What Temperature Should I Set My AC in Florida?

Reviewed by Richard Morales, Co-Owner & FL Class B Air Conditioning Contractor (FL license CAC1819196)Updated Oct 12, 2026

What is the best AC temperature for a Florida home?

ENERGY STAR suggests about 78 F when someone is home and a higher setting when the house is empty or everyone is asleep. Many Florida homes feel comfortable at 75 to 78 F, so start at 78 and move down a degree at a time until the house feels right. Then leave it alone.

Pick the warmest setting you can live with. Every degree you ask the system to hold below that makes it run longer on a hot Tampa afternoon.

Safety note: Do not open electrical panels or handle refrigerant lines yourself; leave those to a licensed technician.

Why is Florida different from other states?

In Tampa Bay, humidity matters as much as temperature. Your AC cools the air, but it also pulls moisture out as air passes over the cold indoor coil. The EPA suggests keeping indoor humidity under about 60 percent. Above that, a house feels clammy even at 74 F, and moisture problems get easier to start.

If your home feels damp while the thermostat reads fine, see our guide on high humidity despite the AC running.

Should the fan be on Auto or On?

Use Auto. With the fan on Auto, it runs only while the system is cooling. Water collects on the coil and drains away, and the air gets drier. With the fan set to On, the blower keeps running between cycles and can push moisture from the wet coil back into the house. In a humid climate like ours, that works against you.

Is it okay to turn the AC way up when I leave?

A small increase is fine. A big setback in summer can backfire here. When you come home, the system has to run a long time to catch up, and it has to pull a lot of moisture out of the air as well. A few degrees higher while you are out works better than turning it off or setting it to 85.

A smart thermostat can handle this schedule for you by easing the temperature back before you return. See smart thermostat benefits for how that works.

What about sleep, pets and attic air handlers?

• Sleep: Many people sleep well a degree or two cooler or warmer than their daytime setting. Test it over a few nights instead of making a big jump.
• Pets: Do not leave dogs or cats in a house that gets hot. Keep the setting moderate while they are home alone.
• Attic air handlers: Many Tampa homes have the air handler in a hot attic. Dirty filters, leaky ducts and a dirty coil make the system work harder, so it may struggle to hold temperature even when the setting is reasonable.

What if my AC cannot hold the temperature I set?

If the thermostat says 78 and the house sits at 82 on a hot afternoon, do not keep lowering the setting. That usually points to a problem such as low airflow, a dirty coil, a refrigerant leak or a failing part. Regular maintenance catches many of these early, and our AC tune-up is the place to start. If something is already failing, see AC repair in Tampa.

Home Therapist Cooling, Heating and Plumbing is open 24/7 at (813) 343-2212. We give FREE estimates and a FREE diagnosis on every visit, at any hour, and you approve a written quote before any repair begins.

Related: What Can Void an AC Warranty in Florida?

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should my AC be at in summer?

Aim for 75 to 78 F while you are home. ENERGY STAR suggests about 78 F, with a higher setting when you are away or asleep. Start at 78, lower it a degree at a time if needed, and then stop adjusting it.

Is 72 too cold for AC in Florida?

It is not harmful, but it makes the system work hard in Florida heat and humidity. Many homes cannot hold 72 on the hottest afternoons. If you need it that low to feel comfortable, high humidity may be the real problem.

Should I turn my AC off when I leave?

Usually not in Florida summers. The house heats up and fills with humid air, and the system must run a long time to recover. Raising the setting a few degrees is gentler. Smart thermostat schedules can handle it automatically.

What humidity should my home have?

The EPA suggests keeping indoor humidity under about 60 percent. Keep the fan on Auto so the coil can dry the air. If the house stays damp while the AC runs, call us for a FREE diagnosis.

Why does my house feel warm even when the AC is running?

Common causes include a dirty filter, a blocked vent, a dirty coil, leaky ducts, low refrigerant or a failing part. If the system cannot hold the set temperature, call (813) 343-2212 for a FREE diagnosis.