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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Don't. Feed. Them. Ever.

7. Publix isn't just a grocery store.

It's a way of life. Listen, and we will teach you all we know.

8. We're not interested in hearing about how you do things back home.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.