Lisa O
Understanding cultural sensitivities is critical to having good conversations and showing respect. In Florida, known for its diverse population and lively communities, some comments can come across as rude or dismissive. Being mindful of what not to say helps build better relationships and shows appreciation for Florida’s unique culture and identity. Here are 15 things you should never say to a Floridian.
“Florida doesn’t have seasons.”
At first glance, it might seem like Florida is just hot year-round, but that’s not true. Floridians experience subtle seasonal changes that bring cooler temperatures in the fall and winter. The dry season (winter) is a welcome break from the humidity, and spring brings beautiful blooms to the state’s many gardens. Plus, “hurricane season” counts as a season; trust us, it’s unforgettable.
“You must go to Disney all the time!”
While Disney is a massive draw for tourists, most Floridians don’t spend their weekends riding Space Mountain. Many of them steer clear of the tourist-packed Orlando theme parks, which can get super expensive and crowded. There’s so much more to Florida than theme parks—locals enjoy everything from kayaking in the Everglades to exploring quaint beach towns on the Gulf Coast.
“Aren’t you afraid of alligators?”
Alligators might sound scary, but they’re just part of the landscape for Floridians. Florida has over a million of them, but they mostly hang out in freshwater lakes, rivers, and swamps. The truth is, alligator attacks are rare, and Floridians know how to be cautious—like not swimming at dawn or dusk when gators are more active. They respect the wildlife without living in fear of it.
“How do you handle the heat?”
Yes, it gets hot in Florida—sometimes oppressively so. But Floridians have mastered the art of staying cool. They’ve learned how to cope, from taking a dip in the pool to seeking refuge in air-conditioned spaces. Fun fact: air conditioning wasn’t widely available in Florida homes until the 1950s, so the older generations had it tough. Today, with AC almost everywhere, the heat becomes just another part of life.
“Do you even own winter clothes?”
Believe it or not, Floridians do experience cooler temperatures—especially in North Florida. In the winter months, temperatures can dip into the 30s and 40s. So yes, they do own sweaters and even the occasional winter coat. They might not be breaking out the snow boots, but some layers are a must when the temperature drops. Plus, those cooler days feel like a welcome relief from the heat.
“You live where people vacation!”
It’s easy to think that living in Florida is just like being on a permanent vacation, but the reality is more mundane. Just like anywhere else, Floridians have jobs, commutes, and responsibilities. Sure, they live in a beautiful place—but they also deal with things like traffic and rising living costs in popular areas. Not every day is a beach day when you have work and bills to handle.
“Isn’t it always hurricane season?”
Hurricane season lasts from June 1st to November 30th, and while it’s a big part of Florida life, it doesn’t mean there’s a storm every day. Locals are well-prepared and take these natural events seriously, but they don’t live in a constant state of fear. Many have their own rituals—stocking up on water and essential supplies, tracking the storms on the news, and boarding up windows when necessary.
“Isn’t Florida full of retirees?”
Yes, Florida is a hotspot for retirees, thanks to the warm weather and all those golf courses. But the state is way more diverse than that stereotype. Florida’s population includes young professionals, families, and tons of college students. In fact, as per the U.S. Census Bureau, the median age here is about 42, so people of all ages and backgrounds call Florida home.
“It must be nice to always be at the beach.”
While Florida is home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches—not every Floridian lives near the coast. In fact, many live inland and don’t spend as much time lounging in the sand as you might think. For many, beach trips are weekend getaways or special outings rather than a daily activity. That said, having the option to take a quick drive to the beach is one of the perks of living in the Sunshine State.
“Why would anyone live where hurricanes hit?”
Every state has its own natural challenges—whether it’s earthquakes in California, tornadoes in the Midwest, or blizzards in the Northeast. Floridians accept hurricanes as part of the deal for living in a state with incredible beaches, warm weather, and unique ecosystems. With proper preparation and a good understanding of the risks, many residents feel the benefits far outweigh the occasional hurricane scare.
“Do you have to watch out for sharks?”
Sharks are a part of Florida’s ocean life, but attacks are extremely rare. In fact, as per the Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File, you’re far more likely to be struck by lightning than bitten by a shark in Florida. Locals respect the ocean but don’t live in constant fear of sharks. They know the best practices—like avoiding swimming at dawn and dusk—to stay safe.
“Everyone here must love football, right?”
Football is a big deal in Florida, but not every Floridian is obsessed with it. The state has three NFL teams—Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Jacksonville Jaguars—plus a bunch of college teams. Still, a lot of Floridians would rather spend their weekends boating, fishing, or just enjoying the outdoors instead of glued to a game.
“I bet you miss real mountains.”
Florida may be known for its flat landscape, but that doesn’t mean it lacks natural beauty. Instead of mountains, the state is rich with natural springs, caves, and wetlands. Floridians can explore places like the Apalachicola National Forest or hike through the scenic trails of the Everglades. With so much coastline, many Floridians prefer the ocean views over mountain vistas.
“It’s always sunny in Florida!”
While Florida is known as the Sunshine State, it actually rains a lot, especially in the summer. Afternoon thunderstorms are almost a daily occurrence from June through September, thanks to the state’s tropical climate. Floridians know to carry an umbrella just in case, but they also embrace the rain—it cools things off and keeps the state lush and green.
“Are you a ‘Florida Man’?”
The “Florida Man” meme showcases some pretty wild and weird news from the state, but not every Floridian is out there wrestling alligators or pulling crazy stunts. Florida does have its fair share of quirky laws and a huge, diverse population, which can lead to odd headlines. But most Floridians are just regular people living their everyday lives.