Out-of-towners buy into some pretty strange Florida stereotypes. If you’ve lived here for awhile, you’ve probably heard a few of them. Floridians, however, know that there’s more to The Sunshine State than meets the eye. Here are a few of the things we find ourselves having to explain the most:

1. Not everyone here is retired.
Flickr/Patricia H.
I wish it were true that we could all spend our days enjoying Florida's natural beauty and never working again, but sadly, it's just not the case. Nonetheless, we do have a significant population of retirees. As much as 20 percent of our population is over 65!
2. We're not all obsessed with Disney World.
Flickr/Christine Urias
We understand that our out-of-town guests might want to spend five of their seven days of vacation at Disney World (we get it, it's magical), but don't get upset if we don't want to spend eight hours a day in line at a place we've probably seen more times than you ever will.
3. It's not the heat, it's the humidity.
Flickr/Frank
You think our temperatures aren't so bad, compared to where you're from? Well just wait until you experience the wonder of humidity and how it can make any temperature seem twice as unbearable. By the way, if you have curly hair... just consider yourself warned, because it will not love our weather.
4. There are flip-flops for every ocassion.
Flickr/Ray Dumas
Unless it's strictly prohibited or under 60 degrees, flip-flops are our footwear of choice. And locals truly know how to accessorize and rock these bad boys. They come in a number of colors and styles, so we can look effortless chic on the beach or get dressier for a wedding.
5. We don't all live in Miami.
Flickr/Matthew Paulson
There's a lot more to Florida than you might realize, including some incredibly charming small towns. Oh and, believe it or not, we understand why people travel here for spring break, but we're not party-central all the time.
6. You don't feed the seagulls.
Flickr/Sandor Weisz
Don't. Feed. Them. Ever.
7. Publix isn't just a grocery store.
Flickr/brownpau
It's a way of life. Listen, and we will teach you all we know.

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8. We're not interested in hearing about how you do things back home.
Flickr/ClaraDon
We like the way we do things...that's why we're here. And that's why so many people come here, as well. If you're on vacation, immerse yourself in local culture for an escape from reality like no other.
9. Don't make fun of us when we bundle up when it hits 65 degrees outside.
Flickr/Janine
Yes, we know it's one of the most common stereotypical Florida things...but just don't. We're what you could call warm-blooded.
10. There really are alligators here.
Flickr/Trish Hartmann
It's not just a running joke or something. Just check out the local news. There really are gators here...sometimes in really unexpected places. If you're renting a car during your stay, remember to keep an eye on the roads. You never know what might be crossing, especially down near the Everglades.
11. And we have little mini gators.
Flickr/Scott Sherrill-Mix
Expect lizards everywhere (and bugs, too). It's part of the trade-off for a tropical climate. These guys are so much cuter than their ferocious cousins though, right?
12. Don't even try to predict the weather.
Flickr/Bobby Ford
Most longtime residents don't even bother. It might be sunny and raining at the same time, or raining where you are but not a block away. Most Floridians aren't scared of a little rain.
13. We know our news is crazy.
Flickr/sharyn morrow
If you want to stay here for any length of time, you either have to develop a sense of humor about it or just stop reading/watching. Yes, we're totally aware of the "Florida Man" stereotype... and you're right, it can be kind of funny.
14. We don't have the four seasons you're used to.
Flickr/Roger W
Florida's seasons are: Summer, hurricane season, love bug season, and tourist/snowbird season. Embrace the Floridian seasons, because you'll learn to love them.

So there you have it; this is Florida as locals know it. What are the misconceptions you hear the most from out-of-town visitors and how do you set people straight? What’s your favorite thing about living in our state and what stereotypes about Florida do you think are true?

Want to learn to live like a local? Be aware of things we’d never ever do.

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More to Explore

Florida stereotypes

Nikki Rhoades | January 19, 2020

What are some interesting things about Florida?

Some interesting things about Florida are:

  • We're the third most populous state
  • We're home to the oldest inhabited city in the country
  • Florida has the longest coastline in the continental US.

 

The Sunshine State, as you surely know, is a little slice of paradise. That’s why we have so many transplants, after all! There are many interesting things about Florida that you’ll quickly uncover. Did you know that we’re the third most populous state? Nearly 22 million people are packed into our 65,757 square miles of lovely landscape, enjoying their own little paradise.

What are Floridians known for?

Floridians are known for many things. Living in Florida, you come to know a bit about the kind of people that call this pretty place home. One of the many Florida traits discussed by outsiders is our “purported” inability to drive… and, yes, in some cases it’s pretty accurate. Locals are said to have 1,000 accidents daily.

What is the most popular Florida stereotype?

The most popular Florida stereotype is: Here in paradise, we’re also known for our infamous “Florida Man” headlines (e.g. Florida Man Unashamedly Wrestles An Alligator In Local Supermarket), and yes, we think they’re funny too.

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