How to Store Cigars: The Fort Lauderdale Humidity Problem (and Fix)

Cigars need 65-70% relative humidity (RH) and 65-70°F to stay in prime condition. Anything above 72% invites mold and tobacco beetles; anything below 60% and the wrappers crack. In South Florida, where ambient humidity averages 75-85% and temperatures easily hit 90°F, you cannot leave cigars on a shelf — you need a humidor.

Why is Fort Lauderdale humidity a problem for cigars?

Two reasons: (1) high ambient humidity swells the wrappers past their sweet spot, making them tight and hard to draw; (2) heat above 75°F is a hatching temperature for tobacco beetles, which will destroy your entire collection in weeks.

What humidor should a Fort Lauderdale smoker buy?

Three categories:

• Travel case (5-10 cigars) — Xikar or Herf-a-Dor. For weekends and beach days.
• Desktop humidor (25-100 cigars) — Spanish cedar-lined, with a Boveda 69% or 65% pack. Best for daily smokers.
• Cabinet or wineador (200+ cigars) — for collectors. Consider a converted wine fridge with a hygrometer and Boveda packs to hit both temperature and humidity.

How do you season a new humidor?

1. Wipe the inside with distilled water on a clean cloth (never tap water).
2. Place a Boveda 84% seasoning pack (or 69% RH pack for existing humidors) inside with the lid closed for 14 days.
3. Check the hygrometer reads 65-70% RH consistently.
4. Only then move your cigars in.

Are Boveda packs really necessary?

Yes for beginners — they're two-way humidity control (they release and absorb moisture to hold a set RH). Beats crystal gels and sponge-based systems for consistency. Most Fort Lauderdale collectors use 65% or 69% Boveda packs year-round.

How long can cigars sit in the humidor?

Premium cigars can age for years — some blends improve dramatically after 2-5 years of proper storage (Padron 1964, Fuente Opus X, Davidoff). Rotate your Boveda packs when they harden.

Where to buy humidors and Boveda in Fort Lauderdale

Come see us at Cigar N Smoke on East Sunrise Boulevard — we stock desktop humidors, Boveda packs, and travel cases. If you're setting up a first humidor, we'll walk you through seasoning and answer any questions. Shop humidors and storage online.