Fire damage restoration in Orlando typically costs between $3,000 and $75,000+, depending on the size and severity of the fire. A small contained kitchen fire might run $3,000–$8,000. A fire that damages a bedroom and hallway is usually $15,000–$30,000. A fire that involves multiple rooms or the structure itself can exceed $75,000 — sometimes far more.
This guide breaks down what you'll actually pay, what drives the cost, and how your homeowner's insurance works when fire hits your Central Florida home.
Fire Damage Cost by Severity Level
Level 1: Minor Contained Fire (Kitchen, Appliance, Trash Can)
A fire that was caught quickly and stayed in one small area — a pan fire, a toaster, a trash can — causes localized soot and odor but limited structural damage.
- Estimated cost: $3,000–$8,000
- What's included: soot cleaning of nearby surfaces, odor treatment, minor drywall repair or cabinet work, HVAC cleaning if smoke entered the system
- Timeline: 3–7 days
Level 2: Single-Room Fire
A fire that burns through one room — a bedroom, living room, or garage — before being extinguished. Expect significant soot spread throughout the home from smoke migration.
- Estimated cost: $10,000–$30,000
- What's included: full room demo and rebuild, soot cleaning throughout the home, odor elimination (thermal fogging or ozone), contents pack-out and cleaning, HVAC cleaning
- Timeline: 2–5 weeks
Level 3: Multi-Room or Partial-Structure Fire
A fire that spreads through multiple rooms or affects the attic, roof, or structural framing. Water damage from firefighting hoses is usually significant at this level.
- Estimated cost: $30,000–$75,000
- What's included: structural demo, framing repairs, roof work, full odor treatment, water damage mitigation, extensive contents restoration or replacement
- Timeline: 4–10 weeks
Level 4: Major House Fire
A fire that causes severe structural damage, partial or total loss. At this level, restoration crosses into full reconstruction.
- Estimated cost: $75,000–$300,000+
- What's included: complete rebuild, permits, new HVAC/electrical/plumbing, full contents replacement through insurance
- Timeline: 3–9 months
What Drives Fire Restoration Cost
Soot Cleaning and Surface Decontamination
Soot is acidic. It starts etching metal, discoloring walls, and corroding appliances within hours of a fire. Every surface in the home — not just the burned room — needs to be assessed. Cleaning costs are labor-intensive: technicians wipe every surface by hand, use dry chemical sponges on walls, and HEPA-vacuum everywhere. In a larger home, soot cleaning alone can run $5,000–$15,000.
Odor Elimination
Smoke odor is embedded in porous materials — drywall, wood framing, carpet, insulation, upholstery. Surface cleaning doesn't remove it. Professional odor treatment uses thermal fogging, ozone generators, or hydroxyl treatment, often in combination. HVAC ductwork must be cleaned separately. Odor remediation typically costs $1,500–$8,000 depending on the home's size and how deep smoke penetrated.
Structural Reconstruction
Any burned framing, drywall, flooring, roofing, or electrical wiring must be fully replaced — not patched. This is often the largest line item. Reconstruction costs follow standard contractor rates in Central Florida, which have risen significantly since 2023. Expect $80–$140 per square foot for full gut-and-rebuild of affected areas.
Water Damage from Firefighting
Firefighters use hundreds of gallons of water. After the fire is out, water damage cleanup is often as expensive as the fire cleanup itself. Industrial drying equipment runs for 3–5 days minimum. This cost is typically $2,000–$10,000 on top of fire restoration costs.
Contents Pack-Out and Restoration
A professional restoration company will document, pack out, clean, and store your belongings during the restoration. Furniture, clothing, electronics, and personal items can often be restored through specialized cleaning — sometimes at a fraction of replacement cost. Contents services typically run $2,000–$15,000 depending on how much you own and what's salvageable.
Does Insurance Cover Fire Damage Restoration?
Yes — fire is one of the most reliably covered perils in standard Florida homeowner's policies. Your policy's dwelling coverage pays for structural repairs and restoration. Personal property coverage pays for contents. Additional living expenses (ALE) coverage pays for a hotel or rental while your home is being restored.
Important: use a restoration company that writes Xactimate estimates — the same software insurance adjusters use. This prevents disputes and ensures you're paid fairly for the full scope of work.
Common Questions
Can I stay in my home during fire restoration?
In most cases with a Level 2 or higher fire, no. Soot contains toxic particles, and ozone treatment requires the home to be vacated. Your ALE coverage pays for your temporary housing — use it.
Can I choose my own restoration company?
Yes. Your insurance company may recommend a preferred vendor, but you have the right to choose your own contractor in Florida. Choose a company that is IICRC certified and has documented fire restoration experience.
Call 321-420-7274 — we dispatch within 60 minutes, 24/7, and handle everything with your insurance company directly.