Home Insurance Florida | A Seasonal Maintenance Checklist for Your Home

Whether you live in your Florida home year-round, rent it out, or visit seasonally, maintenance is key to protecting your investment. Even though Florida doesn’t face harsh seasonal changes like northern states, our unique climate still brings its own challenges - heat, humidity, storms, and salt air. Regular maintenance not only helps prevent costly repairs but also keeps your property comfortable and ready for whatever the year brings.

For homes that sit empty for part of the year, pairing this checklist with vacant property insurance provides extra peace of mind.

Spring

Spring is the ideal time for deep cleaning and preventive care. Tackle the basics while checking for any damage caused by winter storms or moisture.

• Replace batteries in and test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Clean ceiling fans, as well as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Clean and inspect refrigerator coils
• Schedule professional HVAC inspection/service
• Clean all gutters and downspouts
• Check fire extinguishers/replace any that are out of date
• Clean kitchen exhaust hood and filter
• Pressure wash outdoor surfaces
• Inspect exterior paint and touch up as needed
• Inspect siding and masonry for damage
• Repair or replace damaged window screens
• Inspect the roof for damage
• Inspect attic for leaks
• Inspect/repair outdoor play equipment

Related Post: Go Green This Spring!

Summer

With long days and warm weather, summer is perfect for exterior projects and preventive checks.

• Reverse ceiling fans to better recirculate cool air
• Inspect your foundation for drainage problems
• Inspect basement or crawl space for water intrusion, leaks or past flooding
• Inspect/treat for pests
• Regular yard/landscaping maintenance
• Outdoor painting tasks
• Major renovations or yard upgrades 

Fall

As hurricane season tapers off, fall is a great time to prepare your home for the cooler, wetter months ahead.

• Drain sediment from/inspect/have routine service on hot water heater
• Insulate exposed pipes outdoors, in basement or crawlspace
• Schedule a professional furnace inspection
• Schedule a professional chimney inspection/cleaning
• Remove or cover window air conditioners
• Inspect and clean chimneys for winter use
• Ensure all windows and doors seal properly to prevent water intrusion and air flow
• Turn off the outdoor water supply, remove and store hoses
• Remove any gathering yard debris
• Trim trees and shrubs away from the property
• Hammer down or replace loose decking and fasteners
• Reseal deck for wet weather protection
• Cover or store outdoor furniture
• Reseal asphalt or concrete driveways for wet weather protection 

Winter

Florida winters are mild, but it’s still important to maintain your home’s safety systems and plumbing.

• Test GFCI outlets
• Clean dryer vent to exterior
• Check sinks and toilets for leaks
• Inspect hoses on the washing machine, dishwasher and ice maker for leaks
• Change direction of ceiling fans to better recirculate heat
• Test sump pump 

Keeping your property in top shape reduces risk, preserves value, and makes your home more enjoyable. But maintenance alone isn’t enough - make sure your insurance matches how your home is used.

If your property is vacant or rented for part of the year, you may need vacant property insurance or a specialized rental policy. An American Integrity Insurance agent can help you choose the right coverage to keep your home protected year-round.

American Integrity Insurance is committed to providing Florida homeowners with sound, comprehensive insurance coverage and an extraordinary customer experience. We strive to be a valued partner to our policyholders, agents, and community.

We offer traditional and high valued homeowners insurance, condo insurance, renters insurance, and the special coverage required for vacant homes, manufactured homes, and policies designed for those who need less coverage or are renting out their home. We also offer extra protection, including flood insurance, umbrella insurance, golf cart insurance, boat insurance, cyber coverage and identity theft protection as well as equipment breakdown coverage, to help address a broad range of needs facing Florida homeowners today.