If you were born and raised in Florida, you know that there are a few things that make you undeniably a native Floridian. From the way you talk to the way you act, these are some of the top signs that show you’re a true Sunshine State resident. Whether you were born and raised here or migrated down south at some point, these quirks definitely make Floridians stand out from the rest! So if you’re feeling proud of your Florida roots, read on for some proof that you really are a native Floridian.
1. You don’t worry about hurricanes until they become at least a category 4.
It’s not that Floridians don’t worry about hurricanes, it’s just that we tend to focus on storms that are Category 3 or higher. That’s because a Category 4 hurricane is definitely something that you should worry about, and we all need to be prepared in case one hits our state.
Once a hurricane becomes a Category 4 and is just a few days away, people start to panic buy water, batteries, and whatever else they’ll need for a few days.
There’s not much panic buying going on here in Florida, but people do start stocking up on important things like food and water once it becomes clear that the storm is definitely hitting our state. The rest of the time we don’t worry too much about hurricanes since they usually miss us anyway.
2. If you didn’t have a calendar, you wouldn’t know what season it was.
Living in Florida, it’s easy to lose track of what season it is. With the weather always being warm and sunny, it’s hard to tell when one season ends and another begins. That’s why having a calendar is so important if you live in Florida! Without a calendar, you might think it’s still summer when really winter has already started!
3. You know (or know of) someone who has been struck by lightning.
If you’ve ever been in Florida during a thunderstorm, you know that lightning is no joke. It’s still pretty rare, in 2019, 20 people died from lightning strikes while in 2020, 17 people were killed. Florida is the 4th highest population in the United States and has more lightning than any other state.
While your odds of getting struck by lightning are still roughly 1 in a million every year, those are higher odds than any other state.
Me personally? Lightning struck a friend of mine which resulted in a miscarriage. I also know of another teenager who died from a lightning strike.
4. You wear a jacket when it gets below 65 degrees outside.
Floridians are definitely not used to any temperature outside that is lower what most would consider air conditioner weather. We’re just not equipped for that kind of weather! Plus, when it does get to be kinda chilly to us, we like being able to have an excuse to finally put on a jacket.
5. You know what a “conch” is and you’ve probably seen a few.
Conch is a type of shellfish that is popular in Florida. They are often found in restaurants and markets. You may have even seen it on menus. There are many different ways to cook conch, but one of the most popular is frying it up. If you’re looking for a taste of Florida, be sure to try out some conch!
Did you know that there’s a difference between a conch and a whelk? You’ve probably seen both of them, but may not know the difference. A conch is the larger one with a more spiral shape, while a whelk is smaller and has more of a straight shell. They both inhabit Florida’s waters, but come from different families. Conchs are in the Strombidae family, while whelks are in the Buccinidae family. So next time you’re out on the water and see one of these shells, now you’ll know which one it is!
6. You have an opinion on the best beach in Florida.
Everybody has an opinion on the best beach in Florida. It’s hard to go wrong when you live in this state. From Pensacola to Miami, there are countless beaches that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed after a day of sun-soaked fun. We all have our favorites, but it’s hard to beat a day at the beach in Florida!
7. You’re not surprised to find a snake in your yard.
If you’re a Floridian, you’re not too surprised when you see a snake in your yard. Snakes are common in our state, and we’ve learned to live with them. While most snakes are harmless, it’s important to be aware of the dangers they can pose. If you see a snake in your yard, it’s probably best to leave it alone.
8. Your idea of dressing up is putting on a dress shirt instead of wearing a T-shirt.
Dressing up doesn’t have to mean wearing a suit and tie. In Florida, we like to dress down and be comfortable, even when we’re going out. That’s why a dress shirt is perfect for dressing up. You can wear it with shorts or jeans, and it still looks nice.
Just as long as you don’t wear the socks with flip-flops.
Nobody thinks that’s a good idea.
9. You’re weirdly proud when an alligator makes the news.
In Florida, we take our alligators seriously. If one of them wanders too close to a neighborhood or roadway, it makes the news. We’re weirdly proud of them, even though they can be dangerous. But it’s their home, just like ours is, and we have to respect that.
10. The “Florida Man” meme sometimes hits too close to home.
If you’re a Floridian, you’ve probably heard of the “Florida Man” meme. If not, it’s basically a collection of news stories about Florida residents doing goofy, strange, or outrageous things. Some of them are hilarious, but others are just too close to home. Like the one about the guy who got arrested for DUI while wearing a “Drunk Driver” shirt. If you’ve ever felt like the Florida Man meme was made just for you, then chances are you’re a true Floridian!
As someone who lives in Florida, you know and understand that our state has “sunshine laws” where all police arrests are available for public record. What do you do if you work as a reporter in Florida and you have a slow news day? Check the arrest reports for crazy stories!
Every state has its share of crazy people, but Florida just airs its dirty laundry for the world to see for the sake of “transparency”.
But anyway, whether you’re a Florida resident or just visiting, it’s definitely worth checking out some of these ridiculous stories. You never know when you’ll see something that reminds you of your own crazy family or friends!
