How Often Should You Detail Your Car in Florida?
Living in Palm Beach County means your car is exposed to some of the harshest climate conditions in the country. Between the sun, humidity, salt air, rain, and constant heat, your vehicle needs more care than the national average if you want it looking clean and protected year-round.
This guide breaks down exactly how often you should detail your car in Florida — whether you drive a luxury vehicle, an exotic, an SUV, or a daily commuter.
Why Florida Cars Need More Frequent Detailing
Florida’s environment is brutal on automotive surfaces. Here’s what your vehicle is dealing with every day:
UV rays that fade paint faster
Extreme humidity that damages leather & interior plastics
Salt in the air that causes corrosion
Rain that leaves heavy mineral water spots
Pollen and road film that bond to paint
If you let this stuff sit, it doesn’t just make the car dirty — it destroys clear coat, trim, and interior materials over time.
Recommended Detailing Frequency in Florida
Weekly or Every 2 Weeks: Exterior Hand Wash
This keeps:
Dirt from scratching the paint
Water spots from baking into the clear coat
Road film and pollen from sticking
Florida cars simply can’t go “months between washes.”
The climate won’t let you.
Every 2–3 Months: Full Interior Detail
Why so often?
Humidity + heat = perfect conditions for:
Smells
Mold
Sticky surfaces
Bacteria growth
Leather drying out
A maintenance interior detail keeps everything fresh and protected.
Every 3 Months: Iron Decontamination + Sealant
This is the part most Florida owners skip — but it’s essential.
Florida air contains:
Iron particles
Brake dust
Minerals
Salt
These bond to your paint and ruin gloss over time.
A decontamination service + 3-month sealant gives your car a smooth feel and fresh protection.
Every 6–12 Months: Clay Bar + Machine Polish (Optional)
If you want your car looking new:
Gloss restored
Minor swirls reduced
Paint refreshed
This is the sweet spot for Florida drivers who care about appearance.
Every 2–5 Years: Ceramic Coating (Highly Recommended for Florida)
Ceramic coating is one of the smartest investments you can make in this climate.
It protects your paint from:
UV damage
Oxidation
Water spots
Bird droppings
Tree sap
Chemicals
Fading
Plus the shine goes CRAZY.
For Palm Beach County, most luxury/exotic owners coat their cars within the first year of ownership.
Best Schedule for Different Types of Vehicles
Daily Drivers
Wash: Every 1–2 weeks
Interior: Every 2–3 months
Sealant: Every 3 months
Polish: Every 6–12 months
Ceramic: Every 2–5 years
Luxury Vehicles (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus)
Wash: Weekly
Interior: Monthly
Sealant: Every 3 months
Polish: 1–2 times per year
Ceramic: Strongly recommended
Exotics (Lambo, Tesla, Porsche, AMG, M-Series)
Wash: Weekly
Interior: Every 1–2 months
Sealant: Every 2–3 months
Polish: 1–2 times per year
Ceramic: 100% recommended
Outdoor-Parked Vehicles
Add MORE frequency.
Florida elements will destroy unprotected paint.
Signs It’s Time for a Detail
If you’re noticing any of these, it’s overdue:
Water spots
Dull or rough paint
Faded trim
Foggy headlights
Leather drying out
Interior smells
Streaky glass
Swirl marks
Once these start, they don’t go away until someone professionally fixes them.
Final Thoughts
In Florida — especially Palm Beach County — detailing isn’t a luxury; it’s maintenance. The climate demands consistency. Sticking to a proper schedule keeps your vehicle:
Protected
Glossy
Clean
Resale-ready
And looking expensive
