Yes, probably bearding, but in the spring I’m a little more suspect of their intentions. Don’t know when the swarming season is down there. Up here, the bees (at least my bees) often collect in mass (like beading) a day or two before a swarm. That shouldn’t be too unusual since a hive about to swarm is usually overflowing with bees to being with. Just saying….be a little wary in the spring.
I kept all of my bees in at least 1” thick foam hives all summer without any extra vents. While Michigan isn’t Florida, it sure felt like it last summer! I would argue a lot of the extra heat in your hives is due to solar gain through the thin wood. Insulation blocks the solar gains. On the other hand, I did live in Tampa for a few years and know how un-Godly hot it gets down there….which is the reason I’m back in Michigan now. :-D