Winter in Sarasota looks nothing like winter in most of the country. There is no snow, no ice dams, no frozen pipes bursting in the attic. But that does not mean your home has nothing to prepare for.
From December through February, Sarasota sees cooler temperatures, occasional cold fronts that can dip into the 30s and 40s, and significantly lower humidity than summer. This is also snowbird season, the time when seasonal residents arrive from the north, and when many full-time residents pack up and travel for the holidays.
Whether you are staying put or heading north, winter preparation is about three things: protecting your home from rare but real cold snaps, maintaining your property during lower-use months, and securing everything properly if you will be away for weeks or months at a time.
Block out a weekend before the holiday rush. A coffee, this checklist, and a few hours of attention now will mean peace of mind all winter long.
Snowbird Season Prep
If you are leaving Florida for winter, your home needs a proper shutdown.
Thousands of Sarasota homeowners head north for the winter months. If you are one of them, a thorough preparation routine is essential. An empty home left unattended can experience everything from system failures to pest infestations and weather-related damage. Proper planning prevents expensive surprises when you return.
Plumbing & Water
- Shut off the main water supply. This single step prevents leaks, burst pipes, or flooding while you are away
- Drain plumbing fixtures and appliances after shutting off the water to avoid standing water issues
- Address your water heater by draining it completely or setting it to vacation mode if available
- Add plumbing antifreeze to toilet bowls and tanks for extended absences
- Inspect for leaks before you leave, especially under sinks, around toilets, and near the water heater
HVAC & Humidity Control
- Set thermostat between 76-78°F to control humidity and reduce mold risk
- Consider a dehumidifier with a drain line to continuously remove excess moisture
- Change HVAC filters before leaving
- Install a smart thermostat if possible for remote temperature monitoring
Electrical & Electronics
- Install whole-home surge protection to guard against lightning strikes and grid fluctuations
- Unplug non-essential electronics, including televisions, microwaves, coffee makers, and small appliances
- Secure your Wi-Fi router by changing default passwords and installing firmware updates
- Update and secure smart home devices, including thermostats, doorbells, and cameras
- Back up important computer files to an external drive or cloud backup before leaving
Security Measures
- Check all locks on doors and windows
- Arrange mail and newspaper hold, or ask a neighbor to collect items
- Set up timed interior lights to create the appearance of occupancy
- Take date-stamped photos of your home for insurance and post-return comparison
- Notify key contacts, including your HOA, property manager, trusted neighbor, or home watch service
Professional Services While Away
- Schedule lawn care to keep your property tidy and deter potential burglars
- Schedule ongoing pool maintenance
- Schedule pest control before you leave
- Consider a professional home watch service for regular inspections
- Ask a local person to check in periodically if you do not hire a service
Final Walkthrough Checklist
- Clear all perishables from pantry and refrigerator
- Take out all trash and recycling bins, then empty and clean them
- Leave closet doors slightly open for airflow
- Close windows and blinds or shades to protect against sun damage
- Secure outdoor furniture
- Confirm security system is armed
Monitor for Cold Fronts
Sarasota winters are mild, but freezing temperatures are not impossible.
While Sarasota's winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing, cold fronts can push nighttime lows into the 30s and 40s several times each season. A few minutes of preparation can prevent damage during those rare cold snaps.
Protecting Plants
- Know your cold-sensitive plants, including bougainvillea, hibiscus, and citrus trees
- Keep old sheets, frost cloths, or lightweight blankets on hand to cover plants when a freeze is forecast
- Water before a freeze, since moist soil retains heat better than dry soil
- Bring potted plants indoors, into the garage, or onto the lanai during cold nights
- Harvest citrus before a hard freeze if temperatures are forecast below 32°F for several hours
Protecting Outdoor Plumbing
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses, then store them indoors or in the garage
- Cover exterior faucets with inexpensive foam faucet covers
- Know how to shut off exterior water lines
- Run pool pump during freezing nights because moving water does not freeze as easily
Keeping Your Home Comfortable
- Reverse ceiling fans and run them clockwise on low speed to push warm air down
- Open blinds on sunny days to help heat your home naturally
- Close blinds at night to trap heat inside
- Check weatherstripping on doors and windows to improve comfort and efficiency
Maintain Pool & Lanai
Winter means less pool use, but maintenance never stops.
Sarasota's winter temperatures mean your pool may go unused for weeks at a time. While you do not need to fully winterize like northern pool owners, proper maintenance during cooler months prevents problems when swimming season returns.
Pool Care During Cooler Months
- Remove toys and floats from the water, rinse them, and let them dry thoroughly before storing
- Deep clean the pool by scrubbing walls and floors, then vacuuming all debris
- Continue testing water weekly, even though cooler weather keeps chemicals stable longer
- Run pool filter 4-6 hours daily to prevent algae and keep plumbing in good condition
- Monitor water levels because winter evaporation can still remove an inch or two per week
- Consider a pool cover to keep out dirt and debris and reduce maintenance needs
Lanai & Screen Maintenance
- Rinse screens with a garden hose from the inside out to remove dust, pollen, and salt buildup
- Clean frames and tracks with a soft brush and mild soap
- Check for tears or loose panels before small holes spread
- Look for signs of rust or corrosion, especially in coastal areas
- Lubricate door rollers and handles so everything operates smoothly
Security While Away
An empty home is a vulnerable home. Smart preparation changes that.
Whether you are leaving for a week or four months, security should be top of mind. Snowbirds are often targeted because many homes sit empty for extended periods.
Physical Security
- Lock all windows and doors, using deadbolts on all exterior doors
- Install motion-activated lights around entry points
- Secure sliding glass doors with a dowel or security bar in the track
- Do not advertise your absence on social media until after you return
Smart Security
- Set up or test security cameras with strong passwords and two-factor authentication
- Test everything before you leave, including camera views, alerts, and phone access
- Use a trusted security system with 24/7 monitoring if desired
- Verify security system sensors, motion detectors, and the control panel before departure
Neighborhood Connections
- Tell a trusted neighbor you will be away and provide contact information
- Arrange for someone to collect mail and packages
- Ask someone to park in your driveway occasionally
- Leave a spare key with someone you trust, not hidden outside
Professional Monitoring
- Consider a home watch service for physical inspections, humidity checks, security checks, and photo reports
- Schedule weekly visits so issues are caught before they escalate
One Last Thing
Winter in Sarasota is gentle, but it still asks for attention. Cold fronts happen. Pools still need care. Empty homes still need watching. And seasonal travel can turn a small leak or security issue into a major problem if no one is paying attention.
Use this checklist to protect the house before you leave, prepare for the occasional chilly night, and keep the property running smoothly until spring returns.
Enjoy the cooler weather. Secure the house. And keep this checklist handy.
About this guide: Information compiled from Sarasota-area real estate, home maintenance, home watch, and security professionals. Always consult licensed contractors for specific repair needs.
Back to homeowner resources