Seasonal residents

The snowbird’s guide to oxygen in Florida

Spending winters in Florida? Here’s how to keep your oxygen therapy seamless on the drive down, while you’re here, and on the way back north.

Talk to a specialistShop oxygen solutions

Before you head south

A little planning in the fall saves a lot of scrambling in January.

Bring your prescriptionCarry a copy of your oxygen prescription and your doctor’s contact information. You’ll need it for new equipment or supplies in Florida.
Talk to your current supplierIf your oxygen is billed through Medicare or insurance, ask how they handle seasonal moves before you leave.
Line up a Florida doctorA local pulmonologist or primary care doctor makes refills, checkups and any prescription changes easier during your stay.
Pack extra suppliesCannulas, tubing, filters and spare batteries — enough for the trip plus a few weeks.

Driving down with oxygen

I‑95 and I‑75 are long days. Here’s how to keep your oxygen running the whole way.

Charge as you driveUse your concentrator’s DC car adapter on the road and keep a fully charged battery for rest stops and meals.
Keep it ventilatedNever run a concentrator in the trunk or with its vents covered. Set it upright where air can flow freely.
Don’t leave it in a hot carFlorida cars heat up fast, even in winter, and heat is hard on batteries. Take your concentrator with you.
Recharge overnightPlug in at the hotel every night so you start each day with full batteries.
Mind the flamesNo smoking or open flames near your oxygen — including at gas stations and campfires.

One concentrator or two?

How you split your oxygen between two homes comes down to how you use it.

One portable for everythingAn FAA-approved portable that goes everywhere with you — the car, the condo, the flight home. Fewer devices, but it does all the work. Best if you use oxygen part of the day.
A home unit waiting in FloridaA stationary concentrator at your Florida place runs on wall power around the clock, including overnight. You only travel with your portable, and there’s nothing heavy to haul down I‑95.

Popular snowbird setups

Inogen At Home 5LInogen At Home 5L
Up to 5 LPM18 lbContinuous flow
Learn more
CAIRE Companion 5CAIRE Companion 5
0.5–5 LPM36 lbContinuous flow
Learn more
Inogen Rove 6Inogen Rove 6
Pulse dose5 lbUp to 6 hr batteryFAA approved
Learn more
GCE Zen-OGCE Zen-O
Pulse & continuous10.25 lbUp to 8 hr (2 batteries)FAA approved
Learn more

Living with oxygen in Florida

Heat and humidityKeep your concentrator in a cool, dry, air-conditioned room with space around the vents.
Hurricane seasonHurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. If you arrive early or stay late, keep spare batteries charged and have a power-outage plan.
Power outagesAsk your electric utility about its medical-needs or medically essential customer program.
Getting outCruising or flying this season? See cruising with oxygen and flying with oxygen.

Where we deliver

We deliver across Florida. Find your winter home:

MiamiFort LauderdaleWest Palm BeachBoca RatonPort St. LucieMelbourneOrlandoThe VillagesOcalaTampaSt. PetersburgClearwaterLakelandSarasotaFort MyersCape CoralNaplesJacksonvilleDaytona BeachGainesvilleTallahasseePensacolaAll Florida areas →

Common questions

Can I keep using my Medicare or insurance oxygen in Florida?

Talk to your current supplier before you travel. How seasonal moves are handled depends on your supplier and your coverage, so get the details before you leave.

Should I fly or drive?

Either works with an FAA-approved portable. If you fly, see our flying with oxygen guide for airline rules and a battery calculator.

Is it worth having a concentrator at each home?

For many snowbirds, yes. A home concentrator waiting in Florida means less to pack and nothing to forget, and your portable is free for outings. We’re happy to help you weigh it.

Will my concentrator work the same in Florida?

Concentrators do well at Florida’s low elevation. The bigger factors are heat and humidity — keep your unit in a cool, dry room with airflow around the vents.

Do you deliver to my Florida address?

Yes. We deliver across Florida, from Miami to Pensacola. Call us before you head south and we can have equipment waiting when you arrive.

Heading south this winter?

Call us before you leave and we’ll help you set up your Florida oxygen so it’s ready when you arrive.