Lisa O
Florida is a breathtaking destination full of beauty, adventure, and charm that will leave you eager for more after each visit. However, it’s wise to learn about Florida before your trip. So here are 20 things you will only see in Florida!
Cold Weather Gear
Floridians get excited for the few days a year when they can finally wear puffy jackets and boots! As soon as the temperature drops below 70°, the winter wardrobes come out. Winters here are unpredictable – cold one minute and hot the next. Floridians wear their winter clothes because they’re accustomed to fluctuating temperatures and can adjust their layers accordingly.
Year-Round Flip-Flops
Floridians wear flip-flops year-round because the warm, humid climate can make closed-toe shoes and socks uncomfortable. Almost every Floridian has a pair or two, whether for casual beach days or a lovely evening out. If you’re visiting this sunshine state, don’t worry about your shoe choice – flip-flops are always acceptable, no matter the event.
Secure Gated Communities
Gated communities are a big part of life in Florida and are common in many new neighborhoods. Since Florida has the highest number of people aged 65 and older (21% according to U.S. Census Data), these communities are super popular. They offer extra security—making them attractive to many homebuyers. This added safety makes these neighborhoods appealing and a key feature of life in the state.
Annoying Love Bugs
If you’ve lived in Florida, you know about the annoying insects called “love bugs.” They splatter on your car and windshield when you drive fast. These bugs are black with tiny redheads and show up in late spring and early fall. They got their name because they’re always seen mating in pairs and sometimes in big groups. Love bugs are harmless. They don’t bite and only live for a few days.
Surprise Toilet Frogs
Frogs in the toilet? Yes, it happens. No matter where you are or how clean things are kept, there’s a chance you might encounter a frog staring back at you when you sit down. Florida has 27 native frog species from five different families, which explains why you might encounter them in unexpected places like toilets.
Relaxing Lanai Spaces
A lanai is an outdoor living area in Florida homes that can be open or screened-in. It usually has a tiled or paved floor and a roof for shade and may include seating, dining spaces, or even a small kitchen. This area offers a comfortable place to enjoy the outdoors while staying protected from insects and weather. If you book a house in Florida, you’ll likely find a lanai there to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Hurricane Season Parties
When Floridians hear about an approaching hurricane, they gather their family, friends, and neighbors for a hurricane party. Safely sheltered at home with shutters, they like food, drinks, games, and entertainment while waiting for the slow-moving storm to pass. These gatherings often lead to memorable stories and shared experiences among Floridians and other tourists.
Mysterious Red Tide
Most Floridians know about red tide, which occurs every few years along certain parts of Florida’s coast. Red tide is an algae bloom that turns saltwater reddish-brown. It often kills fish and other small sea creatures that wash up on the shore, and some people can have breathing problems from it. The cause of red tide is still a mystery, but experts think it’s a natural event.
Popular Light-Colored Cars
With Florida enjoying 250 sunny days annually, many residents choose light-colored cars to stay cool in the heat. White is the top car color in the state—more than 1 in 4 vehicles sport this shade. Another common sight on Florida roads is out-of-state license plates, reflecting the millions of tourists who visit each year.
Ever-Changing Weather
Floridians are familiar with unpredictable weather changes, especially during the annual rainy season from late May to July. A sunny day can quickly turn stormy and dark, then return to sunshine after the storm passes. Florida’s peninsula location between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean means wind currents and weather patterns are constantly shifting, contributing to these rapid changes.
Waiting in Mystery Lines
People in Florida seem to love forming lines wherever you go. Maybe it’s because of travel excitement or asking the wrong person where to queue up—but it only takes one curious person to start a long line, even if no one knows what they’re waiting for. So next time you find yourself in a 45-minute line, make sure it’s for something you actually want to see or do!
Living with Florida Gators
Despite being known as the Sunshine State, Florida is also home to numerous alligators. According to Defenders of Wildlife, Florida has approximately 1.25 million alligators out of the 5 million across the southeastern United States. With such a large population—alligators can be found in any body of water in the state. Dealing with gators is just a normal part of everyday life.
Enjoying Natural Springs
Florida boasts more natural springs than any other state, and locals love to make the most of them. These springs maintain a comfortable 70-degree temperature and are famous for swimming and weekend getaways. They’re essential for family outings and outdoor activities in Florida. People often rush to their favorite spring park early to beat the crowds and make sure they get in before it fills up and newcomers are turned away.
Nuisance of Seagulls
Few things are as annoying, scary, and just plain aggravating as seagulls in Florida. They’re like the rats of the sky, and everyone agrees. These birds will fearlessly swoop down on you for anything—food, toys, even children. Tourists who feed them not only cause confusion but also make enemies out of locals every single year.
Easy Duplicate Licenses
In Florida, there’s no restriction on getting duplicate licenses. The best part? You can order them online and have them delivered to your doorstep or anyone you’re selling them to. And here’s another interesting tidbit: Many bars in Florida don’t bother checking IDs closely as long as they’re legitimate and issued by the state.
Lizards in Florida Homes
In Florida, finding a lizard’s tail on your kitchen floor is not unusual. These creatures shed their tails when they’re frightened—everyone knows that! Florida is home to many reptiles, so it’s common to find them inside your house. A lizard might stay in a home for days or even weeks. They climb walls, slip through windows, and hide in any small space they can find.
Spectacular Rocket Launches
Many Floridians keep up with NASA rocket launches even if they’re not space enthusiasts. Cape Canaveral on Florida’s Atlantic Coast is home to the Kennedy Space Center and the site of numerous rocket launches. While launches aren’t frequent, when they happen—you can see the rockets blasting through the sky from quite a distance. It’s an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss.
Protecting Windows for Storms
If you visit Florida between June and November, you’ll see many homes with thick metal panels over their windows. These are hurricane shutters, a precaution against potential severe storms. Florida families often keep them secured until the hurricane season passes. It’s a unique aspect of living here—you have to decide whether to let sunlight in while considering the risk of flying debris during storms.
Rare Basements in Homes
If you grew up in Florida, you probably know that basements are rare. Houses generally don’t have basements because the land is close to or below sea level. The damp, sandy soil isn’t ideal for digging deep. In fact, even a small staircase below ground level can lead to water issues. That’s why basements are often impractical and sometimes impossible in Florida.
Tropical Christmas Palm Lights
In Florida, you’ll discover wonderful Christmas light displays, but they won’t be on traditional evergreen trees. Instead, many streets are lined with palm trees decked out in lights. Palm tree trunks and fronds are wrapped in colorful decorations—creating a unique tropical holiday vibe. At night, the streets sparkle with a festive outline against the backdrop of Florida’s tropical setting. Some displays even celebrate the warm winter climate with decorations that reflect Florida’s sunny weather.