John,

"Spacecoast" lives in Florida and she could most likely answer these questions with experience with living there.

Rick

I have seen ones planted in the ground that throw float cloth over them when they think it might get slightly cold in Fl and AZ, You might do that with the ones in planters. I wouldn't risk it I love them to much. I would bring them in. It snowed in some unusual place this last winter in AZ and Fl.

actually, I'm not worried about bringing them in. I was wondering if the change from indoors to sun would mess up their dormancy.........

I would think it depends on how long you leave them inside.. if it's only for a night I wouldn't think they would go dormant. but if it's for a week or so they probably would. Like I said when I leave mine inside for a long period of time they lose their leaves.

If you really want to help prevent leaf loss or domancy you can put them under cheaper lights. I have heavy winters so I let mine go dormant https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PBCG8X0/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER