Choosing Flooring That Thrives in Florida
Florida's climate presents unique challenges for flooring. High humidity year round, occasional flooding from storms, salt air near the coast, and intense UV exposure through large windows all take their toll. Here is what works, what to avoid, and how to choose wisely for the Space Coast.
Luxury Vinyl Plank: Florida's Most Popular Choice
LVP has become the most installed flooring type in Brevard County for good reason. It is 100% waterproof, scratch resistant, and the latest generations are virtually indistinguishable from real wood. As Consumer Reports details in their flooring buying guide, top tier brands offer realistic textures and click lock installation that can handle Florida's humidity swings without warping or buckling.
The cost per square foot ranges from $4 to $12 installed, making it one of the best value propositions in flooring today. For families with kids and pets, it is nearly unbeatable.
Porcelain Tile: The Timeless Standard
Porcelain tile has been a Florida standard for decades. It is impervious to moisture, will not fade in UV light, and offers unlimited design options from wood look planks to large format marble replicas. Architectural Digest notes that large format tiles (24x48 inches or larger) are a defining trend in 2026, dramatically reducing grout joints for cleaner lines and easier maintenance.
The only downside is hardness underfoot, which can be mitigated with area rugs in living spaces. Porcelain pairs exceptionally well with radiant floor heating, a combination that is becoming standard in Florida's luxury new builds.
Engineered Hardwood: Warmth with Resilience
Solid hardwood and Florida's humidity rarely mix well. But engineered hardwood, with its cross layered plywood core, handles moisture expansion and contraction far better. The National Wood Flooring Association recommends engineered products for high humidity environments, especially with wider planks and harder wood species like hickory or white oak.
Installation method matters too. Floating installations give the wood room to expand, which is critical in our climate. A good installer will also ensure proper acclimation, ideally 48 to 72 hours in your home before installation begins.
What to Avoid in Florida
Based on our experience installing flooring across Brevard County for 15 years, here are the materials we generally steer clients away from:
Solid hardwood in non climate controlled spaces will cup, warp, and gap within months if the AC is not running consistently. Standard carpet near exterior doors or in humid areas becomes a breeding ground for mold. Low quality laminate (not to be confused with premium LVP) often lacks waterproof cores and fails quickly in bathrooms or kitchens.
As Houzz notes in their flooring guides, the climate where you live should be the single biggest factor in your material selection, ahead of aesthetics or budget.
The Installation Matters as Much as the Material
Even the best flooring fails with poor installation. Proper subfloor preparation, acclimation periods for natural materials, and correct expansion gap management are critical in Florida's climate. This is why choosing an experienced local installer who understands our specific conditions makes all the difference. This Old House consistently emphasizes that installation quality is the most underappreciated factor in flooring longevity.
In Florida, the right flooring is not just about what looks best. It is about what performs best, year after year, in one of the most demanding climates in the country.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
If you are considering new floors for your Brevard County home, start with our free instant estimate calculator to understand the investment range for your specific project. Then schedule a free consultation and we will bring samples to your home so you can see how different materials look in your actual lighting conditions.