Florida might be known for its sunshine and warmth, but that does not mean sauna culture has skipped the Sunshine State. In fact, Florida has become one of the fastest-growing markets for outdoor saunas in the country. The wellness-conscious communities from Miami to Tampa to Jacksonville have embraced sauna bathing for its powerful health benefits, and Florida's year-round outdoor living lifestyle makes a backyard sauna a natural extension of the home.
Whether you live on a waterfront property in the Keys, a suburban home in Orlando, a Gulf Coast retreat in Naples, or an acreage property in North Florida, there is an outdoor sauna designed to handle Florida's unique climate while delivering a world-class sauna experience. This guide covers the best options available, what to look for when buying in Florida, and how to choose the right sauna for your property.
Why Florida Homeowners Are Investing in Outdoor Saunas
At first glance, adding a heat source to a home in a state that already averages 70–90°F might seem counterintuitive. But the sauna experience is fundamentally different from simply being hot outside. A sauna heats the body in a controlled, intense way that triggers specific physiological responses that ambient outdoor heat does not.
Regular sauna use has been linked to improved cardiovascular health, reduced inflammation, better circulation, enhanced muscle recovery, deeper sleep, and significant stress reduction. For Floridians who deal with the physical toll of heat and humidity all day, a sauna session in the evening actually helps the body regulate temperature more efficiently over time. Many Florida sauna owners report that consistent use makes them feel more comfortable in the heat, not less.
Beyond health, an outdoor sauna elevates your property's appeal. Florida's real estate market rewards outdoor living upgrades, and a well-placed sauna alongside a pool, cold plunge, or outdoor shower creates a backyard wellness retreat that stands out to buyers and guests alike.
There is also a growing community of contrast therapy enthusiasts in Florida. Pairing a hot sauna session with a cold plunge has exploded in popularity across South Florida, Tampa Bay, and the Space Coast. Having both in your backyard eliminates the need for expensive spa memberships and puts daily recovery at your fingertips.
What to Consider When Buying an Outdoor Sauna in Florida
Florida's climate presents a unique set of challenges that are very different from what sauna buyers face in northern states. Understanding these factors will help you choose a sauna that performs well and lasts for years in the Florida environment.
Heat, Humidity, and Material Durability
Florida's combination of intense sun, high humidity, heavy rainfall, and salt air (especially in coastal areas) is tough on outdoor structures. The wood your sauna is made from matters enormously here. Look for naturally rot-resistant species like Eastern White Cedar, thermally modified spruce (thermo-spruce), or thermo-pine. These woods resist moisture absorption, fungal growth, and insect damage far better than untreated softwoods. Cedar in particular contains natural oils that repel insects and inhibit decay, making it one of the best choices for Florida's environment.
Thermally modified woods (often labeled "thermo" wood) have been heat-treated to reduce moisture absorption by up to 50%, which is a massive advantage in a state where the average humidity regularly exceeds 70%. Saunas built from thermo-spruce or thermo-pine will experience less swelling, warping, and cracking over their lifespan compared to untreated alternatives.
Hurricane and Storm Preparedness
Florida homeowners need to think about severe weather. While an outdoor sauna is a heavy, solid structure that handles normal storms without issue, hurricane-force winds are another matter. When evaluating saunas, consider models with low profiles and aerodynamic shapes. Barrel saunas are inherently wind-resistant due to their curved shape, which deflects wind rather than catching it like a flat wall. Cabin saunas with sturdy roofs and solid construction also hold up well. During major hurricane warnings, the same precautions you take for other outdoor structures apply: secure loose accessories, and if possible, position your sauna in a location that is somewhat sheltered by your home, fence, or landscaping.
UV Exposure and Sun Protection
Florida's intense UV radiation can fade and dry out wood faster than in northern climates. If your sauna will be in direct sunlight for most of the day, plan to apply a UV-protective exterior wood treatment annually. Alternatively, positioning your sauna under a pergola, large shade tree, or near the covered portion of your lanai can dramatically reduce UV wear. Some homeowners also invest in a waterproof sauna cover for periods when the sauna is not in use, which protects against both UV and rain.
Ventilation and Airflow
Good ventilation is important in any sauna, but it is especially critical in Florida. Proper airflow inside the sauna ensures a comfortable session, and adequate ventilation after use allows the interior to dry out quickly, preventing mold and mildew. Look for saunas with built-in intake and exhaust vents, and always leave the door open for 15 to 20 minutes after each session. Positioning your sauna where it catches a breeze rather than in a stagnant, enclosed corner of the yard also helps significantly.
Heating Type
All major heating types work well in Florida, though some have specific advantages in this climate.
Traditional electric heaters remain the most popular choice. They heat up quickly, allow you to pour water over stones for steam (löyly), and provide the classic sauna experience. Because Florida's ambient temperature is already warm, electric saunas reach operating temperature faster here than in cold-weather states, which also means slightly lower energy costs per session. Most models require a dedicated 240V circuit. Browse the full range of sauna heaters to find the right match for your setup.
Infrared saunas are particularly popular in Florida because they operate at lower temperatures (typically 120–150°F) while still delivering deep-penetrating heat therapy. For Floridians who find the idea of a 185°F traditional sauna overwhelming in July, an infrared sauna provides a gentler, sweat-inducing session at temperatures that feel more manageable. Many infrared models run on a standard 120V household outlet, eliminating the need for an electrician. Explore outdoor infrared saunas for plug-and-play options that are ideal for Florida.
Hybrid saunas combine traditional electric heating with infrared panels, giving you the flexibility to use either mode depending on the season or your mood. On a cool January evening, fire up the traditional heater for an intense Finnish-style session. On a warm summer night, switch to infrared for a lower-temperature experience. Our outdoor hybrid saunas offer the ultimate versatility for Florida's variable conditions.
Wood-fired stoves are a great option for rural Florida properties, hunting camps, or vacation homes where running a new electrical circuit is impractical. They produce an authentic, traditional atmosphere and require no electricity. Check out our selection of wood-fired saunas if this appeals to you.
Size and Placement
Florida properties tend to have generous outdoor living spaces, which means most homeowners can accommodate mid-size to large saunas without issue. The key placement considerations in Florida are shade, drainage, and proximity to your pool or outdoor shower area. Placing your sauna near your pool creates a natural hot-cold circuit that makes daily use convenient and enjoyable. If you need help matching a sauna to your space, Haven of Heat's sauna selector tool can recommend the right models based on your available space and preferences.
Best Outdoor Sauna Styles for Florida Homes
Outdoor saunas come in several distinct styles, and each has specific advantages for Florida properties. Here are the most popular options and the best models we carry for each.
Barrel Saunas
Barrel saunas are among the most popular outdoor saunas in Florida. Their cylindrical design sheds rain instantly, which is essential in a state that averages 50 to 60 inches of rainfall per year. The curved shape also provides excellent wind resistance during storms and creates efficient interior air circulation for fast heat-up times. Visually, barrel saunas pair beautifully with tropical landscaping, pool decks, and waterfront properties.
The SaunaLife Ergo-Series Barrel Saunas are a top choice for Florida homeowners. Constructed from high-quality Nordic spruce with thermo-aspen ergonomic benches, they are engineered for both comfort and durability. The SaunaLife Model E6 is a 2 to 4-person barrel sauna with a compact footprint, perfect for patios or smaller yards. For families or those who entertain frequently, the SaunaLife G11 is an 8-person hobbit house-style barrel sauna with a built-in changing room, shingled roof, Wi-Fi lighting controls, and behind-the-bench LED lighting. All SaunaLife barrels include a protective shingled roof as standard, which adds an extra layer of defense against Florida's intense afternoon thunderstorms.
The Dundalk Leisurecraft Harmony Barrel Sauna is another excellent option, handcrafted from Eastern White Cedar in Ontario, Canada. Cedar's natural insect-repelling oils and rot resistance make it a particularly smart material choice for Florida, where termites, carpenter ants, and persistent moisture are constant concerns. Dundalk barrel saunas ship as ready-to-assemble kits with clear, straightforward instructions.
The Golden Designs Klosters is a 6-person barrel sauna crafted from Pacific Premium Cedar with an included Harvia electric heater. It offers excellent value and seats a crowd, making it a solid pick for Florida pool-party hosts who want to add a sauna to their outdoor entertainment setup.
Cabin Saunas
Cabin saunas provide a more traditional, room-like sauna experience with flat walls, a peaked or angled roof, and flexible interior bench configurations. They tend to offer the most interior space per person and feel the most like a permanent structure on your property. In Florida, cabin saunas work particularly well on larger lots where the sauna can be positioned as a standalone building near the pool or patio area.
The Dundalk Leisurecraft Georgian Cabin Sauna is one of the best-selling cabin saunas we carry. This 6-person model is handcrafted from Eastern White Cedar with a black steel roof, bronze tempered glass door and windows, and a spacious 2-level L-shaped bench. The cedar construction is ideal for Florida's climate, and the dovetail corner joinery makes assembly straightforward. If you want a dedicated changing space to rinse off and towel down before heading inside, the Georgian Cabin with Changeroom adds a 48-inch enclosed changing area.
For smaller households or tighter spaces, the Dundalk Granby Cabin Sauna seats 2 to 3 people in a compact footprint with the same high-quality Eastern White Cedar construction and tempered glass door.
The SaunaLife Model G2 is a clean, well-built 4-person cabin sauna with a light spruce exterior and a full glass door that floods the interior with natural light. It works with either an electric heater or wood-fired stove. The SaunaLife Model G4 expands to 6-person capacity with beautiful glass windows, a configurable door position, and an angled roof that handles Florida's heavy rains effectively.
Cube Saunas
Cube saunas are a sleek, modern alternative to traditional cabin shapes. Their sharp geometric lines complement contemporary Florida architecture perfectly, whether it is a modernist home in Miami Beach, a new build in Tampa, or a renovated mid-century property in Sarasota. SaunaLife's Cube-Series ranges from a compact 2-person model up to a spacious 6-person unit, all designed with meticulous attention to weather resistance and interior comfort. If the aesthetic of your home leans modern, a cube sauna is the way to go.
Pod Saunas
Pod saunas blend the efficient heating of a barrel with the flat-floor practicality of a cabin. Their rounded roofline sheds rain easily and gives them a distinctive, eye-catching appearance. The Dundalk MiniPOD Sauna seats 2 to 4 people in a 7-foot by 7-foot footprint, built from Eastern White Cedar with an EPDM membrane roof designed to handle heavy weather. It is a great middle-ground choice for Florida homeowners who want something visually unique without sacrificing interior convenience.
Modern and Luxury Saunas
Florida is home to some of the most design-forward residential properties in the country, and Auroom saunas from Estonia match that standard. These premium saunas combine European engineering with elegant, contemporary design and exceptional materials.
The Auroom Aura is a stunning 2-person outdoor sauna with contoured Finnish bench seating and a full glass front. Its exterior is engineered to withstand harsh weather while looking like a piece of architecture in your backyard. For larger spaces, the Auroom Garda seats 4 to 6 people and ships pre-assembled for effortless setup, while the Auroom Terra accommodates 5 to 6 people in a universally styled design available in natural or black thermo-pine finishes. These saunas are right at home next to a modern Florida pool or on a landscaped waterfront lot.
Hybrid Outdoor Saunas
Hybrid saunas are a particularly smart choice for Florida because they let you switch between traditional heat and infrared depending on the weather and your preference. Golden Designs leads the hybrid category with models that combine a Harvia electric heater for traditional steam sessions with full-spectrum infrared panels for lower-temperature, deep-penetrating therapy.
The Golden Designs Karlstad is a 6-person hybrid outdoor sauna with a Canadian red cedar interior, full-spectrum infrared heaters, a Harvia traditional heater, and built-in red light therapy panels. It is one of the most versatile saunas on the market. The Golden Designs Visby offers similar hybrid functionality in a compact 3-person package, and the Golden Designs Gargellen provides 5-person capacity for mid-size households.
Traditional Electric Outdoor Saunas
For a straightforward, no-frills traditional sauna experience, Golden Designs offers a strong lineup of pure electric outdoor saunas. The Golden Designs Narvik is a well-built 2-person cedar outdoor sauna with an included Harvia heater, perfect for couples or solo use. The Golden Designs Kaarina steps up to 6-person capacity in red cedar with a Harvia 8kW heater, making it a solid choice for Florida families who want a spacious, traditional sauna they can share with friends.
Best Outdoor Saunas by Florida Region
Florida's geography is diverse, and the best sauna for your property depends partly on where in the state you live.
South Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Keys)
South Florida's year-round warmth and strong design culture make it ideal for modern, visually striking saunas. Auroom saunas, SaunaLife cube saunas, and hybrid models from Golden Designs are popular here. Salt air is a real concern near the coast, so cedar and thermo-treated woods are essential. Pairing your sauna with a cold plunge and outdoor shower creates the kind of backyard wellness circuit that has become a signature of the South Florida lifestyle.
Central Florida (Orlando, Tampa, Lakeland)
Central Florida offers larger lots and a mix of architectural styles. Barrel saunas and cabin saunas both work well here. The Dundalk Georgian is a top pick for families with pool areas, while SaunaLife barrel saunas fit naturally into the landscaped backyards common throughout the region. Central Florida's afternoon thunderstorm season (June through September) makes the rain-shedding design of a barrel sauna particularly appealing.
Gulf Coast (Naples, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Clearwater)
The Gulf Coast combines a relaxed lifestyle with upscale homes, many of which already have elaborate outdoor living areas. Adding a SaunaLife G4 cabin sauna or an Auroom Aura next to your existing pool and lanai creates a resort-level experience at home. For waterfront properties, choose cedar construction for its superior resistance to salt and moisture.
North Florida (Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Gainesville)
North Florida experiences cooler winters than the rest of the state, with temperatures occasionally dropping into the 30s. This makes traditional high-heat saunas even more enjoyable during the cooler months. Larger properties in this region are well-suited to cabin saunas like the Dundalk Georgian with Changeroom or wood-fired saunas for a more rustic, off-grid feel on rural acreage.
Florida Panhandle (Pensacola, Destin, Panama City)
The Panhandle has the most seasonal climate variation in Florida and is also the most hurricane-prone region. Barrel saunas are a strong choice here for their wind resistance and ability to shed heavy rain. The SaunaLife E6 and Dundalk Harmony barrel are both compact, sturdy options. For vacation rental properties in beach communities, an outdoor sauna is an amenity that can meaningfully boost your nightly rate and occupancy.
Installing an Outdoor Sauna in Florida
Foundation and Placement
Every outdoor sauna needs a level, stable surface. In Florida, drainage is particularly important because of the state's high water table and frequent heavy rains. A compacted gravel base is one of the best foundation choices for Florida saunas because it provides stability while allowing water to drain freely. Concrete pavers work well too, especially for barrel saunas that sit on cradle supports. A poured concrete pad is the most permanent option and works best for larger cabin saunas. Whichever you choose, make sure the foundation is slightly elevated or graded to prevent standing water from collecting underneath the sauna. For detailed placement guidance, check out our backyard sauna placement guide.
Local Building Codes and Permits
Florida building codes vary by county and municipality. Most jurisdictions treat outdoor saunas as accessory structures and require setbacks from property lines, typically ranging from 5 to 15 feet. Some counties require a building permit, especially for structures with new electrical circuits. In flood zones, which are common throughout coastal Florida, there may be additional elevation requirements. If your property is in a community with an HOA, review your covenants before purchasing. A quick call to your county's building services department will clarify what is required in your area.
Electrical Requirements
Most traditional and hybrid outdoor saunas require a dedicated 240V circuit, typically 40 to 60 amps. This requires a licensed electrician in Florida. The state has strict electrical codes, and all work should be permitted and inspected. If you choose an infrared sauna that runs on 120V, installation is much simpler, often just plugging into an existing outdoor GFCI outlet. Haven of Heat maintains a directory of qualified sauna installers who can handle both assembly and electrical work in Florida.
Assembly Options
Most outdoor saunas ship as DIY assembly kits designed for two people with basic tools. Assembly times range from a few hours for smaller barrel saunas to a full weekend for larger cabin models. If you would rather skip the build, several models are available as pre-assembled saunas that arrive ready to use. Our installer directory also covers Florida if you want a professional to handle everything from foundation prep to final heater hookup.
Delivery and Shipping to Florida
Haven of Heat provides free shipping on all outdoor saunas to Florida addresses. Orders ship directly from U.S. warehouses, with most deliveries arriving within 1 to 3 weeks depending on the model and stock availability. Delivery is curbside freight, meaning the carrier will bring the crate to your driveway or the closest accessible point on your property. You will need to arrange transport from the curb to your installation site, whether that is a rented forklift, a few helpers, or a local delivery service.
Financing Your Outdoor Sauna
An outdoor sauna is an investment in your health, your home, and your daily quality of life. Haven of Heat offers flexible financing through Shop Pay with plans from 6 to 24 months at 0% APR for qualifying purchases. Start using your sauna immediately while spreading the cost over time.
Many of our saunas also qualify for purchase with HSA and FSA funds through our TrueMed partnership. With a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor, you can use pre-tax health savings dollars to buy your sauna, potentially saving up to 40% compared to paying with after-tax income. This is especially popular among Florida's wellness-focused community.
Accessorize Your Outdoor Sauna
The right accessories complete your sauna experience. A wooden bucket and ladle set is essential for creating steam on your hot stones. A thermometer and hygrometer help you monitor conditions inside. Comfortable backrests and cushions make longer sessions more enjoyable. And in Florida, pairing your sauna with a cold plunge tub is practically mandatory. The hot-to-cold contrast is exhilarating, supports recovery, and has become a cornerstone of the Florida wellness lifestyle.
If you want to add therapeutic light to your routine, our red light therapy panels for saunas are a popular upgrade. Red light therapy is used by athletes and wellness enthusiasts for its potential benefits in skin health, muscle recovery, and reducing inflammation.
Caring for Your Outdoor Sauna in Florida's Climate
Florida's environment demands a bit more attention to sauna maintenance than drier, cooler climates. The good news is that proper care is simple and takes minimal time.
After every session, leave the sauna door open for 15 to 20 minutes to allow air circulation and interior drying. In Florida's humidity, this step is critical for preventing mold and mildew. Periodically wipe down benches with a mild, sauna-safe cleaner to remove sweat and oils. If your sauna is in direct sunlight, apply a UV-protective exterior wood treatment once or twice a year to prevent fading and drying. Inspect the exterior seasonally for any signs of mold or discoloration, and address spots early with a light sanding and wood treatment.
For barrel saunas, check the stainless steel tension bands every few months and adjust as the wood responds to Florida's humidity cycles. For cabin saunas, inspect roof seals and door gaskets annually. If you live in a particularly bug-prone area, a light application of a natural, sauna-safe insect deterrent around the base of the structure can help. These simple maintenance habits will keep your sauna looking great and performing perfectly for many years.
Start Your Florida Outdoor Sauna Journey
An outdoor sauna is one of the smartest upgrades a Florida homeowner can make. Whether you are drawn to the efficient, rain-shedding design of a barrel sauna, the spacious comfort of a cedar cabin, the clean lines of a modern cube, or the all-in-one versatility of a hybrid, Haven of Heat carries the top brands and models available, all with free shipping to Florida, expert support from our U.S.-based team, and the lowest prices guaranteed.
Browse our complete collection of outdoor saunas, or call and text our sauna experts at (360) 233-2867 for personalized recommendations. Not sure which sauna is right for your Florida property? Try our sauna selector tool to find your perfect match in seconds.
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