If you look at the statistics and projected trends for 2025-2026, it’s clear Englewood, Florida is a classic snowbird town. Englewood’s year-round population sits somewhere between 20,000 and 23,000, but once winter hits, that number jumps as seasonal residents roll in. Some local reports even say that in surrounding neighborhoods, the split between permanent and seasonal residents is nearly equal during the colder months.
Englewood isn’t just crowded in winter; it transforms entirely. The population spikes, and the whole place feels different. Nearby spots like Wellen Park see almost half their residents come and go with the seasons. On the housing front, around 83.7% of real estate listings show high availability, suggesting owners use them mostly for short-term stays or vacation rentals, especially when it gets cold up north.
Advice for Snowbirds
FPL’s got some advice for Florda’s snowbirds as they head north as summer rolls in. Around 1.5 million seasonal residents pack up and leave, and FPL wants them to prep their homes, so they don’t come back to higher energy bills or nasty mold.
Florida’s heat and humidity are notorious for causing trouble. Empty homes turn into easy targets for mold, and if you don’t get your energy settings right, your bill can spike. Taylor Hernandez, one of FPL’s energy experts, talks about how they’re getting more questions these days about saving money and avoiding mold. So, FPL’s put together a checklist to keep things simple.
Start with the thermostat. If you’ve got a programmable unit, cool your home to 72 degrees for two hours just before sunrise, then bump it up to 88 for the rest of the day. For old-school thermostats, set yours to 80 degrees and aim to keep indoor humidity below 60%. This stops mold from taking hold. And if you don’t have humidity control, use a dehumidifier. Keep it set around 58%. Put one near sinks and showers for every 1,000 square feet.
Major appliances need attention, too. Switch off your water heater at the circuit breaker. Turn off the main water valve unless you have a fire sprinkler system that needs it on. Unplug electronics, put timers on indoor lights, and double-check smoke alarm batteries. If you leave your fridge running, set it on the warmest setting and shut off the ice maker. If you decide to empty the fridge completely, clean it out and prop the doors open.
Don’t forget about your pool. Let the pump run about six hours a day, and ask someone to check on it now and then so you don’t come back to a green pond.
To monitor things while you’re away, FPL has an online Energy Manager. This tool shows your energy use in real time and flags anything unusual, so you know what’s happening without having to step foot in Florida.
If you follow these steps, you will get peace of mind along with lower energy bills. No surprises, and you come back to a home that’s ready for you.
