10 Things That Only Floridians Will Understand
Once you become a Florida resident, you will understand and relate to these 10 things
Living in Florida is certainly different than other parts of the country with its more tropical climate, older population and high number of year-round tourists. Below is our list of "10 Things that Only Floridian's Will Understand" once you move to Florida and become a full time resident.You wear flip flops year-round.
Floridians wear flip-flops year-round due to the warmer and more humid climate, which can make closed-toe shoes and socks uncomfortable at times. Most Floridians typically own a pair or two, whether for casual beach use or for that perfect evening out.The weather changes instantly.
Floridians well know that the weather can change instantly, especially during the rainy season which takes place each year from late May through July. A perfectly sunny day can turn very dark and stormy within minutes, and then completely sunny again once the storm passes. This is because most of Florida’s land mass is a peninsula located between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, where wind currents and weather patterns are constantly changing.You likely live in a gated community.
Gated communities are a common part of Florida life, and have become the norm for many new home communities. As Florida is home to the largest concentration of persons aged 65 and over (21% according to U.S. Census Data), gated communities are a popular selling point for homes as they offer an increased sense of security.You know what love bugs are.
If you’ve ever lived in Florida, you’re very familiar with the pesky little bugs called “love bugs” as they can splatter all over your windshield and car as you drive at higher speeds. As little black bugs with tiny red heads that appear only in the late spring and early fall, they have been coined as “love bugs” as they are always found mating in pairs and often in large swarms. These bugs are completely harmless, do not bite, and have a short life span of only a few days.You understand what a lanai is.
A lanai refers to an open or screened-in outdoor living space commonly found in Florida homes. It typically features a tiled or paved floor, has a roof for shade, and may include amenities such as seating areas, dining spaces, or even a small kitchen, providing a comfortable and versatile area to enjoy the outdoors while protected from insects and the elements.You host hurricane parties.
As a Floridian, when you hear there’s a hurricane coming, you gather up your family, friends and neighbors to ride out the storm together in a hurricane party. While safely shuttered and protected in your home, you likely have lots of food, drinks, games and other entertainment while the slow-moving hurricane passes over. Many Floridians can share lots of great stories and memories had from their hurricane parties.Winter only lasts for a day or two.
Although Florida has a winter season, cold weather is typically not a part of it. Rarely does the temperature ever dip near or below the freezing mark in central or south Florida. It typically takes a very strong northern cold front where the jet stream dips all the way down to Florida to experience these colder temps. And when this occurs, it’s typically short-lived and only lasts a day or two as the more normal weather patterns quickly push the cold weather fronts back up north.Tourists are a part of Florida life.
Part of Florida life is seeing lots of out-of-state license plates on the roadways year-round. As Florida is home to our nation’s top beaches, top-rated amusement and theme parks, as well as a warmer winter climate, Florida attracts millions of tourists each year.You avoid the beach when red tide hits.
Most Floridians are familiar with a phenomenon called red tide that seems to appear every few years along certain regions of Florida’s coastline. Red tide, as it’s officially called, is actually an algae infection that causes the saltwater to turn more of a reddish-brown color when it hits. Red tide commonly kills fish and smaller sea life which often wash up on the shoreline and can cause respiratory and breathing issues for some. The cause of red tide is still unknown and believed to be a natural phenomenon.You likely own a light-colored car.
As Florida enjoys 250 days of sunshine each year, many Floridians opt to own a light-colored car to keep it cool from the hot sun. In fact, white is the preferred car color in the sunshine state as just over 1 in 4 Florida cars are white.
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Important Info for Future Florida Residents
