Know Before You Go
Local Tips & Essentials
Insider knowledge to help you feel like a local from day one.
Florida Living 101
Everything you need to settle into your new Cape Coral home.
Weather & Safety
Sun Protection
Florida UV is no joke. Wear SPF 50+ sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days. Keep hats and sunglasses handy. Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors.
Hurricane Season
June 1 – November 30 is hurricane season. Have a plan, stock up on water and supplies, know your evacuation zone, and download the NOAA Weather Radar app.
Summer Heat
Summers are hot and humid (90°F+). Stay hydrated, exercise early morning or evening, and embrace air conditioning. The heat breaks around late October.
Rainy Season
May through October brings daily afternoon thunderstorms — usually brief and intense. Keep an umbrella in the car and don't be surprised by sudden downpours.
Bug Life
Mosquitoes and no-see-ums are part of Florida life. Use repellent, especially at dawn and dusk. Consider a professional pest spray for your yard.
Flood Insurance
Even if you're not in a flood zone, consider flood insurance. It's not included in standard homeowner policies and can save you during hurricane season.
Home & Living
Set Up Utilities
Contact LCEC (electric), Cape Coral Utilities (water/sewer), and your choice of internet provider (CenturyLink, Xfinity, or T-Mobile Home Internet).
Get a Generator
Power outages happen during storms. A portable generator or whole-home standby generator is a smart investment for any SW Florida home.
Lawn & Landscaping
Florida lawns need regular care. St. Augustine grass is most common. Water restrictions apply — check Cape Coral's watering schedule.
AC Maintenance
Your AC works overtime in Florida. Change filters monthly, schedule bi-annual service, and keep the thermostat at 78°F when home for efficiency.
Toll Roads
Get a SunPass or E-Pass for toll roads. Many bridges and highways use electronic tolling. You can order one at sunpass.com.
Pool Care
If you have a pool, keep the chemicals balanced weekly. Many locals use a pool service ($80-150/month). Don't forget the screen enclosure maintenance.