11 Things That Will Always Make Floridians Think Of Home

If I ran into a gator at home, I would definitely keep my distance. When I'm somewhere else, all of a sudden these ferocious creatures become cute and cuddly reminders of home.

Everyone knows you can't start the day without a glass of tasty, nutritious Florida orange juice, and we're used to having about 100 varieties in our grocery stores at any given time. It's so weird to go to the store and only see a couple of different bottles. Orange-blossom-scented perfumes, marmalade and even just whole oranges always make me think of home.

This sign wouldn't make any sense in Florida, because pretty much every day here is a flip flop day. When you leave the state, it's kind of shocking to realize not everyone everywhere else has the same appreciation for open-toed footwear that we do. Seeing that one person (possibly a fellow Floridian) who still rocks the flip flops always warms my heart.

Even though it's called the Sunshine State, we all know it's the humidity and rainstorms that really remind you of home, where they happen almost every day.

Key lime pie used to be more of a Floridian thing, but it seems like its popularity now has reached across the nation. The version sold in other places might not be as authentic as I'd like (and might be neon green), but just the sight of our official state pie will always make me nostalgic.

If I'm driving home from a trip out west, I know I'm getting closer when I start to see moss dripping from those ancient trees. It always makes me think about camp counselers warning us not to pick it up (and especially not to use it to make hilarious wigs).

I'm sure Jimmy Buffett sings about others places and also has fans around the world, but if I hear a Jimmy Buffett song randomly come on somewhere, I'm definitely going to think about my home state.

Mickey Mouse is another thing that isn't exclusive to Florida, but it doesn't matter. He will always make me think of Disney World and the many memories I have there with my family.

I know they're not strictly exclusive to Florida, but whether they're in silhouette on a postcard or lined up to make the perfect shot in a movie, any sight of palm trees always reminds me of my beautiful state.