Florida Temperatures

• Florida falls into moderate growing zones, where even the coldest areas drop to only 10 to 15 degrees F during winter. The warmest areas of Florida, in U.S. Department of Agriculture growing zone 11, never drop under 40 degrees F, and may not experience frost at any time.
  
  

Plant Hardiness

• Most plants are hardy to winter temperatures throughout Florida. Bulb perennials like iris, tulips, daffodils and calla lilies die back and go dormant through winter, and don't require protection. Native plants and trees grow through winter without protection. Frost-sensitive annuals and vegetables are the only plants that need protection in these regions.
  
  

Timing

• Gardeners should protect their summertime vegetables and annuals when they anticipate frost, which will kill these sensitive plants. First frost dates may fall as early as late October in the north of the state, or as late as January in the south of the state. The frost dates always dictate the timing for protection.
  
  

Methods

• There are many methods of protection available for the garden. Use mulch, compost, pruning and even blankets or sheets to protect the plants from frost. If you're using blankets, cover the plants at night and uncover them during the day, so they can still access sun and air for growth.