This is a very comprehensive answer from NC State University: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/shrubs/text/pruning.html
Trees and shrubs can be lightly pruned anytime in Florida. To minimize reduction of next year's flowers, prune spring-flowering plants such as azaleas, in late spring before the flower buds set for the next season.
most spring blooming shrubs require pruning after the blooms are gone, but before fall.
The usual answer is immediately after they have flowered. If you prune them more than once a year they are called a hedge.
It is generally not recommended to trim shrubs and bushes in August, as it is a time when plants are actively growing and preparing for the cooler months. Trimming during this time can stimulate new growth that may not have enough time to harden off before winter, making the plants more susceptible to frost damage. It is best to wait until the plant is dormant in late fall or early spring to prune.
The best time to trim a potentilla, and any other summer-flowering shrub, is in the spring before the potentilla buds out.
To ensure that you trim shrubs evenly, use a measuring tool like a string or a level to guide your cuts and maintain a consistent height. Step back periodically to check for symmetry and adjust as needed.
my coral tree needs to be trimmed back it has gotten out of hand. is it ok to trim it at now or is it a bad time of year?
It's best to wait for a little after the last of the cold has passed. Cutting while they are in hibernation may result in shock and stunted growth.
It is not advisable to trim bushes in frosty weather.
Yes, you can trim your bushes in October in Kentucky, but it's important to consider the type of bushes you have. For deciduous shrubs, late fall can be a suitable time for pruning, as it allows you to shape them before the winter dormancy. However, avoid trimming spring-flowering shrubs, as this could remove buds for next year's blooms. Always ensure to check specific care guidelines for your particular plants.
When it's not looking. Preferably if it's drunk.