A WDO termite report (Wood-Destroying Organism inspection report) in Lakeland, FL is a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services form DACS-13645 document filed by an FDACS-licensed Category 8E inspector. It is required by virtually every Florida residential lender at closing, and is the only document that creates a defensible record of pre-existing termite or wood-destroying-fungus damage on a Polk County property. Call the number below to be connected with an FDACS-licensed WDO inspector serving your Polk County address.
What a WDO inspection covers in Polk County
The Florida WDO inspection covers five regulated wood-destroying organisms: subterranean termites (Reticulitermes flavipes, Coptotermes formosanus), drywood termites (Cryptotermes brevis, Incisitermes snyderi), old house borers, powderpost beetles, and wood-decay fungi (commonly "dry rot"). The inspector visually examines all accessible interior, exterior, attic, and crawlspace areas, probes suspect wood with a sounding tool, photographs any evidence, and identifies the active organism by species where possible.
What the DACS-13645 report actually says
The report identifies whether visible evidence of wood-destroying organism activity is present (live activity, damage, or both), notes any conducive conditions (wood-to-soil contact, moisture intrusion, faulty drainage, debris under the structure), lists inaccessible areas not inspected, and identifies previous treatments if a Notice of Treatment sticker is found on site. The form does not give an opinion on real estate value, structural integrity beyond WDO scope, or repair cost — only what was observed at the time of inspection.
When a WDO inspection is required
- Every VA-guaranteed home purchase loan in Florida.
- Every FHA-insured home purchase loan in Florida.
- Most conventional loans on Florida properties as a closing condition.
- Any Polk County property where the buyer has structured the contract to require a clean WDO report.
- Re-finance transactions where the lender or PMI provider requires it.
WDO report pricing in Polk County
| Property type | Typical Polk County WDO cost |
|---|---|
| Single-family up to 2,400 sq ft | $75 – $135 |
| Single-family 2,400–3,500 sq ft | $135 – $175 |
| Two-story or complex footprint | $150 – $200 |
| Mobile / manufactured home | $75 – $135 |
| Condo unit (interior only) | $55 – $95 |
| Re-inspection (within 90 days) | $45 – $75 |
Related Lakeland Exterminators pages
- Termite Treatment in Lakeland, FL — Complete Guide — complete topical guide.
- WDO Inspection in Lakeland, FL
- WDO Inspection Cost in Lakeland, FL
- Pre-Listing Pest Inspection in Lakeland
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Florida WDO report valid?
Most Florida lenders accept a DACS-13645 report dated within 30 days of closing. Some VA closings will accept up to 60 days. Always confirm with the closing agent.
Can a WDO inspector treat termites they find?
Yes — an FDACS Category 8E certified operator can both inspect and treat. Many Polk County operators write the inspection and the treatment proposal in the same visit.
What if the WDO report shows active termites?
The lender will typically require treatment before closing. The seller usually pays for treatment under standard Florida contract language, but this is negotiable. Treatment options are covered at the termite treatment complete guide.
Does a WDO inspection include drywood termites?
Yes. The Florida DACS-13645 form covers both subterranean and drywood termites along with old house borers, powderpost beetles, and wood-decay fungi.
How do I order a WDO inspection in Lakeland?
Call the number on this page. Calls are routed to FDACS-licensed Category 8E inspectors serving Polk County. Confirm the inspector’s license number before the visit.
Call (XXX) XXX-XXXX — routed to FDACS-licensed pest control operators serving Polk County, FL.