Ace Bird, I'm from Chicago, we've been here in Brooksville for 26 years.
I see you're in Jupiter, that doesn't get anywhere near as cold as we do here. We usually get a short freeze or two a couple times a year, last couple of mornings have been in the 40's or so, then warm up to nice temps.
That leads to another question I have (one of so many more) ... are there any times you close the hive so they cannot get out? Bad storms, etc.? I plan to protect well so rain cannot get in, but I imagine they always need good air flow, which is why I think the screen bottom is a good idea in Florida (just my guessing) so should they always have access to get out if they want/need to, again, my guess would be yes, just perhaps reduced during cold or rain?
And you're right Florida weather in general does beat the north (just hate hurricane season). Thanks.