1. Building Sandmen Instead of Snowmen
Florida doesn’t do snow, so residents get creative during the holidays. Instead of snowmen, they build sandmen—complete with sunglasses and seashell buttons. Christmas lights go up on palm trees, and Santa sometimes arrives by boat. It’s festive, just with more SPF.
To Floridians, this is perfectly normal. But to outsiders, it’s like celebrating Christmas in a Jimmy Buffett song. The lack of snow doesn’t dampen the cheer. It just makes it a little more tropical.
2. Spotting Alligators Like They’re Squirrels
In Florida, seeing an alligator isn’t a big deal—it’s just Tuesday. Locals might casually mention one sunbathing on a golf course or swimming in a backyard pool. It’s so common that “gator etiquette” is practically a life skill. Outsiders panic, but Floridians just shrug.
This kind of wildlife encounter is uniquely Floridian. Most people don’t live with apex predators in their neighborhoods. But in the Sunshine State, it’s just part of the landscape. And yes, they still go swimming anyway.
3. Wearing Flip-Flops in December
While the rest of the country bundles up, Floridians are still rocking shorts and sandals. Anything above 60°F is fair game for beachwear. You’ll even see people in tank tops while Christmas lights twinkle in the background. It’s a strange but charming seasonal contradiction.
To Floridians, this is totally normal. But to visitors, it feels like a weather glitch. Winter fashion here means maybe adding a hoodie—maybe. Snow boots? Never heard of her.
4. Treating Hurricanes Like Snow Days
When a hurricane’s on the way, most people would panic. In Florida, it’s more like prepping for a long weekend. Locals stock up on snacks, board up windows, and sometimes even throw “hurricane parties.” It’s serious—but also weirdly routine.
This calm attitude comes from experience. Floridians know the drill and don’t overreact unless it’s truly dangerous. To outsiders, it looks like chaos. But to locals, it’s just another storm season.
5. Driving for Hours and Still Being in Florida
Florida is deceptively huge—over 500 miles from top to bottom. You can drive all day and still be in the same state. Road trips often involve crossing time zones without ever leaving Florida. It’s a geographical oddity that surprises newcomers.
Locals are used to it. A “quick trip” might mean five hours on I-75. And don’t even ask how far Miami is from Tallahassee—it’s practically another country. It’s a state that feels like several rolled into one.
6. Seeing Iguanas Fall from Trees in Winter
When temperatures drop below 50°F, iguanas literally fall from trees. They’re not dead—just temporarily stunned by the cold. It’s a bizarre sight that’s become a seasonal phenomenon. Locals know not to park under trees during a cold snap.
This only happens in Florida, where invasive iguanas thrive in the subtropical climate. It’s both hilarious and slightly alarming. But Floridians take it in stride. Just another day in paradise.
7. Navigating by Landmarks That No Longer Exist
Ask a Floridian for directions, and you might hear something like “Turn left where the old Kmart used to be.” Locals often reference buildings that were torn down years ago. It’s confusing for newcomers but makes perfect sense to longtime residents. It’s a kind of unofficial oral map.
This habit is especially common in smaller towns. It’s part nostalgia, part practicality. And it’s a uniquely Floridian way of preserving local history—one demolished strip mall at a time.
8. Drinking Orange Juice Like It’s a Craft Beverage
Florida takes its orange juice seriously. Fresh-squeezed OJ is a breakfast staple, and locals can tell you which groves produce the best flavor. Some even treat it like wine—discussing acidity, sweetness, and pulp levels. It’s not just juice—it’s pride.
This makes sense in a state that produces over 70% of the U.S. supply. But to outsiders, the obsession can seem intense. In Florida, OJ isn’t just a drink—it’s a cultural icon. And yes, it tastes better here.
9. Attending Theme Parks Like They’re the Mall
In most places, going to Disney World or Universal Studios is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. In Florida, it’s just a casual weekend plan. Locals often have annual passes and pop in for dinner or fireworks. It’s not unusual to visit a theme park just to walk around.
This proximity changes the whole experience. Theme parks become part of everyday life, not just special occasions. It’s a surreal kind of normal. And it’s something only Floridians truly understand.
10. Complaining When It’s Below 70°F
Anywhere else, 68°F is a lovely spring day. In Florida, it’s cause for panic. Locals break out jackets, scarves, and even boots. Social media fills with dramatic posts about the “cold.”
It’s all in good fun, but it’s also very real. Floridians are used to heat, so anything under 70 feels arctic. Outsiders may laugh—but they’d feel it too after a few years in the tropics. It’s all about perspective.
11. Sharing the Road with Peacocks and Turtles
Florida roads are full of surprises. It’s not unusual to stop for a turtle crossing or to see a peacock strutting through a neighborhood. Wildlife and suburbia coexist in strange harmony. And drivers just learn to adapt.
This blend of nature and infrastructure is uniquely Floridian. It’s part of what makes the state feel wild and unpredictable. And it’s a reminder that you’re never far from the natural world—even in the middle of traffic.
12. Treating Key Lime Pie Like a Food Group
Key lime pie isn’t just dessert in Florida—it’s a way of life. Locals debate crust styles, meringue vs. whipped cream, and where to find the best slice. It’s on nearly every menu, from diners to fine dining. And yes, people will drive hours for a good one.
To outsiders, it’s just a tart little pie. But in Florida, it’s culinary heritage. It’s sweet, tangy, and totally essential. And it’s one more thing that makes the state deliciously unique.
This post 12 Things That Are Totally Normal in Florida—And Nowhere Else on Earth was first published on American Charm.
