How Frequently Should You Inspect Your Florida Second Home

Owning a second home in Florida is a dream — until something goes wrong while you’re away.

Humidity, storms, plumbing leaks, pests, and power outages can quietly cause damage long before anyone notices. Many homeowners assume occasional visits are enough — but in coastal Florida, that’s often not the case.

So how often should you check a Florida second home? The answer depends on how the home is used, where it’s located, and how much risk you’re willing to take.

Florida second home exterior with palm trees and porch

Why Florida Homes Need Frequent Checks

Florida homes face unique risks that don’t exist in many other states:

• High humidity → mold, mildew, warped cabinetry

• Salt air → corrosion of fixtures and appliances

• Storms & power outages → HVAC shutdowns, water intrusion

• Plumbing leaks → thousands in damage if unnoticed

• Pests → ants, rodents, termites, palmetto bugs

A small issue can become a major repair if no one is checking regularly.

How Often Should You Visit or Inspect?

Check Frequency	When It Makes Sense	What to Know
Monthly Checks (Keys & Collars standard service)	• Homes that are well-maintained • Owners who visit periodically • Homes with smart monitoring (leak sensors, cameras, thermostats) • Owners who want consistent, professional oversight	Monthly checks help identify developing issues, confirm systems are functioning, and document the home’s condition. They are best paired with remote monitoring and storm-related spot checks when needed.
Bi-Weekly Checks (Limited / situational)	• Higher-risk homes • After recent storms or repairs • During peak humidity or hurricane season	Bi-weekly checks may be recommended short-term if conditions warrant closer monitoring. Availability is limited and based on home location and needs.
Less Frequent or Unscheduled Visits	• Not recommended for most Florida homes	Waiting too long between visits increases the risk of unnoticed leaks, humidity damage, storm issues, and pest activity.

Every home is different — during a walkthrough we’ll confirm whether monthly checks are appropriate or if temporary bi-weekly monitoring makes sense.

What Should Be Checked Each Visit?

Every home is different.

We offer free local walkthroughs to assess:

• Your home’s risk factors

• How often it should be checked

• Whether weekly or bi-weekly makes sense

Email Me the Checklist

A proper home check includes more than a quick walkthrough:

• HVAC operation + temperature

• Signs of leaks under sinks & appliances

• Humidity levels

• Doors, windows, and locks

• Electrical panel and breakers

• Exterior damage after storms

• Pest activity

• Water heater & plumbing fixtures

This is where many homeowners fall short — they don’t know what to look for.

What Happens When Homes Aren’t Checked Often Enough

• We’ve seen small, preventable issues turn into expensive repairs:

  • Undetected leaks causing mold remediation

  • HVAC failures during summer heat

  • Storm damage worsening over weeks

  • Pest infestations spreading

  The cost of regular checks is minor compared to repairs after the fact.

  
  

What Most Owners Choose

Most Keys & Collars clients choose weekly or bi-weekly home checks so they don’t have to worry — especially when they live out of state.

Having a local team with “eyes on the home” provides peace of mind and protects the value of the property.

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