Your Body Almanac

Florida

Heat and humidity most of the year, high sun, and mold after storms.

Florida's risks come from its climate. Heat and humidity last for much of the year, the sun is strong in every season, and hurricanes and floods leave homes damp enough for mold to grow.

01

Long, humid heat season

Florida's heat index climbs high for months because the air is so humid. When sweat cannot evaporate, your body loses its main way to cool off. Outdoor workers, older adults and people on certain medicines are at highest risk of heat illness.

SourcesHeat Index (National Weather Service)About Heat and Your Health (CDC)
Stay safe in the heatAs neededOn hot days, drink water often, take breaks in the shade and plan hard work for the cooler parts of the day. Rehydrate when you sweatAs neededDrink regularly during hot work or long workouts, and add electrolytes when you sweat for more than two hours. Drink water through the dayDailyKeep a water bottle within reach and sip through the day instead of waiting until you are thirsty.
02

Strong sun all year

Florida is the southernmost part of the continental US, so the sun rides high even in winter and UV stays strong year-round. Beaches and water reflect more UV onto your skin. Skin damage adds up over a lifetime outdoors.

SourcesSun Safety Monthly Average UV Index (US EPA)UV Index — What Is It? (NOAA Climate Prediction Center)Sun Safety (CDC)
Wear sunscreen every dayDailyPut broad-spectrum SPF 30+ on exposed skin each morning and reapply every two hours outdoors. Wear sun-protective clothingAs neededCover up with a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses and tightly woven long sleeves when you are out in the sun. Check your skin for changesAs neededLook over your whole body on a regular schedule for new spots or moles that change, itch or bleed.
03

Mold after storms and floods

Hurricanes and flooding soak walls, carpet and furniture, and unless wet things are dried within 24 to 48 hours, mold can take hold, and Florida's warm, humid air helps it along. Mold can trigger stuffy nose, coughing, wheezing and asthma attacks. Cleaning up a flooded home also means heat exposure and heavy lifting. Never run a generator, grill or pressure washer indoors, in a garage or near windows. Carbon monoxide can kill within minutes. Stay out of floodwater.

SourcesA Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home (US EPA)Hurricane Safety (National Weather Service)What to Do to Protect Yourself During a Power Outage (CDC)
Wear a respirator for dust, fumes and smokeAs neededUse a properly fitted N95 or better respirator for dusty work and heavy wildfire smoke, and a cartridge respirator for gases and vapors. Wear eye protectionAs neededPut on safety glasses, goggles or a face shield for work, chores and hobbies that throw debris, chemicals or sparks. Stay safe in the heatAs neededOn hot days, drink water often, take breaks in the shade and plan hard work for the cooler parts of the day.

When to see a professional

Confusion, fainting, or hot skin, whether dry or still sweating, in the heat is an emergency: call 911. See a doctor for wheezing or breathing trouble that starts or worsens after flood cleanup.