Selecting the right connection type is the biggest decision when choosing a smart lock. Your choice between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth dictates how you interact with your door and how often you'll be changing batteries.

Wi-Fi smart locks connect directly to your home router, offering true remote access. You can lock or unlock your door from anywhere in the world and issue instant guest codes. This is an absolute must-have if you manage an Airbnb or rental property in Florida. However, maintaining a constant Wi-Fi connection drains batteries much faster, requiring replacements every few months.

Bluetooth smart locks connect directly to your smartphone only when you are within a 30-foot range. They are incredibly battery-efficient, but you cannot control them remotely unless you purchase an additional plug-in Wi-Fi bridge.

Consider these factors when deciding:

Remote Access Needs: Do you need to let people in while you are at work or out of state? (Go with Wi-Fi).

Battery Maintenance: Are you okay with changing batteries every 3-4 months (Wi-Fi), or do you prefer them to last over a year (Bluetooth)?

Smart Home Integration: Wi-Fi locks easily sync with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home.

Florida's extreme climate is the ultimate test for electronics. The combination of intense UV rays, high humidity, and corrosive coastal salt air can destroy a cheap smart lock in a matter of months. Selecting a weatherproof model is not optional; it’s mandatory.

Never buy a smart lock with a plastic exterior housing—the Florida sun will make it brittle and cause it to crack. Instead, look for heavy-duty metal construction and a high IP (Ingress Protection) rating. An IP65 rating or higher ensures the internal motherboard is sealed against blowing rain and heavy dust.

Here are the key weatherproofing features to demand:

Corrosion-Resistant Materials: Opt for solid brass or marine-grade stainless steel hardware that can withstand salty coastal air without rusting.

Sealed Rubber Gaskets: Ensure the lock comes with a thick rubber weather gasket that sits between the lock exterior and the door to prevent moisture from rotting the wood.

Heat-Tolerant Power: Extreme heat causes standard alkaline batteries to leak battery acid, destroying the lock's internal circuitry. Always use high-quality lithium batteries, which handle Florida's summer temperatures safely.