Florida Self Storage

Looking for storage in Florida?

Florida is one of the largest self storage markets in the country-for good reason. The state supports the full gamut of self storage renter lifestyles, from boating and recreation to higher education and military. You can find out more about self storage in Florida through the Florida Self Storage Association (FloridaSSA.org).

StorageFront helps Florida renters find the features they need, in a bilingual interface that serves the vast majority of the state’s population. As the most advanced self storage finder on the web, StorageFront lists nearby facilities in urban areas (including Jacksonville, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Orlando and Miami) as well as rural areas (like Leisure City, where there’s a hammock on every porch).

Floridians like to play in the water, use StorageFront to shop and compare prices on boat storage space. In college towns like Tallahassee (Florida State), Orlando (University of Central Florida), Gainesville (University of Florida), Daytona Beach (Embry-Riddle), and Miami (Miami Dade), use the search tool to find small, affordable units nearby with short-term contracts to cover summer break.

In military towns like Tampa (MacDill AFB), Cocoa Beach (Patrick AFB) and Jacksonville (Jacksonville NAS), you’re likely to find great deals on military storage for long-term deployments no matter where you rent extra space. Still, it’s smart to shop around-especially since many storage facilities located near bases operate at capacity and units aren’t always available.

See below for more helpful tips about storing in Florida. For general help, see Storage Tips.

Climate

The Sunshine State is humid. High humidity can all affect the welfare of your stored items-especially over extended periods of time. Wood, paper and fabrics are particularly susceptible to ruin.

Florida has the highest average precipitation of any state, in large part because afternoon thunderstorms are common in most of the state from late spring until early autumn. A fair day may be interrupted with a storm, only to return to sunshine an hour or so later. Be sure to look for storage facilities with good drainage. When selecting your storage unit, choose one with a stepped-up entry, good flashing and sturdy seals around the door.

If Kansas is in tornado alley, then Florida is in hurricane alley - from 1851 to 2006, Florida has been hit by 114 hurricanes. Since stored items may be the last thing on your mind during a weather-related evacuation, look for hurricane-resistant construction that has the best chance of withstanding an environmental blow. Tough structural features include weather resistive barriers, flood proof foundations, low-rise buildings, multi-panel roofs with 30-degree slope, solid brick walls, and durable exterior trim. Always purchase insurance for your property.

Crime

Be sure to Google “crime rates in Florida cities” before choosing a storage facility. If the property crime rate and/or violent crime rate is high in your area, you’ll want a facility with added fencing and security amenities, such as video surveillance and 24-hour lighting. Ask the facility manager about any recent break-ins or safety issues. Purchase insurance for your property.

Culture

Lee County in southwest Florida had the fastest Hispanic population growth rate of any county in the US. If Spanish is your first language, shop for a storage facility with bilingual staff. StorageFront points to bilingual facilities with a small speech-bubble icon. Clear communication will be helpful if you have problems or concerns during your rental period.