Florida Home Maintenance Checklist: Month-by-Month Guide for Homeowners

Owning a home in Florida comes with unique maintenance challenges. Heat, humidity, salt air, heavy rain, hurricanes, and pests all take a toll on your home year-round. This Florida-specific home maintenance checklist breaks tasks down by month to help you protect your investment, improve energy efficiency, prevent costly repairs, and stay prepared for storm season.

Use this guide as an annual reference and adjust tasks based on your home type, location (coastal vs. inland), and age of your systems.

Florida Home Maintenance Month by Month

January: Start the Year Organized

January is a great time to reset and plan your home maintenance schedule for the year ahead.

• Review appliance manuals and manufacturer maintenance recommendations. Create reminders for HVAC service, water heater flushing, and other annual tasks.

• Inspect interior doors, cabinets, windows, and furniture for loose hinges, knobs, or hardware. Tighten and lubricate as needed.

• Perform a full home inventory for insurance purposes. Document furniture, electronics, appliances, and valuables with photos or video. This is especially important for Florida homeowners due to hurricane and flood risks.

• Check attic access panels and interior ceilings for early signs of moisture or staining.

February: Focus on Plumbing and Water Systems

Florida’s hard water and year-round use make plumbing maintenance essential.

• Remove and clean sink drain traps and stoppers to prevent clogs and odors.

• Inspect grout and caulking in kitchens and bathrooms. Repair cracked grout and replace peeling or moldy caulk.

• Check faucets, toilets, and hose bibs for leaks or drips. Replace worn washers or internal components.

• Turn all water shutoff valves on and off, including rarely used ones, to prevent seizing.

• Inspect under sinks, behind toilets, and around water heaters for leaks or water damage.

• Flush the water heater to remove sediment buildup and improve efficiency.

March: Spring Cleaning and Safety Checks

March marks the transition into warmer weather and increased humidity.

• Deep clean kitchen appliances, including the refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher.

• Declutter garages and storage areas. Safely dispose of old paint, chemicals, and pesticides at a hazardous waste facility.

• Replace batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.

• Schedule gutter cleaning to prevent water damage and mosquito breeding.

• Wash baseboards, walls, windows, and overlooked areas to reduce dust and allergens.

• Clean garbage disposal using ice cubes made with vinegar or citrus peels.

April: Rain and Moisture Prevention

Spring rains can expose weak points in your home’s exterior.

• Inspect window and door screens for tears or bent frames and repair or replace as needed.

• Remove and wash screens using mild soap and a soft brush.

• Clean exterior windows for better visibility and seal inspection.

• Check caulking and weatherstripping around windows, doors, and exterior penetrations.

• Inspect crawl spaces and slab edges after heavy rain for standing water or excess moisture.

May: Prepare for Florida’s Summer Heat

As temperatures rise, focus on cooling systems and outdoor areas.

• Inspect garden hoses for cracks or leaks.

• Schedule professional air conditioning maintenance and replace HVAC filters.

• Inspect swimming pool equipment including pumps, filters, liners, and safety features.

• Adjust thermostats and irrigation systems for warmer weather.

• Clean and inspect outdoor furniture and cushions for mold or mildew.

• Clean grills and check propane tanks or fuel connections.

• Clean and seal decks or wood structures to protect against moisture and sun damage.

• Gently wash the home exterior using a hose and mild detergent.

  

June: Safety, Fire Prevention, and Hurricane Preparedness

This is one of the most important months for dryer vent maintenance in Florida due to high heat, humidity, and increased dryer use during storm season.

• Schedule professional dryer vent cleaning from the dryer to the exterior vent hood. Lint buildup is a leading cause of house fires and can drastically reduce dryer efficiency.

• Inspect the exterior vent cover to ensure it opens freely and is not clogged, crushed, or blocked by nests.

• Watch for warning signs of a clogged dryer vent: longer drying times, burning smells, excessive heat, or lint around the dryer.

• Clean dryer lint screens after every load and wash the screen with soap and water monthly to remove residue.

• Inspect fire extinguishers and replace or recharge if expired.

• Check attic ventilation fans and roof vents for proper operation.

• Test all GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas.

• Flip circuit breakers on and off to ensure proper function.

• Test generators and stock fuel, batteries, flashlights, water, and nonperishable food.

• Inspect hurricane shutters or plan window protection solutions in advance.

June marks the official start of hurricane season in Florida.

• Clean dryer vents from the dryer to the exterior vent hood to reduce fire risk and improve efficiency.

• Inspect fire extinguishers and replace or recharge if expired.

• Check attic ventilation fans and roof vents for proper operation.

• Test all GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas.

• Flip circuit breakers on and off to ensure proper function.

• Test generators and stock fuel, batteries, flashlights, water, and nonperishable food.

• Inspect hurricane shutters or plan window protection solutions in advance.

July: Exterior and Structural Maintenance

Summer storms and intense sun can damage your home’s exterior.

• Inspect brick, stucco, and masonry for cracks or missing mortar and repair promptly.

• Check painted surfaces for peeling or bubbling paint.

• Inspect the roof for missing, loose, or damaged shingles.

• Look inside the attic for water stains, leaks, or daylight showing through.

• Trim trees and shrubs away from the home and roofline.

• Repair driveway cracks and seal asphalt driveways if needed.

• Inspect foundation walls for cracks or signs of termites or other pests.

August: Appliance Maintenance Month

August is another critical month for dryer vent safety due to peak laundry use and extreme Florida heat.

• Recheck dryer vent airflow and ensure the vent line is not kinked or crushed behind the dryer.

• Vacuum refrigerator condenser coils.

• Clean or replace range hood filters.

• Replace refrigerator water filters.

• Clean dishwasher filters and run a cleaning cycle.

• Run washing machine cleaning cycles and scrub seals to prevent mold and odors.

• Inspect dryer connections and transition ducts for damage or unsafe materials (foil or plastic ducts should be replaced with rigid or semi-rigid metal).

• Confirm the dryer shuts off properly and does not overheat.

Keep appliances running efficiently during peak usage months.

• Vacuum refrigerator condenser coils.

• Clean or replace range hood filters.

• Replace refrigerator water filters.

• Clean dishwasher filters and run a cleaning cycle.

• Run washing machine cleaning cycles and scrub seals to prevent mold and odors.

• Check dryer operation and airflow after cleaning vents.

September: HVAC and Pest Control

As summer winds down, prepare systems for lighter use.

• Schedule HVAC service and replace air filters.

• Vacuum dust from vents and return air grilles.

• Inspect doors and windows for gaps or damage.

• Check exterior walls and landscaping for pest activity and schedule treatment if needed.

October: Cooler Weather Adjustments

Fall is mild in Florida, but it’s still a good time for system checks.

• Adjust thermostats and irrigation schedules.

• Clean gutters and downspouts.

• Inspect weatherstripping after summer storms.

• Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

November: Interior Systems Review

Prepare indoor systems before the holidays.

• Lubricate garage door components per manufacturer instructions.

• Inspect washing machine hoses and replace if bulging or cracked.

• Check ceilings and walls for signs of water intrusion.

• Inspect toilets, shutoff valves, and visible plumbing for leaks.

• Look under sinks and inside vanities for moisture or mold.

December: Safety, Planning, and Insurance Review

December is ideal for lighter tasks and planning.

• Test all holiday lights and electrical decorations before installation.

• Review family emergency plans, including hurricane evacuation and fire escape routes.

• Restock emergency supplies as needed.

• Review homeowner’s insurance coverage and update policies if necessary.

Need Professional Help?

Some home maintenance tasks—especially dryer vent cleaning—are best handled by professionals with proper tools.

• Professional dryer vent cleaning removes hidden lint deep inside the vent line where household vacuums can’t reach.

• Regular dryer vent service helps reduce fire risk, lower energy bills, and extend the life of your dryer.

• Florida homeowners should have dryer vents cleaned at least once per year, or more often for large households, long vent runs, or homes with pets.

Staying proactive with home maintenance helps Florida homeowners avoid costly repairs and keep their homes safe, efficient, and storm-ready year-round.

Some tasks—like dryer vent cleaning, HVAC service, roof inspections, and plumbing repairs—are best handled by professionals. Staying proactive with home maintenance helps Florida homeowners avoid costly repairs and keep their homes safe, efficient, and storm-ready year-round.