Jacksonville sprawls across 875 square miles, making it the largest city by area in the contiguous United States. That size means home inspectors here see everything from 1920s bungalows in Riverside to brand-new construction in Nocatee. The St. Johns River runs through the city, and flooding concerns shape how we look at foundations, drainage, and insurance requirements.

Northeast Florida has its own inspection personality. We're far enough north to occasionally see freezing temperatures, which can stress pipes and HVAC systems designed for year-round warmth. But we're still firmly in hurricane territory, meaning wind mitigation matters as much here as it does in Miami or Tampa.

The housing stock in Jacksonville reflects the city's growth patterns. Riverside and San Marco feature beautiful historic homes from the early 1900s, but these often come with outdated electrical, galvanized plumbing, and foundation concerns. The Southside and Mandarin areas developed heavily in the 1970s and 1980s, bringing their own era-specific issues like polybutylene pipes and original HVAC systems nearing end of life. Newer developments in St. Johns County and the Nocatee corridor offer modern construction but can have their own growing pains.

Jacksonville's proximity to the coast and the St. Johns River means moisture is a constant consideration. Humidity damage, wood rot at exterior trim, and proper drainage away from foundations are standard inspection focus areas. The salt air in beach communities like Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach accelerates corrosion on HVAC components, electrical panels, and metal fixtures.

Climate: Humid subtropical
Typical Homes: 1970-1990 typical, with historic districts from early 1900s
County: Duval County

Common Inspection Issues in Jacksonville

  • Termite damage
  • Humidity and moisture intrusion
  • Aging HVAC systems
  • Foundation settling in sandy soil
  • Storm and wind damage
  • Polybutylene plumbing in 1980s homes
  • Wood rot at exterior trim

Key Neighborhoods: Riverside, San Marco, Mandarin, Southside, Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Nocatee, Arlington

Local Requirements: Wind mitigation inspections required for insurance discounts, four-point inspections for homes 20+ years old, Duval County building permits for major work

Jacksonville Home Inspection Articles

Jacksonville Home Inspection FAQ

Answers to the most common questions about home inspections in Jacksonville, FL. Cost, timing, what's included, and local considerations for JAX buyers.