Your Florida Home Maintenance Calendar: Stay Ready, Stay Protected
Owning a home in Florida isn't like owning a home anywhere else. The humidity is intense, the storms are strong, and if you wait until something breaks to think about maintenance, you're already behind.
We've closed over 1,300 homes in Tampa Bay and Sarasota, and we've seen what happens when homeowners stay ahead of problems versus scrambling to catch up.
Here's your seasonal maintenance guide, built from what actually matters in Florida. And if you need someone reliable to handle any of this, we've got you covered.
Spring: Storm Prep Season (March - May)
Hurricane season starts June 1st. If you're waiting until May to think about it, you're late.
Roof and gutters: Walk your property and look up. Missing shingles, loose tiles, or debris in your gutters can turn a manageable storm into a five-figure insurance claim. If you're not comfortable climbing up there, don't. We know contractors who will do it right.
Trees and landscaping: Dead branches become missiles in 70 mph winds. Trim anything that hangs over your roof or sits too close to windows. If a tree looks questionable, get it assessed now—not after it's through your living room.
Windows and doors: Test every window lock. Check door seals. If your storm shutters haven't been touched since you moved in, make sure they actually work. This is the stuff that keeps water out and your family safe.
AC system: Change your filter. Every single month during the cool season if you can, but at minimum every three months. A clean filter keeps your system running efficiently and your power bill from spiking. If your unit is older than 10 years, have it serviced before summer heat sets in. If you want to maximize your HVAC efficiently, Energy Star's maintenance checklist has you covered.
Insurance check: Pull out your homeowners policy and actually read it. Know your hurricane deductible. Know what's covered. Know what isn't. If you've done renovations or added value to your home, make sure your coverage reflects that.
If you don’t know your flood zone, use FEMA's flood map tool to check your property's flood risk. With Florida's new flood insurance requirements rolling out through 2027, this matters more than ever.
Summer: Hurricane Season Reality Check (June - November)
This is the season that separates prepared homeowners from stressed-out ones.
Storm supplies: You need water, non-perishable food, batteries, flashlights, a battery-powered radio, and a first aid kit. Keep important documents in waterproof bags. Have cash on hand (ATMs don't work without power).
For a complete hurricane supply checklist from NOAA, check their official preparedness guide here.
Generator readiness: If you have a generator, test it before you need it. Make sure you have fuel stabilizer and know how to run it safely. If you don't have one, decide now if you want one because they sell out fast when storms approach.
Drainage and yard: Florida's summer rains are no joke. Walk your property after a heavy downpour and see where water pools. If it's collecting near your foundation or flooding your yard, address it now. Poor drainage causes foundation issues, mold, and mosquito breeding grounds.
Humidity control: If you're seeing condensation on windows, musty smells, or mold growth, something's not right. Run your AC consistently, use exhaust fans in bathrooms, and consider a dehumidifier in problem areas.
Fall: Post-Storm Recovery and Prep for Cooler Weather (September - November)
If a storm came through, don't assume everything's fine just because your roof is still on.
Post-storm inspection: Check your attic for water intrusion. Look for new cracks in walls or ceilings. Test all your electrical outlets. If your power went out, make sure your appliances came back on correctly. Document any damage with photos immediately for insurance purposes.
Pest control: Cooler weather drives critters inside. Seal gaps around doors, windows, and where utilities enter your home. If you're seeing roaches, ants, or rodents, deal with it now before they settle in for the season.
HVAC transition: October and November are Florida's "perfect weather" months, but your AC still needs attention. Change filters, clean vents, and if you have a heat pump, make sure the heating side works before that one cold snap in January catches you off guard.
Winter: The Forgotten Season (December - February)
Florida winter is mild, but it still requires attention.
Irrigation and sprinklers: If you have an irrigation system, adjust it for cooler weather. Overwatering in winter leads to fungus, mold, and wasted water. Most Florida grass goes dormant and doesn't need as much.
Exterior maintenance: Check caulking around windows and doors. Look for cracks in driveways or walkways that could turn into bigger problems. Power wash your driveway, walkways, and exterior walls to prevent mildew buildup.
Water heater: Flush your water heater to remove sediment buildup. This extends its life and keeps it running efficiently. If you don't know the last time it was serviced, it's overdue.
Landscaping: This is the best time to plant in Florida. If you've been meaning to add trees, shrubs, or upgrade your landscaping, winter is when roots establish without fighting summer heat.
Year-Round: The Non-Negotiables
Some things don't follow a season and need to be done consistently throughout the year.
Monthly:
Change AC filters
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Check for leaks under sinks and around toilets
Quarterly:
Clean dryer vents (lint buildup causes fires)
Inspect and clean range hood filters
Check your garage door springs and opener
Annually:
Service your HVAC system
Inspect your roof
Clean your chimney if you have one (yes, even in Florida)
Service your septic system if applicable
When to Call in the Pros
You don't need to do all of this yourself. Some things are DIY-friendly. Others aren't worth the risk.
Know your limits:
For electrical work, call a licensed electrician.
If you need roof repairs, call a roofer.
If there’s a major plumbing issue, save yourself the flood and call a plumber.
Tree removal might seem like a simple cut, but one wrong move can cost you your house.
We've been in this market long enough to know who does quality work and who doesn't. We've built relationships with contractors, inspectors, and service providers who treat your home like it's theirs.
If you need someone reliable who does the work right and doesn't nickel-and-dime you, we've got names. That's part of what it means to be on our team. You don't stop being family just because the closing's done.
The Bottom Line
Home maintenance isn't glamorous, but it's what protects your investment and keeps your family safe.
You don't have to do everything on this list tomorrow. Pick a few things each season and build the habit.
Need our go-to list of reliable local pros? Contact us. We've got you covered.