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How Florida’s Climate and Lifestyle Can Impact Your Disability Claim

Living in Melbourne, Florida, means enjoying year-round sunshine, beaches, and an active outdoor lifestyle—but for individuals with certain disabilities, the state’s hot, humid climate can significantly worsen symptoms and strengthen a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim.

In the summer months we average high temperatures of 90 degrees. Our humidity averages above 70% as well. This environment poses unique challenges for common disabling conditions. For example, many people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are affected by something known as Uhthoff’s phenomenon. It’s caused by heat affecting already damaged nerve signals (demyelination), blocking nerve impulses, and isn’t a new MS relapse, but rather a flare-up of existing deficits, managed by cooling strategies like cold drinks, fans, and cool showers.

Other conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis and chronic respiratory disorders are also affected by high heat – high humidity environments.

How is this Relevant to Social Security Disability?

Documenting heat-related exacerbations through medical records, symptom diaries, or doctor statements is crucial—notes like “symptoms worsen in temperatures above 80°F” can demonstrate why you can’t perform substantial gainful activity (earning over $1,690/month in 2026).

The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates your residual functional capacity (RFC), considering how symptoms restrict standing, walking, or concentrating.

Simply put, conditions in Florida may make existing conditions even worse. Documentation of these effects can make for a stronger case when applying for disability benefits.

If Florida’s climate is aggravating your condition and preventing work, don’t navigate the complex claims process alone. A local Melbourne disability attorney can help gather evidence specific to environmental impacts and build a stronger case. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your situation.

Disabilities Which are Affected by Heat and/or Humidity

Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Heat (and sometimes humidity) commonly causes temporary worsening of symptoms (known as Uhthoff’s phenomenon), including fatigue, vision problems, weakness, and cognitive issues, due to slowed nerve signals in demyelinated areas.

Spinal Cord Injuries: Often impairs sweating and thermoregulation below the injury level, making it harder to cool the body in heat or humid conditions, increasing risks of overheating.

Respiratory Conditions (e.g., Asthma, COPD, Emphysema): High humidity can thicken mucus, narrow airways, and make breathing harder; heat exacerbates shortness of breath and triggers attacks.

Cardiovascular Diseases (e.g., Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure): Heat and humidity strain the heart by making it work harder to cool the body, potentially worsening arrhythmias, heart failure, or increasing heart attack risk.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Heightened sensory sensitivity to heat/humidity can cause overload, discomfort, anxiety, meltdowns, or difficulty with emotional regulation.

Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities: Heat/humidity can exacerbate anxiety, depression, agitation, or symptoms of conditions like schizophrenia; also higher hospitalization risks during heat events.

Mobility Impairments (e.g., Wheelchair Users or Limited Mobility): Reduced ability to escape heat, dependence on others or equipment (like wheelchairs that overheat), and challenges accessing cooling.

Neurological Conditions (e.g., Parkinson’s Disease, Brain Lesions): Can impair temperature regulation, leading to worsened stiffness, fatigue, or other symptoms in heat.

Fibromyalgia: Humidity hinders cooling and can intensify pain, stiffness, headaches, and fatigue.

Autoimmune Conditions (e.g., Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis): Heat/humidity may trigger flares, joint pain, fatigue, or skin issues.