We are seriously considrring buying a home in the Keys or on Pine Island, FL. What do I need to know about humidity, bugs or anything else as it relates to a trophy room in the tropics as compared to the west?

the home will be air conditioned so the ambient humidity is irrelevant but probably higher than you are used to( although when you walk out the door, you will certainly know it)!!! as far as the rest, bugs are bugs everywhere.

The air conditioning makes sense, but I thought I heard of bug problems in the east and south. I've had nary a problem in the west.

I have a trophy room here in SW FL and deal with the issues and have a second area on a barrier island like the keys by Boca Grande. Bugs are not an issue, but the humidity definitely is. Mostly for your woods on either flooring or other items as many Man Cave's have a lot of wood. I keep dehumidifying agents in the room. They absorb tremendous moisture from the air. Otherwise, you could have warping from the overt moisture from the coast.

Thanks Poyntman and welcome to the forum!

Depending on how the home is set up, i would look at an ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator).
It basically has a big desiccant wheel that absorbs the humidity. Made for more of the southern climate.

Definitely watch the humidity IMO. We did just the opposite regional relocation and moved to MT from TN about 5 years ago. Just this past year, I've noticed how a couple of my older mounts have really dried out around the eyes and I am seeing some cracks developing. So I am convinced that the differences in moisture and humidity over time have an effect on taxidermy mounts. Good luck.