step depends on how you want to sell.

If the lead paint is intact and not causing problems, selling the traditional route can make sense. But if it’s deteriorating and poses a safety risk, you may face buyer hesitation, lender restrictions and requests to repaint or remediate before a buyer will move forward.

Lead paint is a risk if you see any of these signs:

• Peeling or flaking paint, especially on windows, trim or door frames
• Chalking surfaces that leave a powdery residue when touched
• Cracked or “alligatoring” paint textures
• Lead dust buildup around sills, floors or baseboards
• Worn or damaged painted surfaces in high-use areas

For Florida homeowners dealing with an aging property, peeling paint or a tight timeline, selling as-is to a trusted cash buyer like Florida Cash Home Buyers is often the simplest way out, and the only one that won’t cost you time or money upfront.

Legal Requirements for Selling a Home with Lead-Based Paint

If your Florida home was built before 1978, there’s a good chance it contains lead-based paint. Selling it is completely legal, but federal law requires one thing above all: disclosure. You don’t have to remove the paint or fix it, and you don’t have to test for it or get a professional inspection unless you plan to disturb painted surfaces through renovation or repair. But you do have to tell the buyer what you know.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires sellers to follow the Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule, which applies to all residential properties built before 1978. 

Here’s what that means for Florida home sellers:

• You must complete a lead-based paint disclosure form.
• You must give buyers a copy of the EPA pamphlet, Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home.
• If you know about lead-based paint or past inspections, you must disclose that information.
• Buyers must be given 10 days to conduct their own inspection, unless they choose to waive it.
• All documents must be signed and attached to the final contract.

Florida does not add any extra state-level requirements beyond these federal rules.

And while the paperwork is mandatory, repairs are not. You are not required to repaint, encapsulate or remove the lead-based paint, even if it’s chipping or deteriorating. You also don’t have to test for lead unless you already have knowledge of its presence. The law only requires that you disclose what you know — you’re not required to fix anything. But failing to properly disclose what you know can create serious legal and financial consequences.

Selling Strategies for Homes with Lead-Based Paint in Florida

When it comes to selling a home with lead-based paint, your strategy matters. The route you choose can impact your timeline, your stress level and your bottom line. 

In Florida, sellers typically have three options:

1. Sell as-is to a cash home buyer.
2. Sell the traditional way with an agent.
3. Remediate the lead paint, and then sell with an agent.

Here’s how each option compares:

Selling Option	Best For	Upfront Costs	Selling Timeline	Buyer Pool
Sell as-is to a cash buyer.	Sellers who want a fast, no-hassle sale	None	Fastest	Cash buyers only
Sell with an agent (no remediation).	Sellers with time and paint that’s intact or only slightly worn	Moderate	Moderate	Smaller (due to potential buyer concerns)
Remediate and then sell with an agent.	Sellers with budget, time, and top-dollar goals	High	Slowest	Broad

Option 1: Sell As-Is to a Cash Home Buyer

This is the fastest and most streamlined option, especially if the home needs repairs or the lead paint is chipped, flaking or untested. At Florida Cash Home Buyers, we purchase homes in any condition, including properties with known or suspected lead-based paint. There are no inspections, no buyer financing and no delays.

You won’t need to repaint, remediate or even clean up peeling paint. We handle the lead-based paint disclosure paperwork, skip the agent commissions and often close in 15 to 30 days.

Best if you want to:

• Sell quickly with no repairs or cleanup.
• Avoid remediation, repainting or lead paint compliance work.
• Skip buyer inspections, lender delays or legal headaches.
• Offload an inherited home or rental property without spending more money.

Option 2: Sell with a Real Estate Agent

Selling on the open market without remediating the paint is legal, but it can come with hurdles. While your realtor can help manage the disclosure process, many buyers will still expect a lead paint inspection, and some lenders (like FHA and VA) may refuse to fund the loan if lead hazards are present.

Even if you’re upfront about the condition, deteriorating paint can limit your buyer pool, lower potential offers or lead to lengthy negotiations and repair credits. Some buyers may walk away after inspection or ask you to repaint before closing. However, if the lead-based paint is intact and in good condition, many traditional buyers (especially those without young children) may not see it as a dealbreaker, as long as disclosure requirements are met.

This path might work if:

• The lead paint is in good condition (no peeling or chipping).
• You’re comfortable with a smaller buyer pool and a potentially longer timeline.
• You’re open to price negotiations or offering a repair credit.

Option 3: Remediate and Sell with a Real Estate Agent

The most traditional (and most expensive) route is to address the lead paint before listing. This could mean cosmetic repainting, professional encapsulation or full lead abatement, depending on the home’s condition and your budget. Remediation can open your property to a wider pool of buyers and help avoid financing issues, but it comes at a cost.

You’ll need to hire licensed professionals, follow EPA renovation rules and possibly schedule clearance testing. Depending on the size of the job, remediation could take weeks or longer, and there’s no guarantee you’ll recoup the costs in your final sale price.

This option is ideal if:

• You want to appeal to traditional, retail buyers.
• You’re not in a rush to sell.
• You’re aiming for top dollar and willing to invest upfront.

Lead Paint Repair, Remediation and Maintenance Options

If you’re thinking about addressing lead paint before selling, it helps to understand the range of options and what each one actually involves. While full removal isn’t required by law, some repairs may make sense depending on the condition of the paint and your selling strategy.

Method	Best Used When	What It Is	Typical Cost	Key Considerations
Encapsulation	The paint is intact and in good condition.	Sealing the surface with a specialized coating to contain lead paint	$1–$4 per sq. ft.	Quick and affordable, but not permanent and surfaces still need monitoring
Enclosure	The surface is large and stable.	Covering the surface with drywall, paneling or other material.	$6–$12 per sq. ft.	More durable than encapsulation, but doesn’t remove the hazard
Full removal	The paint is damaged, flaking or producing dust.	Physically removing all lead-painted materials using certified professionals	$8–$17 per sq. ft. ($9,600–$34,000+)	Most effective but also the most expensive and time-consuming
Replacement	The problem area is small and localized, like windows or trim.	Fully removing and reinstalling components like windows or doors	$1,000–$15,000 (per project)	Best for small problem areas in the home

Several factors can dramatically influence the final price of repairs or remediation. If you’re budgeting for potential work, here’s what to keep in mind:

• Square footage: The larger the area affected, the more material and labor will be needed and the higher the total cost.
• Paint condition: Peeling, chalking or cracking paint often requires more containment and cleanup, which increases labor time.
• Project complexity: Irregular layouts, multi-story homes or hard-to-reach areas may require specialized containment or equipment.
• Contractor fees: Lead paint abatement is a licensed specialty. Certified contractors charge more due to strict EPA training and compliance.
• Disposal requirements: Debris from lead remediation must be disposed of carefully. You may need to pay an additional $3 to $5 per square foot for disposal.
• Timeline and urgency: Rushed projects, tight schedules or last-minute requests can increase costs due to overtime or scheduling conflicts.

Even the lower cost methods can add up quickly, especially if the home is large or the paint is badly deteriorated. And the EPA mandates that any remediation work be preceded by proper inspection and handled by certified professionals trained in Lead-Safe Work Practices. You can find a lead-based paint professional using this resource from the EPA, though most licensed abatement contractors will coordinate the testing for you as part of the job.

Here are the most common methods for testing and inspection:

• Professional lead inspection: An EPA-certified inspector visually surveys the home and identifies surfaces coated with lead-based paint. These inspections typically cost around $400 to $600+ in Florida.
• XRF testing: This advanced method uses X-ray fluorescence to detect lead in paint layers without damaging the surface. It’s the most accurate and non-invasive way to test. The cost typically ranges from $300 to $600+ per inspection.
• Paint chip or dust sample testing: Small samples of paint or dust are collected and sent to a certified lab. These tests can cost anywhere from $200 to $700, depending on the number of samples.
• Risk assessment: This in-depth evaluation not only identifies the presence of lead but determines whether it poses an active hazard, especially in high-contact or deteriorated areas like windows, doors or floors.

For sellers working with an agent, optional testing might help avoid surprises with buyer financing or inspection. But if you’d rather avoid this altogether, Florida Cash Home Buyers offers a simpler solution.  We purchase homes as-is, with no remediation, repainting or contractor coordination required. 

Do I Have to Test for Lead Paint in Florida?

While testing isn’t legally required in many cases, it’s often used when a buyer requests it, a contractor is preparing for remediation or a seller wants to avoid surprises later.

If you plan to disturb painted surfaces through repairs or renovations in a home built before 1978, federal law requires contractors to follow EPA Lead-Safe Work Practices under the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule.

This applies even if the paint has not been tested. Many contractors assume lead is present by default and charge accordingly. This is one reason some sellers choose to sell as-is instead of renovating.

If you’re selling to Florida Cash Home Buyers, you can skip the whole process. We don’t require testing, inspections or any repairs. 

Understanding the Health Implications of Lead Exposure

Lead-based paint becomes a concern when it starts to deteriorate — chipping, flaking or turning into dust. This can lead to lead poisoning, especially in young children and pregnant women, who are more vulnerable to its effects.

Common health risks include:

• Learning and developmental delays
• Behavioral and attention issues
• Slower growth and speech development
• Pregnancy complications

That’s why the EPA requires specific safety measures — such as certified lead-safe practices — when deteriorated paint is disturbed during renovations or repairs. It’s important to note, though, that not all lead paint is hazardous. If the paint is intact and in good condition, the risk of exposure is low, and remediation usually isn’t required.

The Easiest Solution for Homes with Lead Paint

Selling a house with lead-based paint doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you work with a local buyer who understands the process and handles everything for you. At Florida Cash Home Buyers, we specialize in buying homes as-is, including properties with known or suspected lead paint. Whether the paint is intact or peeling or you’re unsure if you even have lead paint, we’ll make you a fair cash offer with no cleanup, no inspections and no stress.

Here’s what you can expect:

• No repairs or remediation required
• No inspections or testing needed
• No agent commissions or closing fees
• No long waits for closing — we close fast, in as little as 15 to 30 days
• No handling of disclosure paperwork — we do that for you
• No last-minute surprises

Whether you’re dealing with an older home, an inherited property or a house that’s just too much to fix, we make it easy to walk away without pouring more time or money into it. Contact us today for a fair, no-pressure offer.