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Hidden Structural Damage Discovered A Year After Purchase: Exterior Wall Sitting On Rotting Wood (fl)

Location: Fort Walton Beach, FL

We bought our home about a year ago. Recently we noticed soft floors in one room and opened it up. We discovered the subfloor was built with untreated wood placed directly on concrete, which is now badly rotted and full of mold.

After opening things further, we also found that the exterior wall in that same room is sitting on similarly rotting wood instead of a proper treated sill plate/moisture barrier. So now this looks like a load-bearing exterior wall may not be properly supported, which raises structural/foundation concerns.

This appears to be hidden/latent damage from a flip renovation (the seller renovated before selling). None of this was disclosed, and nothing about water, flooring, or structural issues appeared in our seller disclosures or inspection report at the time of purchase.

We’re documenting everything and planning to consult a real estate attorney, but I’m trying to understand the legal angle:

• Does Florida law allow action for latent defects discovered after closing?

• Does it matter that the seller was also the flipper/renovator?

• Is there a typical statute of limitations for nondisclosure or negligent renovation in FL?

• Anything important we should avoid doing before professionals inspect?

Now sure how to attach photos but would like to post! Just trying to understand our options before spending many thousands on repairs.

Thanks in advance!

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Hidden Structural Damage Discovered A Year After Purchase: Exterior Wall Sitting On Rotting Wood (fl)

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