If you’re preparing to sell a home in Tampa, one of the most important and often misunderstood parts of the process is disclosures. As Tampa real estate experts with over 40 years of combined experience, we can tell you this with certainty: proper disclosures protect everyone involved. Sellers avoid legal headaches, and buyers feel confident moving forward.
At The Lewkowicz Group, we believe transparency builds trust. Let’s walk you through what disclosures are legally required when selling a home in Tampa, and how to handle them the right way.
Florida’s Seller Disclosure Requirement: What You Must Reveal
Florida is a “buyer beware” state, but that does not mean sellers can stay silent. Under Florida law, sellers are required to disclose any known facts that materially affect the value of the property and are not readily observable.
In plain English? If you know about a problem that could impact a buyer’s decision and they can’t easily see it, you must disclose it.
Common examples include:
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Roof leaks or prior water intrusion
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Foundation issues or structural concerns
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Plumbing or electrical problems
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Mold or moisture issues
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Termite damage or infestations
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Past insurance claims related to the property
While Florida does not mandate a specific disclosure form statewide, most Tampa sellers use the Florida Seller’s Property Disclosure Form, which helps ensure nothing important is missed. We always recommend it. Over-disclosing is far safer than under-disclosing.
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Homes Built Before 1978)
If your Tampa home was built before 1978, federal law requires a Lead-Based Paint Disclosure. Sellers must:
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Disclose any known lead-based paint or hazards
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Provide buyers with the EPA pamphlet, Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home
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Allow buyers a 10-day inspection period (unless waived)
This applies to single-family homes, condos, and multi-family properties.
Flood Zones, Water Intrusion, and Insurance Claims
Living in Tampa means water matters. Sellers must disclose:
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Past or current flooding
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Water intrusion issues
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Whether the property is in a flood zone
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Previous flood insurance claims
Even if flooding happened years ago and was repaired, it still counts as a material fact. Buyers are increasingly cautious about flood risk, and full transparency here is critical.
Sinkholes and Soil Conditions
Florida law specifically requires disclosure of known sinkhole activity, subsidence, or soil movement affecting the property. In Tampa and surrounding areas, buyers are very aware of this risk, and failure to disclose can lead to serious legal consequences.
HOA, Condo, and Community Disclosures
If your property is part of an HOA or condo association, additional disclosures are required, including:
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HOA or condo governing documents
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Rules and regulations
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Financial statements
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Pending special assessments
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Right of buyer cancellation within a specific review period
Condo sales, in particular, have strict disclosure timelines. We guide our sellers carefully here to avoid delays or contract cancellations.
Permits, Additions, and Code Violations
Unpermitted work is another big one. Sellers must disclose:
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Renovations or additions done without permits
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Known code violations
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Open or unresolved permits
In Tampa, buyers often verify permits with the city. Being upfront protects you from renegotiations or post-closing disputes.
Radon, Asbestos, and Environmental Hazards
If you have knowledge of radon, asbestos, or other environmental hazards, disclosure is required. Even if testing was done years ago, known results should be shared.
Why Disclosures Matter More Than Ever
We’ve seen deals fall apart and lawsuits emerge simply because a seller thought, “It’s probably not a big deal.” In our experience, honesty doesn’t hurt deals, surprises do.
At The Lewkowicz Group, we don’t just hand you a form and wish you luck. We walk through your property, ask the right questions, and help you disclose confidently and correctly. That’s how you sell smoothly, protect yourself legally, and build trust with buyers.
If you’re thinking about selling in Tampa and want expert guidance from professionals who live and breathe this market, Emeri and Joe Lewkowicz are here to help. Let’s get it done the right way.
