Whether you live in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, you’ve probably noticed that allergy season never really seems to end. Unlike much of the country, where cold weather sweeps in and cold winters stop plants from releasing pollen, South Florida’s subtropical climate means plants can thrive year-round—including producing and releasing pollen.

With climate change only making things hotter, can we expect things to get worse? The research seems to point in that direction. Climate change is one factor at play in South Florida’s endless allergy season, both by extending how long plants release pollen and by increasing overall exposure to allergens. 

Why South Florida’s Allergy Season Feels Endless

South Florida has long had a climate that allows trees and grasses to continue to bloom into January and February. When other parts of the country have dormant plant life and few outdoor allergens, life here remains green and alive. 

Of course, this also means that trees and grasses continue to produce pollen. At the same time, the high humidity fuels mold growth. This is another common allergen. This leaves allergy sufferers with congestion, itchy eyes, and other allergy symptoms, and many are on antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids all year long. 

Climate Change Is Likely Making Allergy Seasons Longer and More Intense

There is strong evidence that climate change—primarily rising global temperatures—is lengthening pollen season, increasing pollen production, and making allergies worse. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), pollen seasons across North America are starting earlier and lasting longer than they did a few decades ago. 

A study conducted by the University of Michigan and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) found that pollen emissions could begin up to 40 days earlier in the spring and last three weeks longer by the end of the century. In South Florida’s subtropical climate, this could be amplified. 

While our climate already supports year-round allergies, warming trends caused by climate change could still alter when, how much, and what type of allergens are in the air. For example, some plants have multiple blooming cycles in a single year and will continue to bloom if there is a long frost-free period.

South Florida Has Unique Features That Play a Role

In South Florida, temperature is only one part of the equation. Some other factors that play a role in a seemingly endless allergy season include: 

Year-Around Pollen Producers

Some common plants in South Florida, such as oak, pine, and many grasses, do not have a long dormant season. This leads to overlapping pollen seasons and little relief for those with allergies. 

Humidity, Mold, and Other Allergens

Many other allergens, such as mold, thrive in humid climates with consistent rain. South Florida provides the perfect environment for mold spores, both indoors and outdoors. 

High Climate Variability

South Florida has high climate variability. This could affect the pollen count at any time of year. Season-to-season rainfall, drought, tropical storms, and hurricanes can all affect when plants bloom and how much pollen they produce.

So, Is Climate Change to Blame for Your Allergies?

While climate change is not the only factor that affects South Florida allergies, it could certainly intensify and reshape the area’s traditional allergy “season.” While the natural climate here makes allergy season longer and more intense, warming trends also:

• Extend growing seasons
• Increase annual pollen output for many plants
• Enhance certain allergen exposure
• Possibly increase mold and other allergens and irritants

All of this means that South Floridians can expect to experience allergy symptoms earlier in the year, later into the season, and with less of a break than those living further north in the state or elsewhere in the country.

Climate Change and Public Health 

For those who are sensitive to pollen and mold, extended exposure means taking additional steps to manage their allergies or seek treatment through immunotherapy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pollen-related medical expenses reach about $3 billion annually in the United States. This cost makes this a significant climate-related public health concern. 

With South Florida’s dense urban population and diverse communities, many residents are at risk because of limited access to quality health care. For local residents who care deeply about public health equity, it is essential to pay attention to policy changes that affect air quality and climate change.

Practical Takeaways for South Floridians

As a South Floridian, there are a few things you can do to fight the endless allergy season: 

• Consult your doctor or an allergist if you struggle to manage allergy symptoms
• Help others get the care they need to manage asthma and other respiratory conditions
• Advocate for community health measures that address climate change and improve air quality 

Climate change has not single-handedly caused South Florida’s endless allergy season, but it may be amplifying and extending it. Understanding why this has happened could help residents, clinicians, and community leaders alike make more informed decisions about allergy management, treatments, and policies in a changing climate.