Florida is famous for its beaches, theme parks, and year-round sunshine—but once you actually live there, you realise there’s a whole different side to the Sunshine State. It’s not all palm trees and pool parties.
From wild weather to even wilder wildlife, life in Florida can get downright bizarre. If you’re thinking of moving there—or already have—here are 8 quirky and unusual things no one tells you about living in Florida.
1. You’ll Check the Weather App… Constantly
In Florida, the weather is a rollercoaster. One minute it’s sunny and humid, and the next, you’re caught in a sudden downpour. It might rain on just your street, while it stays dry across the road. You learn quickly that carrying an umbrella and wearing flip-flops at the same time is completely normal.
2. Lizards Become Your Roommates
Tiny lizards, especially anoles, are everywhere—in your garden, on your windows, even inside your house if you leave the door open too long. At first, they might freak you out. After a while, you’ll just name them and let them hang around.
3. Everyone Has a Story About a Weird Florida Animal Encounter
Alligators sunbathing near golf courses? Raccoons in the attic? Iguanas falling from trees during cold snaps? Yes, it’s all real—and normal for locals. You’ll eventually have your own “you won’t believe what I saw today” wildlife story.
4. You’ll Develop a Love-Hate Relationship with Tourists
Tourists help Florida’s economy thrive, but when they clog up the roads, beaches, and grocery stores during spring break or Christmas? Not so fun. As a local, you learn to avoid certain spots during “tourist season”—or brace yourself for the chaos.
5. It’s Totally Normal to See People in Shorts During Winter
Florida winters are mild, but when it dips below 60°F, you’ll see some people bundled up in jackets and others still in flip-flops and tank tops. Cold is relative here, and everyone handles it differently. You’ll start choosing your winter outfit based on how windy it feels—not the temperature.
6. You’ll Start Measuring Distance in Time, Not Miles
In Florida, especially in bigger cities like Orlando, Tampa, or Miami, traffic can be unpredictable. Locals don’t say “it’s 10 miles away,” they say “it’s 25 minutes if there’s no traffic.” Because honestly, time matters more than distance in this state.
7. You’ll Get Used to the Weird Headlines
“Florida Man” stories are no joke—they’re a real part of the state’s charm (or chaos). Strange news about bizarre crimes or oddball behaviour becomes something you barely react to after a while. It’s just another day in Florida.
8. You’ll Never Be Far from Water—or a Hurricane
No matter where you live in Florida, you’re close to a beach, lake, canal, or swamp. Water is a constant part of life here, which is great for boat lovers—but it also means you’ll need to get used to hurricane season prep. Stocking up on batteries, water, and canned food becomes second nature.
Living in Florida is a unique adventure filled with sun, surprises, and a few strange critters. It’s the kind of place where you can go fishing in the morning, dodge a thunderstorm in the afternoon, and spot a peacock walking across your street by evening.
The quirks are plenty, but so is the charm. Whether you’re here for a few years or for life, Florida will always give you something to talk about.
SOURCES
- (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oS0LdFNAwnk)
- (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kB4RHIcu2As)
- (https://moveadvisor.com/move/21-fascinating-florida-facts/)
