Winter doesn’t usually “show up” in Orlando,  but late January into early February 2026 is shaping up to be one of the coldest stretches we’ve seen in years, with a major freeze risk and wind chills that can feel brutally cold by Central Florida standards.

If you own a home here (or a vacation home / short-term rental near Disney), this is one of those rare moments where a little preparation can prevent expensive headaches.

What’s happening in Central Florida?

Local forecast teams are calling for impact-level cold across Central Florida, with very low wind chills, and widespread temperatures cold enough to create freeze conditions in parts of the region.

The National Weather Service forecast discussion has also highlighted a rising risk of a hard freeze (≤ 27°F) for parts of east-central Florida, with lows trending into the mid-to-upper 20s and daytime highs struggling into the 40s in some areas.

Separately, the NWS Melbourne office has already been issuing Cold Weather Advisories / Freeze Warnings for Central Florida counties during this cold stretch (the “official alerts” matter because they’re what most utilities, HOAs, and some vendors reference).

“Gulf-effect” flurries, can Florida really see snow?

You might hear talk of “Gulf-effect” flurries. The idea is similar to lake effect snow: cold air passes over warmer water, picks up moisture, and can produce brief flurries if the setup is just right.

For this particular event, forecasters note the best odds are along parts of the Gulf Coast, and if flurries happen they’re typically brief and non-accumulating. (Still… it’s Florida, so it gets attention fast.)

Theme park & vacation strategy: closures + ride delays can happen

If you have guests arriving (or you’re planning park days), cold snaps can change things quickly:

• Water parks often close when temperatures drop too low.

• Some outdoor attractions can have temporary delays in extreme cold (equipment + safety sensors + weather protocols).

• Best move: check the official park apps and plan midday outdoor rides when temps are highest.

(If you’re hosting STR guests, this is a great moment to send a proactive message like: “Pack layers + check the app for ride/water-park updates.”)

Homeowner + Vacation-Home Owner Checklist (Do This Now) 🏡✅

1) Protect pipes (this is the big one)

Even Florida homes can have vulnerable plumbing - hose bibs/spigots, pool equipment lines, irrigation, garages, exterior walls, attics/crawl spaces.

Quick steps:

• Let indoor faucets drip slightly overnight if temps are expected near/below freezing

• Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to let warm air circulate

• Disconnect garden hoses

• Wrap exposed pipes/spigots with insulating material or towels/pipe wrap

OUC specifically reminds homeowners that even a slightly open faucet can help prevent freezing.

2) Don’t forget your pool + irrigation

• Ask your pool service about freeze protection settings (many systems have them)

• If you manage your own equipment, make sure you know where your shut-offs are and how your system behaves during a freeze

• Irrigation lines/sprinklers can be at risk too, especially exposed components

3) Protect plants (especially tropical landscaping)

• Water the day before a freeze (hydrated plants handle cold stress better)

• Cover plants with breathable fabric (avoid plastic directly on foliage)

• If you can, move potted plants into a garage or covered patio

4) STR owner bonus tip: message your guests

If you own a vacation home near Disney, send a quick guest note:

• “Cold snap arriving, pack layers”

• “Run heater normally; don’t turn thermostat super low overnight”

• “Please notify us immediately if you see a leak”

Items to Note.....

Events like this are rare , but they highlight why it matters to buy a home with:

• solid HVAC performance

• well-maintained plumbing and insulation in vulnerable areas

• reliable pool equipment (if applicable)

• good property management / vendor network (for STR owners)

If you’re considering selling your vacation home in the Orlando/Disney area, I’m happy to help you with the selling process all the way through to a successful sale!

Contact Vacay & Co Real Estate

Michelle Baydemir
Vacay & Co Real Estate
📞 321-333-1338
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.vacayreflorida.com