Michael changed everything
Hurricane Michael made landfall near Mexico Beach on October 10, 2018, as a Category 5 storm, the first to hit the U.S. mainland since Andrew in 1992. Its winds tore through Panama City, Lynn Haven, Callaway, Springfield and Tyndall Air Force Base, and its surge destroyed much of Mexico Beach. Hundreds of thousands of trees came down across the Panhandle, and power was out for weeks in many areas. Recovery took years, and in some places it's still going on.
Hidden damage from 2018
After Michael, many homes were patched quickly because contractors and materials were scarce. Some roofs were replaced over damp decking, and some walls were closed up before they were fully dry. Years later, we still find the results: mold behind drywall, soft subfloor, and leaks at repairs that were never quite right. If your home was repaired after Michael and you notice musty smells, recurring stains or soft spots, it's worth a moisture check. See mold remediation.
Rebuilt homes, newer problems
Much of Bay County's housing is now newer or substantially rebuilt, built to stronger wind codes. That helps in the next storm, but new homes bring their own common leaks: supply hoses, ice-maker lines, water heaters, AC condensate overflows and drain lines with poor slope. Luxury vinyl plank flooring, popular in rebuilt homes, can trap water against the slab. See water damage restoration.
Bays, bayous and flood risk
St. Andrew Bay, North Bay, East Bay and their bayous reach deep into the county, so plenty of homes a few miles from the Gulf still sit close to tidal water. Surge and heavy rain can both push water into low areas. Check your address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, and keep in mind that flood coverage is separate from homeowners insurance.
Most-requested services in Panama City
In Panama City, most of our calls fall into three groups: mold remediation behind walls closed up too quickly after Hurricane Michael; water damage restoration from supply lines and AC drains in rebuilt homes; and storm & hurricane damage restoration for homes near the bays and the Gulf. Not sure which fits your situation? Call and describe what you see, or compare all 12 services.
All 12 services in Panama City
- Water Damage Restoration
- Flood Cleanup
- Burst Pipe Repair
- Ceiling & Roof Leak Repair
- Storm & Hurricane Damage Restoration
- Mold Remediation
- Structural Drying & Dehumidification
- Sewage Cleanup
- AC & HVAC Condensation Leak Damage
- Insurance Claims Assistance
- Hurricane & Flood Damage Reconstruction
- Commercial Water Damage Restoration
Panama City neighborhoods and nearby communities
These pages cover local conditions in more detail:
Panama City questions
Do you have an office in Panama City?
No. SwiftFlow's only office is in Tallahassee, and Bay County jobs are coordinated from there through our statewide response network. We'll give you an honest arrival estimate when you call.
Could my house still have damage from Hurricane Michael?
It's possible, especially if repairs were rushed. Musty smells, recurring stains, soft floors or peeling paint can point to moisture that was sealed in. A moisture inspection with meters and thermal imaging can tell you.
Do you do reconstruction as well as cleanup?
Yes. After mitigation and drying, we handle repairs such as drywall, flooring, cabinets and paint. See hurricane and flood damage reconstruction.