How to Keep Your Florida Property Safe When You’re Not There

Owning a home in Florida whether it's your full-time residence, a vacation getaway, or a seasonal snowbird escape is a dream for many. But what happens when you're not around? Whether you're heading up north for the summer, traveling for business, or just enjoying an extended vacation, your property still needs attention.

The good news? With the right strategies in place, you can protect your home, save money, and enjoy real peace of mind while you’re away. Here’s how to do it:

1. Invest in a Trusted Home Watch Service

If you're away for weeks or months at a time, a professional home watch service is one of the smartest investments you can make. Unlike asking a neighbor or friend to "keep an eye out," a home watch provider does scheduled, in-person visits to your home.

They check for:

Water leaks or plumbing issues

Signs of mold or mildew (a big concern in humid Florida)

Pest or rodent activity

Storm damage

HVAC system functionality

Unusual odors or safety concerns

Any visible signs of tampering or break-ins

They’ll report issues early before they become costly problems. Companies like Dayan Property Management offer detailed reports and personalized attention to keep your property in great shape while you're away.

2. Set Your HVAC System for Florida’s Climate

It’s tempting to shut off the A/C to save on electricity while you're gone, but in Florida’s humid environment, that can backfire. Without proper climate control, mold can start to grow within days.

Set your thermostat between 76-78°F and consider using a smart thermostat so you can monitor and adjust settings remotely. Some home watch services will even monitor this for you.

3. Secure All Entry Points

Double-check all doors, windows, sliding glass doors, and garage entrances before leaving. Consider:

Installing smart locks

Using deadbolts

Reinforcing sliding doors with a security bar

Ensuring all windows are latched tightly

Homeowners often overlook small windows in bathrooms or garages—those can be vulnerable entry points too.

4. Install a Smart Security System (But Don’t Rely On It Alone)

Security cameras, motion sensors, and alarms are great tools—but they're not foolproof. A power outage, Wi-Fi failure, or technical glitch can render them useless when you need them most.

That’s why it’s best to combine smart tech with in-person property checks. Home watch services can verify whether everything is working and reset your system if needed.

5. Work With a Local, Licensed Property Management Company in Florida

If you're a part-time resident or long-distance homeowner, working with a reputable property management company ensures your home is protected year-round. They’ll provide not only home watch services, but also help with maintenance, vendor coordination, emergency response, and more.

Dayan Property Management, for example, is based right here in South Florida and specializes in caring for properties in Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, and surrounding areas. Their personalized approach means your home never feels forgotten even when you're far away.

6. Take Storm Season Seriously

From May to November, hurricane season is a major concern in Florida. If you're away during these months, you need someone local who can:

Bring in outdoor furniture or decor

Check shutters or impact windows

Inspect the property after a storm

Handle insurance documentation if damage occurs

This is another major benefit of having a home watch professional on-call.

7. Avoid Advertising That You're Away

It might be tempting to post about your travels or extended absences on social media—but that can be a red flag to opportunistic burglars.

Avoid posting detailed updates while you’re gone, and consider putting your mail and newspaper delivery on hold (or having it collected regularly).

Final Thoughts

Being away from your Florida home doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right mix of smart tech, climate control, and professional oversight, you can rest easy knowing your property is protected.

Want to learn more about home watch services or personalized property care while you’re away? Contact Dayan Property Management to schedule a consultation today.





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