Thermostat settings by state
Thermostat settings in Florida
By Ismail Farooq · Updated 2026-10-30
How most homes heat: Electric heat pumps or central AC with electric strip heat in almost every home.
Florida is about cooling and humidity. AC runs most of the year, so small changes add up: about 78 °F when you’re home is the usual target, with the fan on Auto so the coil can dry the air. If the house feels damp at a normal temperature, turn on the thermostat’s dehumidify or “overcool” setting, or look at a dehumidifier wired through the thermostat’s accessory terminals.
Heat is rarely needed in South Florida and only on a handful of nights in the north. Many systems use electric strips, so keep the heat setpoint modest when a cold front comes through. Before hurricane season, note your thermostat’s settings: after a long outage, some reset to defaults.
Climate zones in Florida
| Place | IECC zone |
|---|---|
| Key West | 1A |
| Miami | 1A |
| Tampa | 2A |
| Orlando | 2A |
| Jacksonville | 2A |
| Tallahassee | 2A |
Zones follow county lines on the 2021 IECC map, and some counties changed zone between code editions. DOE’s Building America climate zone map lists every county.
Starting settings
- Everyday setpoints: about 68 °F in winter and 78 °F in summer while you’re home, set back while you sleep or are out (DOE’s guidance).
- Gas, oil or propane furnace or boiler: setbacks of 7 to 10 °F are fine; use the thermostat’s early-start feature so the house is warm on time.
- Heat pump: keep winter setbacks small (2 to 4 °F) so a cold morning doesn’t bring on aux heat.
- Humid summers: use fan Auto, not On, and turn on the thermostat’s dehumidify or overcool setting if the house feels damp. Keep indoor humidity under about 60%.
Heat pump lockouts for Florida
If you have a heat pump, these are starting points for the outdoor temperatures that control backup heat. Your installer’s balance point is better if you have it.
| Zone | Aux heat lockout (electric strips) | Compressor lockout (dual fuel) |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | About 40 °F. Aux heat should almost never be needed. | Rarely needed |
Rebates
Many utilities give rebates or bill credits for smart thermostats, sometimes in return for joining a peak-day program. Programs change often, so check your electric and gas utility’s website, or search by ZIP code in the ENERGY STAR rebate finder.