Owning a home in Florida comes with its own unique set of advantages (and challenges). If you’re familiar with the State’s weather and landscape, you’ll know that Florida equals sunny beaches, beautiful wildlife, year-round warm climate, and intense humidity; sometimes something even a little more dramatic, like tropical storms.
So, having this program in mind, Florida homeowners must be well-prepared to maintain comfort, safety, and functionality in their homes. But what should we include in our set of devices and toolkit for becoming a Florida resident expert? Here’s our selection of 7 essentials and tools that, for every Floridean, come in handy.
1. Dehumidifiers
Florida’s high humidity levels, especially during the spring and summer months, can make indoor living uncomfortable and even hazardous to your home. A dehumidifier is an essential appliance that removes excess moisture from the air, helping you maintain an optimal indoor humidity level (usually between 30% and 50%).
Although, why is this important? High humidity can lead to:
- Mold and mildew growth (which can damage walls, ceilings, and furniture)
- Musty odors
- Increased allergens like dust mites
- Warped wood floors or furniture
Using a dehumidifier helps improve air quality, reduces the strain on your AC system (aka saving on your electricity bill), and makes your home healthier and more pleasant to live in. It’s especially useful in basements, bathrooms, and other moisture-prone areas.
2. AC System
In Florida, air conditioning isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. With temperatures regularly soaring into the 90s and humidity levels to match, a reliable and efficient air conditioning system is key for your home comfort.
A well-maintained AC system cools your home and helps you regulate indoor humidity, which can help improve air circulation, filtering allergens and pollutants. All of this is an advantage because it helps you preventing respiratory and heat-related health issues. So, if you consider your and your family’s welfare, it practically pays for itself.
Remember that it’s important to schedule regular maintenance, like replacing filters and inspecting ductwork to ensure your system runs smoothly all year long, and help you save too, as a high-efficiency AC system that works smoothly should not consume more than what is designed for.
3. Hurricane Preparedness Supplies
Florida is no stranger to hurricane season, which runs from June through November. Even if you’re not in a coastal area, you can still face heavy rainfall, strong winds, power outages, and even flooding. Being prepared in advance is essential to protect your family and property.
Every Florida homeowner should have a hurricane preparedness kit that includes:
- Battery-operated or hand-cranked radio
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- Portable phone chargers or power banks
- Bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day for three days)
- Non-perishable food supplies
- First-aid kit and medications
- Important documents in a waterproof container
- Cash (in small bills)
- Sandbags or flood barriers if in a flood-prone area
Additionally, installing storm shutters, reinforcing your roof, and securing outdoor items before a storm hits can minimize damage and keep your home safer.
4. Pest Control Supplies
Florida’s warm, humid climate can be appealing to uninvited visitors, also known as pests (ants, cockroaches, termites, mosquitoes, spiders, etc.). Pest problems can escalate quickly if not properly managed.
In this sense, every Florida homeowner should have basic pest control supplies, like ant and roach baits, mosquito repellents, sealing caulk for closing gaps and cracks, and screens for windows and doors to prevent flying insects from entering.
Routine pest control treatments can prevent infestations and protect the structural integrity and hygiene of your home, so we highly recommend that you do them regularly.
5. Lawnmower
With Florida’s frequent rain and sunshine, grass grows fast, especially in the spring and summer. Maintaining a tidy yard is more than just a curb appeal issue, it’s key for pest control, HOA compliance, and keeping walkways safe and clear.
So, a reliable lawnmower is an essential tool for every Florida homeowner. Choose one based on your lawn size, since small yards will only need a push mower, but larger ones may need a riding mower for efficiency.
As we mentioned before, keeping your grass trimmed also helps prevent the breeding of mosquitoes and reduces hiding spots for pests like snakes and rodents. And please, don’t forget to maintain your mower by sharpening blades, cleaning air filters, and changing the oil regularly. Remember this power tool needs to guarantee your safety and others.
6. Fire Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher is a simple but critical tool that every homeowner (in any State) should have within easy reach. But, with so many homes featuring outdoor kitchens, grills, and hurricane-prone electrical surges, the risk of small home fires in Florida seems more realistic. So, as a precaution, a fire extinguisher is mandatory.
Keep one in the:
- Kitchen
- Garage or workshop
- Outdoor grilling area
Make sure the extinguisher is multi-purpose (ABC-rated) and check the pressure gauge monthly. Also, learn how to use it properly: remember the PASS technique (as shown in the video attached to the previous link): Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. It can make the difference between a minor incident and a major disaster.
7. Finally, a Toolkit Every Florida Homeowner Needs
Homeownership means you’ll face minor repairs and maintenance (often when you least expect them). Having a basic toolkit on hand is non-negotiable. So, if you’re fixing a cabinet door, assembling furniture, or hanging storm shutters before a hurricane, these tools will save you time, money, and stress.
Your essential homeowner toolkit should include:
- Utility Knife: Perfect for cutting carpet, packaging, or rope.
- Hammer: Ideal for nailing and pulling nails.
- Screwdriver: Needed for everything from installing light switches to tightening cabinet hardware.
- Level: Ensures shelves, frames, and other fixtures are perfectly horizontal or vertical.
- Pliers: Useful for gripping, bending, and cutting wire or small hardware.
- Adjustable Wrench: A versatile tool for plumbing tasks or tightening bolts.
- Safety Goggles: Protect your eyes when drilling, sawing, or working with chemicals.
- Tape Measure: Critical for accurate measurements during any home project.
- Flashlight: Essential during power outages or when accessing dark corners like under the sink or attic.
- Power Drill: Speeds up everything from hanging curtains to building furniture, especially useful during hurricane prep for boarding windows.
Bonus: Keep a toolbox or carry case to store everything neatly in one place!
As you can see, Florida homeowners need a tailored set of tools and essentials to protect their investment and enjoy life comfortably. By adapting to Florida’s beautiful and unique lifestyle today, you can save yourself stress, time, and money tomorrow. It may sound like a lot, but we promise it’s actually not, (no wonder why so many people are in love with Florida and looking forward to living here, right?) because it’s worth it, and we can help you be prepared for everything attached to it.
