In some parts of Florida a native Floridian can be hard to find. There are lots of people moving to Florida every day. In recent years, our state even surpassed New York as the third most populous state in the country. When you add in the tourists, that means there are a lot of folks here from a lot of different places. It seems like everyone wants to spend some time in the Sunshine State, and we totally understand. This diversity is part of what makes our state special, but it’s always nice to connect with another Florida native. So we’ve created a handy list that will help you spot transplants and tourists from a mile away:
- They only praise Florida’s beautiful beaches.
Flickr/Timo While the beaches are definitely beautiful, you don’t have to go to the coast to find some gorgeous scenery. Our rivers, lakes, springs, and even swamps hold their own appeal for Floridians who look beyond the beaches.
- They wouldn’t be caught dead in flip-flops.
Flickr/areta ekarafi They don’t understand our love for our laid-back footwear of choice, and you might even catch them wearing shoes on the beach.
- They’re just not that into seafood.
Flickr/Bob I’ve only ever heard out-of-towners say something like this, and it’s usually met with weird looks or disbelief from locals.
- They don’t have either a respect or understanding of native wildlife.
Flickr/yosemitewu56 Even though Florida is famous for its alligators, for some reason it seems like visitors don’t always expect them to really be here. A lot of Florida wildlife (and natural events like hurricanes) can be dangerous and even deadly if you don’t understand them.
- They think wine only comes from California and craft beer only comes from the Northwest.
Flickr/quite peculiar Believe it or not, Florida has some impressive wineries and a booming beer scene. There are so many local options now that it’s hard to keep up.
- They go to Disney World during the high season.
Flickr/danuv Most, but definitely not all, Floridians have a sort of been there, done that attitude when it comes theme parks. That’s because they probably have, many times. If we do choose to visit them, there’s no way it would be during the busy or hottest times of year.
- They feed the seagulls.
Flickr/Les Chatfield No self-respecting Floridian would be foolish enough to feed these little winged monsters.
- They’ve never had a Pub Sub.
Flickr/Bradley Huchteman It can be confusing for folks from other states to understand why everyone here goes to the grocery store for lunch. The simple fact is that Pub Subs are the best.
- They don’t really like Key lime pie.
Flickr/Ralph Daily They don’t understand our obsession with all things Key lime, especially our official state pie. To us, this treat is the perfect combination of tangy and sweet, and an obvious dessert choice.
What’s your biggest clue that someone might not be a native Floridian?
Flickr/Timo
While the beaches are definitely beautiful, you don’t have to go to the coast to find some gorgeous scenery. Our rivers, lakes, springs, and even swamps hold their own appeal for Floridians who look beyond the beaches.
Flickr/areta ekarafi
They don’t understand our love for our laid-back footwear of choice, and you might even catch them wearing shoes on the beach.
Flickr/Bob
I’ve only ever heard out-of-towners say something like this, and it’s usually met with weird looks or disbelief from locals.
Flickr/yosemitewu56
Even though Florida is famous for its alligators, for some reason it seems like visitors don’t always expect them to really be here. A lot of Florida wildlife (and natural events like hurricanes) can be dangerous and even deadly if you don’t understand them.
Flickr/quite peculiar
Believe it or not, Florida has some impressive wineries and a booming beer scene. There are so many local options now that it’s hard to keep up.
Flickr/danuv
Most, but definitely not all, Floridians have a sort of been there, done that attitude when it comes theme parks. That’s because they probably have, many times. If we do choose to visit them, there’s no way it would be during the busy or hottest times of year.
Flickr/Les Chatfield
No self-respecting Floridian would be foolish enough to feed these little winged monsters.
Flickr/Bradley Huchteman
It can be confusing for folks from other states to understand why everyone here goes to the grocery store for lunch. The simple fact is that Pub Subs are the best.
Flickr/Ralph Daily
They don’t understand our obsession with all things Key lime, especially our official state pie. To us, this treat is the perfect combination of tangy and sweet, and an obvious dessert choice.
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