Lisa O
Florida is a world unto itself. Sure, palm trees, endless sunshine, and theme parks might spring to mind for some, but anyone who’s spent time in the Sunshine State knows there’s much more to it than just beaches and Disney. You might think you’re being funny when you joke about the weather or the alligators, but trust us—Floridians have heard it all. And spoiler: they’re not laughing. Here are 15 things you should avoid saying to someone from Florida.
“So, do you have alligators in your backyard?”
While there are alligators in Florida, they’re not exactly roaming down every street like friendly neighborhood pets. The truth is, most Floridians go their whole lives without a close encounter with one. Alligators stick to their own habitats for the most part, so it’s not like they’re casually hanging out in pools or sunbathing on front lawns—although, every now and then, you might hear of a story where one shows up unexpectedly.
“Do you even own a winter jacket?”
Winters get chilly in Florida, too, so yes, people there have winter clothes. They might not be breaking out heavy parkas, but come January, when temperatures drop to a brisk 60 degrees, they’re bundled up like it’s the Arctic. Just because they live in a subtropical climate doesn’t mean Floridians can’t feel the cold.
“How do you survive those Florida summers?”
While Florida summers can be hot and humid, calling them “unbearable” might rub residents the wrong way—many appreciate the state’s year-round warmth and all the outdoor activities that come with it. It also dismisses the ways locals manage the heat, like enjoying water-based activities or sticking to indoor spots to stay cool.
“Is everyone retired down there?”
Yes, Florida has its fair share of retirees, but it is far from a giant retirement hub. The state is also home to many young professionals, families, and—believe it or not—people who aren’t even considering retirement yet. So no, not everyone living in Florida is playing shuffleboard and recalling about those good old days.
“You’re at the beach all the time, right?”
Sure, Florida is known for its beaches, but that doesn’t mean Floridians are lounging on the sand all the time. Life isn’t an endless vacation. Most people living there are busy sitting in traffic, working, or handling everyday life. And honestly, have you ever tried driving to the beach on a weekend? It’s a nightmare. Parking? Don’t even get us started.
“Isn’t Florida just flat and boring?”
Calling Florida “flat and boring” honestly misses the mark—it ignores the state’s surprising mix of landscapes, like the rolling hills up north, lush forests, and miles of gorgeous coastlines. Plus, it brushes past all the fun stuff locals do, from hiking and boating to finding tucked-away natural springs. Florida’s got way more to offer if you actually take the time to explore.
“Is it just Disney World and retirement homes there?”
Now, don’t be mean. Florida is so much more than just Mickey Mouse and retirees. The state has stunning natural springs, lively cities, and real culture! Sure, theme parks are a big part of Florida’s identity, but that’s far from the whole picture. Don’t you know about the Florida Keys? The Everglades? Florida has it all!
“Tourists in Florida are the worst, huh?”
This phrase can come off as pretty rude, brushing aside the huge role tourism plays in Florida’s economy and downplaying how important the hospitality and service industries are. Tourism keeps tons of jobs and businesses running across the state, supporting locals who put in the work to make Florida a welcoming place for everyone.
“Is Florida’s weather unpredictable?”
While Florida’s weather can indeed be a bit variable, calling it “unpredictable” can come off as dismissive, as it downplays the state’s distinct climate patterns and the careful prep locals put into staying ready for weather events like hurricanes. Plus, it overlooks some of the major perks Floridians enjoy—like those mild, snow-free winters and the abundance of sunshine.
“Are you scared of hurricanes?”
Because hurricanes are a regular part of life in Florida, Floridians have become pros at handling them. They’ve got their hurricane kits stocked, evacuation routes planned, and an unshakable confidence that their home will likely make it through just fine. Over time, a Category 1 storm barely raises an eyebrow—it’s almost more of a reason to throw a hurricane party than a cause for alarm.
“Isn’t Florida kind of tacky and fake?”
Calling Florida tacky and fake can definitely hit a nerve, as it overlooks the state’s one-of-a-kind architecture, attractions, and entertainment scene. It also ignores all kinds of creativity and effort that go into making memorable experiences for both locals and visitors. There’s way more to Florida than just what you might see on the surface.
“Is Florida totally lacking culture?”
Once again, this statement is pretty offensive as it overlooks Florida’s rich cultural heritage—from its indigenous roots to Hispanic influences, African American heritage, and contributions from immigrants all over the world. Florida is not only about beaches—it’s also home to vibrant arts communities, lively festivals, museums, and amazing culinary traditions that really showcase its creativity and cultural mix.
“Doesn’t the sunshine get old?”
Believe it or not, even Floridians sometimes wish for a cloudy day. But most of the time, they’re all about that sunshine. It’s not always as glamorous as it seems, though. The constant risk of sunburn and having to wear sunglasses non-stop can get a little tiring. And don’t even get them started on those dangerous UV index warnings.
“Isn’t Florida basically like Southern Georgia?”
Nope, definitely not. The northern part might have that Southern charm, but once you get past Orlando, you step into a whole different world. Miami, in particular, feels like it’s not even part of Florida—it’s practically one small country. The southern part of the state has a whole different energy compared to the rest.
“Why do Florida drivers always drive so crazy?”
Well, we can all agree that Florida drivers are a unique breed. The roads are packed with people from all over the country, each with their own take on what “driving” really means. And don’t forget the snowbirds—seasonal residents from up North—who just add to the madness every winter. Floridians have learned to accept the chaos and hope for the best.
