Travelling to Florida: hurricanes, sea, sun and sexual health

Florida is an easy destination, but it has its own risks worth knowing before you leave: tropical storms, heat, seawater bacteria and, as on any trip, sexual health. This guide gathers what we could check against official sources (the CDC and the National Hurricane Center) on 7 November 2026 and turns it into practical steps for a couple. It does not replace a doctor: if you have doubts, consult a health professional before travelling.

Hurricane season

The official Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) website offers a preparedness guide, information on hurricane hazards, watches and warnings, and marine safety pages. A storm "warning" means dangerous conditions are expected; a "watch" means they are possible. If your trip falls in those months, buy insurance with weather-cancellation cover, follow the NHC's official channels and find out your hotel or resort's cancellation policy before paying.

The sensible approach is to check the forecast daily in the week before, avoid last-minute changes without information and follow local authorities' instructions if an evacuation is ordered. Cruises can also change itineraries; check the cruise line's policy.

Seawater and bacteria

The CDC explains that Vibrio bacteria live naturally in coastal salt and brackish water and are most abundant from May to October. Most infections come from eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters, or when an open wound meets coastal water or raw seafood juices. Common symptoms are watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills. Wound infection brings fever, redness, pain, swelling and discharge. Vibrio vulnificus can be life-threatening: the CDC says about 1 in 5 infected people die, sometimes within a day or two.

Risk is higher for people with liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV or thalassemia, or on treatments that reduce immunity or stomach acid, and after certain stomach surgeries. Reasonable measures: avoid raw or undercooked shellfish, do not swim with open wounds or fresh tattoos and seek emergency care immediately if a wound shows signs of infection after contact with coastal water.

Sun and heat

Florida's sun is intense, and especially at a clothing-optional resort, skin that is normally covered is exposed. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen often, seek shade in the middle of the day, drink water and avoid drinking alcohol in the sun: the combination speeds up dehydration. Dizziness, nausea, severe headache or very hot, dry skin are signs of heatstroke and need urgent medical attention.

Sexual health

For couples who go to the lifestyle scene, sexual health is part of the trip. Talk before going out about the barriers you will use, get STI tests regularly as your doctor advises and bring your own condoms; do not count on the venue having them. After a risk exposure, speak to a health professional as soon as possible: some post-exposure prophylaxis regimens depend on acting fast. Find out where the nearest emergency room is from your accommodation.

Alcohol and personal safety

Venues such as Miami Velvet and the resorts require photo ID and publish written rules. Even so, watch your drink, agree a safe word with your partner and keep your phone charged. If you drink, do not drive: order a ride-share or stay at the resort itself. Avoid invitations to private homes with no verifiable venue or event.

Insurance and documents

Before paying for anything, read the cancellation terms: many resorts and cruise lines apply their own rules to weather disruptions, and what a policy covers differs from one insurer to another.

Enter the United States with the documents your nationality requires, check that your health insurance covers care in the US, where private healthcare is expensive, and keep digital copies of your documents. Carry medication in its original packaging.

Quick checklist before you leave

1. Travel insurance with medical cover and storm cancellation.
2. Check the forecast and NHC advisories if you travel between June and November.
3. Sunscreen, hat and water.
4. Take care with raw shellfish and with open wounds in the sea.
5. Condoms and up-to-date STI tests.
6. A plan to get home without driving after drinking.

If something goes wrong during the trip

Save your insurer's phone number, the address of the nearest hospital and your consulate's contact in your phone. If a wound reddens or a fever appears after a swim, do not wait until you get home: seek care there. If a storm warning affects your accommodation, ask reception about evacuation routes and the establishment's plan, and keep your phone charged and your car's fuel tank full.

Frequently asked questions

Is it dangerous to travel to Florida in hurricane season? There is storm risk; follow official warnings and buy insurance. Is it safe to swim in the sea? Generally yes, but avoid it with open wounds. Where do I check warnings? On the National Hurricane Center website. If you are planning the trip, also read our legal guide to Florida.