What is a Termite Bond?

This article provides general information based primarily on the Tallahassee Board of REALTORS® Contract for Sale and Purchase, revised March 2026. Individual transactions may involve different contracts, amendments, addenda, or statutory requirements. This article is not legal advice. Consult a Florida real estate attorney regarding specific contractual rights or disputes.

When buying or selling a home in Tallahassee, you may hear someone ask, "Does the house have a termite bond?"

With Florida's warm, humid climate, termites are a common concern for homeowners. A termite bond can provide an additional layer of protection against these wood-destroying pests.

But what exactly does a termite bond cover, and does it transfer when you sell your home?

What Is a Termite Bond?

A termite bond is a service agreement or warranty between a property owner and a licensed pest control company.

Depending on the agreement, it may include ongoing termite monitoring, periodic inspections, preventive treatments, and additional treatment if termites return.

Termite bonds typically require an annual renewal fee to maintain coverage.

What Does a Termite Bond Cover?

Not all termite bonds provide the same protection. In Florida, termite treatment contracts must identify their warranty coverage, which generally falls into three categories:

• Retreatment Only: The pest control company agrees to provide additional treatment if covered termites return, but does not pay for resulting damage.
• Retreatment and Repair: In addition to retreatment, the company agrees to repair certain new termite damage, subject to the contract's coverage limits and exclusions.
• No Warranty or Guarantee: Treatment is provided without a continuing guarantee of retreatment or repairs.

Coverage may also differ depending on the termite species. For example, a bond covering subterranean termites may not cover drywood termites.

Always review the agreement to understand exactly what is covered, excluded, and required to maintain protection.

Does a Termite Bond Transfer When You Sell Your Home?

Many termite bonds may be transferable to a new property owner, but transfer requirements depend on the agreement and pest control company.

Some companies may require a transfer inspection, paperwork, or additional fees.

Under the standard Tallahassee Board of REALTORS® Contract for Sale and Purchase, the seller is responsible for providing available information about transferable warranties, with the buyer responsible for applicable transfer fees.

Is a Termite Bond the Same as a WDO Inspection?

No! A Wood-Destroying Organism (WDO) inspection evaluates a property's visible and accessible areas for evidence of termites, other wood-destroying organisms, and related damage.

A termite bond, on the other hand, is an ongoing service agreement that may provide treatment and warranty protection.

Having a termite bond does not guarantee that a property is termite-free, and it should not replace a WDO inspection during the homebuying process.

Learn more about common Tallahassee home inspections.

Bottom Line

A termite bond can provide homeowners with valuable ongoing protection and may offer additional peace of mind when purchasing a home.

Before selling or buying a property, determine whether an existing termite bond is active, what it covers, whether it is transferable, and what it costs to maintain.

This article provides general information based primarily on the Tallahassee Board of REALTORS® Contract for Sale and Purchase, revised March 2026. Individual transactions may involve different contracts, amendments, addenda, or statutory requirements. This article is not legal advice. Consult a Florida real estate attorney regarding specific contractual rights or disputes.