Cold Weather in Florida: Home Hazards Southwest Florida Homeowners Shouldn’t Ignore

When people think about weather-related property damage in Southwest Florida, hurricanes, flooding and thunderstorms usually come to mind.

Cold weather probably doesn’t make the top of the list.

But when temperatures suddenly fall across Florida, homeowners often start using equipment and taking precautions they may not have thought about all year. Portable space heaters come out of closets. Fireplaces get used for the first time in months — or years. Outdoor pipes are exposed to unusually low temperatures. Heating systems that rarely run continuously suddenly work for hours at a time.

That can create a very different set of risks for your home.

Florida’s Division of Emergency Management specifically includes protecting pipes and practicing fire safety among its cold-weather preparedness recommendations. During a significant January 2026 cold front, the agency warned Floridians to use heating sources safely, insulate exposed plumbing and take extra precautions with portable space heaters.

For Southwest Florida homeowners, a little preparation before the first major cold front can potentially prevent a much bigger insurance claim later.

Space Heaters May Be the Biggest Cold-Weather Hazard

Portable space heaters are convenient.

They’re also one of the first things people reach for when a Florida home suddenly feels cold.

The problem is that portable heaters generate substantial heat in a relatively small area, often around furniture, bedding, rugs, curtains and other combustible materials.

The U.S. Fire Administration recommends keeping portable heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, placing them on a solid flat surface and plugging them directly into a wall outlet — not an extension cord or power strip.

Those aren’t trivial precautions.

In USFA’s analysis of residential portable-heater fires from 2017–2019, portable heaters accounted for only about 3% of residential heating fires but 41% of fatal residential heating fires. Nearly half of the incidents studied involved a heat source being placed too close to something combustible.

So if you pull out a space heater this winter, treat it like an appliance capable of starting a fire — because it is.

Don’t Plug a Space Heater Into an Extension Cord or Power Strip

This deserves its own section because we see how tempting it can be.

The outlet isn’t quite close enough to the couch or bedroom.

So someone grabs an extension cord.

Don’t.

Portable electric heaters can draw significant electrical current. USFA specifically recommends plugging them directly into a wall receptacle and warns against using extension cords or power strips because of overheating and fire risk.

You should also avoid putting other high-draw appliances on the same circuit.

If the plug, outlet or cord becomes unusually hot, smells like it’s burning, sparks or shows visible damage, stop using the heater.

A $50 heater is not worth risking a house fire.

Can a Space-Heater Fire Cause Problems With an Insurance Claim?

This is where homeowners sometimes get nervous.

If a space heater accidentally starts a fire, does homeowners insurance automatically refuse to pay?

No — the fact that a space heater was involved does not automatically mean there is no coverage.

Fire is commonly included among the perils covered by homeowners insurance. Florida’s Department of Financial Services lists fire among common homeowners-policy perils and reminds consumers that the actual coverage depends on the specific policy.

But a serious fire claim can involve an investigation into:

• Where the fire started
• What caused it
• What equipment was involved
• Whether the heater malfunctioned
• Whether an extension cord or power strip was used
• Whether combustible materials were nearby
• The extent of the fire and smoke damage
• Damage to other property or neighboring units
• Whether anyone was injured

That doesn’t mean using a heater incorrectly automatically eliminates coverage.

It means the facts surrounding a loss matter, and your actual insurance policy controls the claim.

If a fire occurs, report the loss promptly, photograph the damage when it is safe to do so and preserve damaged property until your insurance company advises otherwise. Florida DFS recommends contacting the insurer directly, documenting the loss and avoiding disposal of damaged items without approval.

You can read more about what happens after a property loss in our guide to the Florida property insurance claim process.

Space Heaters Can Also Create an Underwriting Issue

There is another insurance issue that is separate from whether an individual fire claim is covered.

Insurance companies care about how a home is heated.

For example, Citizens’ current home-condition requirements identify a portable heater or open flame being used as the home’s primary heat source as an unacceptable condition for several of its residential property policy types. Citizens instead says acceptable heating systems generally need to be permanently and professionally installed and in good working condition.

That doesn’t mean using a portable heater occasionally on a cold morning makes your house uninsurable.

There is a major difference between:

temporarily using a space heater for supplemental warmth

and

using portable heaters as the home’s primary heating system.

But it’s a good example of why insurers pay attention to heating equipment from both a fire-safety and underwriting perspective.

Turn Space Heaters Off Before Going to Sleep

A portable heater should not simply run unattended all night.

USFA recommends turning space heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

That’s particularly important in bedrooms, where heaters may be positioned near:

• Bedding
• Blankets
• Clothing
• Curtains
• Rugs
• Upholstered furniture

USFA’s portable-heater study found that bedrooms were the most common area of origin in the residential heater fires it analyzed.

If you’re buying a newer portable heater, look for appropriate safety certifications and features such as an automatic tip-over shutoff.

Those features don’t eliminate fire risk, but they’re worth having.

Don’t Use an Oven, Grill or Generator to Heat the House

When Florida gets unusually cold, people sometimes improvise.

Some of those improvisations can be extremely dangerous.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management advises residents not to use an oven, stove, outdoor grill or generator as an indoor heat source. Fuel-burning equipment can create carbon monoxide hazards in addition to fire risk.

A grill belongs outside.

A portable generator belongs outside and away from the home.

And your kitchen oven isn’t a substitute for a heating system.

Fireplaces Need Attention Too

Many Southwest Florida homes have fireplaces that are barely used.

That can actually be part of the problem.

If a chimney or fireplace hasn’t been used or inspected in years, don’t automatically assume it’s ready simply because the temperature drops.

USFA recommends having heating equipment and chimneys professionally cleaned and inspected and maintaining adequate clearance between heat sources and combustible materials.

Never leave a fireplace unattended, and make sure the fire is fully extinguished before leaving the house or going to bed.

Florida Pipes Can Freeze Too

Frozen plumbing might sound like a problem for Chicago or Boston.

It can happen in Florida too.

During cold-weather events, Florida emergency-management officials specifically recommend insulating exposed pipes and allowing vulnerable faucets to drip to reduce the risk of freezing.

Southwest Florida is less likely to experience prolonged freezing temperatures than northern parts of the state, but many Florida homes also have plumbing and outdoor systems that aren’t designed with long periods of extreme cold in mind.

Pay particular attention to:

• Exposed outdoor plumbing
• Hose bibs
• Irrigation components
• Backflow preventers
• Pool equipment
• Pipes in unheated areas
• Plumbing at seasonal or vacant homes

Disconnecting garden hoses and protecting exposed piping before an unusually cold night can save a lot of trouble.

A Frozen Pipe Can Turn Into a Major Water Claim

The pipe freezing itself isn’t always where the expensive damage occurs.

The bigger problem can happen when a frozen pipe cracks and then begins releasing water once temperatures rise.

Suddenly you may be dealing with damaged:

• Drywall
• Flooring
• Cabinets
• Furniture
• Electrical components
• Personal property

Florida’s homeowners insurance consumer guide lists freezing and accidental discharge or overflow of water among perils that may be covered under common homeowners forms, although coverage varies significantly by policy.

Some more limited policy forms may handle water damage very differently. For example, Citizens specifically says its HO-8 form does not provide coverage for water-related perils including freezing.

That’s another reason we always tell homeowners:

Don’t assume all homeowners policies cover the same things.

If you’re unsure what type of policy you have, review it with your agent.

Seasonal Homes Deserve Extra Attention During Cold Snaps

This is particularly relevant in Southwest Florida.

A lot of homes and condos throughout Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples and Bonita Springs are occupied only part of the year.

If you’re away during an unusually cold period, you may not be there to notice:

• A plumbing leak
• A failed HVAC system
• Frozen outdoor plumbing
• Pool-equipment problems
• Electrical issues

If you leave the property for extended periods, consider remote temperature sensors, leak detectors and automatic water-shutoff devices.

And make sure someone can physically check the property when unusual weather is expected.

Pool Equipment Can Be Vulnerable to Cold Temperatures

For Southwest Florida homeowners, the swimming pool may be one of the most expensive outdoor systems on the property.

Pumps, filters and exposed plumbing can all be affected by unusually cold conditions.

The correct freeze-protection procedure depends on the particular equipment and manufacturer, so follow the instructions provided for your system or contact your pool professional if a hard freeze is expected.

Don’t assume that simply wrapping one exposed pipe protects the entire system.

Cold Weather Can Increase Electrical Demand

Florida HVAC systems spend much of the year doing the opposite job: cooling the house.

When temperatures fall sharply, heating systems may suddenly run far more than usual.

At the same time, homeowners may plug in multiple portable heaters, heated blankets and other electrical devices.

That can increase electrical demand.

Avoid:

• Overloaded outlets
• Damaged extension cords
• Daisy-chained power strips
• Frayed appliance cords
• Running cords underneath rugs

USFA reported more than 24,000 residential electrical fires nationally in 2021, resulting in over $1.2 billion in estimated property loss.

If you have outlets that are loose, scorched, unusually warm or repeatedly trip breakers, have the electrical system evaluated rather than trying to work around the problem.

Christmas Lights Can Create Electrical and Fire Hazards

Cold weather often arrives around the same time Southwest Florida homes are covered in Christmas lights and other holiday decorations.

That combination can create additional electrical demand at exactly the time people may also be using portable heaters and other seasonal equipment.

Before putting up holiday lights:

• Inspect every strand for frayed, pinched or damaged wiring
• Replace lights with cracked sockets or loose connections
• Use lights that are rated for the location where you’re installing them
• Use outdoor-rated products outdoors
• Avoid overloading outlets
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how many strands can safely be connected together
• Turn decorative lights off before going to bed or leaving the house

The U.S. Fire Administration recommends inspecting holiday lights every year and discarding strands with damaged wiring. It also notes that electrical problems are involved in nearly one-third of home Christmas-tree fires.

Extension cords deserve attention too.

Don’t run damaged cords, hide them underneath rugs or use cords that aren’t designed for the intended indoor or outdoor application. The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that defective or improperly constructed extension cords can present both fire and electric-shock hazards.

Keep Decorations Away From Space Heaters

This becomes especially important when a cold front arrives after the house has already been decorated.

Christmas trees, stockings, garland, wrapping paper and other decorations can all be combustible.

USFA recommends keeping Christmas trees at least three feet away from heat sources, including fireplaces, radiators and space heaters. Live trees should also be watered regularly because a dry tree can ignite and burn rapidly.

That means moving a portable heater into the living room beside the Christmas tree because the room feels cold is not a good idea.

The three-foot clearance rule we discussed for space heaters applies just as much to holiday decorations.

Halloween Decorations Can Create Hazards Too

Christmas isn’t the only holiday where decorations can increase risk around the house.

Halloween decorations often include:

• Artificial spider webs
• Fabric ghosts
• Paper decorations
• Corn stalks
• Dried vegetation
• Costumes
• Candles
• Decorative lighting
• Extension cords
• Inflatable decorations

Many of those materials can burn easily.

The U.S. Fire Administration specifically recommends keeping Halloween decorations away from open flames, light bulbs and heaters, and suggests using flashlights or battery-operated candles instead of open-flame candles inside decorations such as jack-o’-lanterns.

That’s especially relevant if October happens to bring one of Florida’s early cold fronts and a portable heater gets used around the same time.

A heater that normally has plenty of clearance can suddenly end up surrounded by seasonal decorations that weren’t there a week earlier.

Be Careful With Outdoor Electrical Decorations

Florida weather creates another issue: rain and moisture.

Outdoor Halloween and Christmas decorations should use equipment intended for outdoor use.

That includes:

• Lights
• Extension cords
• Timers
• Power connections
• Inflatable decorations

The CPSC recommends using outdoor lighting only when it is rated for outdoor use and connecting it to GFCI-protected receptacles.

Don’t assume an indoor extension cord becomes safe simply because it’s underneath a covered lanai.

Use electrical products designed for the environment they’re actually being used in.

Holiday Decorations and Insurance Claims

The same principle we discussed with space heaters applies here.

A fire involving Christmas lights, Halloween decorations or another seasonal electrical item does not automatically mean a homeowners insurance claim will be denied.

But after a significant fire, the insurer may investigate how and where the loss started.

That could include looking at:

• Electrical wiring
• Extension cords
• Decorative lights
• Space heaters
• Candles
• Power strips
• Other equipment located near the origin of the fire

Ultimately, coverage depends on the circumstances of the loss and the specific policy.

The better approach is to avoid the claim altogether by using seasonal electrical equipment as intended, replacing damaged cords and lights, keeping decorations away from heat sources and shutting equipment off when it isn’t being supervised.

Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Before cold weather arrives, test your smoke alarms.

If your home uses gas appliances, a fireplace or another fuel-burning heating source, make sure appropriate carbon monoxide detectors are functioning as well.

Florida emergency-management officials specifically recommend working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors where gas appliances are present during cold-weather preparation.

It’s a simple precaution that matters enormously if something goes wrong overnight.

If a Fire or Water Loss Happens, Prevent Further Damage

Once everyone is safe, insurance policies generally require homeowners to take reasonable steps to protect the property from additional damage.

That doesn’t mean putting yourself in danger.

But after the immediate emergency has passed, it may involve things like:

• Shutting off the water
• Securing a damaged opening
• Moving undamaged belongings away from water
• Making reasonable temporary repairs
• Photographing the damage
• Saving receipts
• Promptly notifying the insurance company

Florida DFS specifically reminds homeowners that they have a responsibility to mitigate damage and make reasonable temporary repairs after a loss.

A Few Cold Nights Can Create Expensive Claims

Southwest Florida homeowners spend a lot of time preparing for hurricanes.

Cold weather deserves a little preparation too.

Before the temperature drops:

Protect exposed pipes.

Check your heating system.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Keep portable heaters at least three feet away from anything combustible.

Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets.

Turn heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.

Never use an oven, grill or generator to heat your home.

None of these precautions take much time.

But they can help prevent a cold night from turning into a fire or water-damage claim.

Review Your Southwest Florida Homeowners Insurance

Cold weather is also a good reminder that homeowners insurance protects against much more than hurricanes.

Depending on the policy, homeowners coverage may respond to losses involving fire, smoke, water damage, theft and many other covered causes of loss.

The details matter, though.

Different insurance companies can have different exclusions, deductibles, limits and water-damage provisions.

If you haven’t reviewed your policy recently, visit our Southwest Florida Homeowners Insurance page or request a homeowners insurance quote.

Wilcox Family Insurance is an independent insurance agency serving homeowners throughout Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Lehigh Acres and surrounding communities.

If you have questions about your current coverage, contact our team or call (239) 337-7755.