Lead Poisoning on the Emerald Coast: What Every Home Seller and Buyer Should Know

When you think about life on the Emerald Coast, “lead poisoning” probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. With our sugar-white beaches, bright sunshine, and beautiful homes, it’s easy to forget that some properties—especially older ones—may hide a silent danger behind the walls: lead-based paint.

As a Realtor who helps families find safe, happy homes, I believe education is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones. Whether you’re selling an older property or buying your dream home, here’s what you need to know about lead exposure, testing, and your responsibilities.

What Is Lead Poisoning?
Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body—often from exposure to lead-based paint, dust, or contaminated soil. Even small amounts can cause serious health problems, particularly for young children and pregnant women.

Common symptoms include:
Developmental delays and learning difficulties
Irritability or fatigue
Headaches
Abdominal pain or loss of appetite

The scariest part? You can’t see or smell lead dust, which means exposure often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.

Where the Risk Lies on the Emerald Coast
Many homes built before 1978—when the federal government banned lead-based paint—may still contain it. That means neighborhoods in Panama City, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville, and Pensacola with charming mid-century or historic homes could have lead hazards, especially if the paint is chipping or renovations have been done without proper precautions. Even beach cottages and renovated vacation rentals can carry risk if older materials weren’t handled correctly during remodels.

What Sellers Need to Know
If you’re selling a home built before 1978, federal law requires you to disclose any known information about lead-based paint or hazards. This includes:

Providing buyers with the EPA-approved pamphlet titled “Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home.”
Disclosing any test results or reports.
Including the Lead Warning Statement in your sales contract.
Allowing buyers up to 10 days for lead testing if they choose.

Not doing so can result in serious fines and legal liability later—so honesty and documentation matter.

What Buyers Should Do
If you’re purchasing an older home on the Emerald Coast, don’t skip this step:

Ask for disclosures and read them carefully.
Hire a certified lead inspector if the home was built before 1978.
Use EPA-certified contractors for any renovations or repairs.
If you have small children, consider testing the home’s water as well—especially if there are older pipes or plumbing fixtures.

Remember, a lead-safe home is a healthy home—and protecting your family’s health is worth every bit of due diligence.

Local Resources
If you suspect lead contamination or just want to be proactive, here are a few helpful resources for Emerald Coast residents:
Florida Department of Health in Bay and Okaloosa Counties: Lead testing information and prevention programs
EPA Lead Information Hotline: 1-800-424-LEAD
Local Environmental Testing Companies: Many certified firms offer same-week testing for peace of mind before closing.

Final Thoughts
The Emerald Coast is one of the most beautiful places to live—but part of maintaining that beauty is making sure our homes are safe.
If you’re preparing to buy or sell a property built before 1978, take a moment to understand the risks and responsibilities surrounding lead.

As a local real estate professional, I’m here to guide you through not just the transaction, but the protection and peace of mind that come with making informed decisions.

Heather Curry, REALTOR®
Serving the Emerald Coast with integrity, heart, and a little humor
Have questions about selling or buying safely? Let’s talk!