12 Ways to Tell a Real Floridian From a Fake Floridian
For Florida locals, spotting a “true” Floridian from a Florida newbie is as easy as tasting the difference between a Key lime pie and a lime-flavored pie. The good news? If you’re a recent Florida transplant, you can learn about the behaviors that scream “I’m not from here.”
These are some of the biggest ways you can differentiate between those who’ve lived in Florida for many years or their whole life and people who just moved to the Sunshine State.
Passion for Publix
Publix is more than just a grocery store in Florida. A real Floridian sees it as a local treasure. Their sandwiches, also called “Pub Subs,” are famous all over the state. People line up for chicken tender subs and chat with neighbors while shopping. Locals often praise the store’s customer service, which has helped make Publix a Florida icon.
A Floridian newbie might not understand the hype around Publix. They might prefer other supermarkets or say, “It’s just another grocery store.” Real Floridians might look at them with disgust. To a local, the love for Publix is hard to explain, but it feels like a special community bond.
Sunshine Tolerance
Real Floridians know how to handle the sun. They wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses like it’s the daily routine that it is. They learn this skill early in life because the sun is strong year-round in the Sunshine State.
Florida gets an average of 237 sunny days a year, so regular sun protection is a must—unless you want to look like a lobster, of course.
When a non-Florida local goes outside, they might forget sunscreen or wear it only when they go to the beach. You can also spot a newbie when they call 75°F a “scorcher.” Real Floridians will usually say 75°F feels mild and perfect for a walk around the neighborhood.
Hurricane Preparedness
A true Floridian has a plan for hurricane season. This is not just buying extra water bottles and canned goods. They also have sturdy window shutters or pre-cut wood for boarding windows. They know how to track storms using updates from the National Hurricane Center. Plus, they can tell you the difference between a tropical storm watch and a hurricane warning.
When a hurricane is on the way, a non-Florida local might panic. You may see them buying ten loaves of bread and forgetting the batteries. Or, they might wait too long and find empty shelves. A local Floridian stays calm, charges devices early, and fills up the bathtub with water if it looks like a strong storm is approaching.
Beach Etiquette
Real Floridians treat the beach like a second home. They know the right times to avoid crowds, like weekday mornings. They also pick a spot away from nesting sea turtles or protected dunes. True Floridians know to watch for rip current flags before getting in the water. They recognize that a green flag usually means it’s safe, while a red flag means danger.
A Florida newbie might show up at noon on a weekend and struggle with parking. Real locals value the coastline. They know Florida beaches attract millions of visitors and want to keep them clean. In 2024, Florida broke records for the number of tourists it received, many of whom came for the beaches. So, you can bet your swimsuit bottom that responsible beach behavior matters a lot to locals.
Driving Habits
If you see someone driving too slowly in the left lane with their blinker on for miles, you may assume they are new to Florida. Real Floridians know the roads can be crowded, especially during the snowbird (winter) season. They’ve learned how to handle highways like I-95 or I-75. They also drive in sudden, heavy rainstorms with relative ease.
A non-Floridian might try to zip around quickly or follow too close to other cars during a downpour. Locals also know the best times to avoid traffic, like early weekends or late evenings. When a major theme park or beach event ends, real Floridians plan other routes to avoid getting stuck.
Knowing the State’s Layout
Florida may look simple on a map, but it’s bigger than it seems. A real Floridian knows that the Panhandle, Central Florida, and South Florida are all very different. They understand that Orlando is not close to Miami, even if they’re both in the same state. Driving from Key West to Pensacola is more than 800 miles!
A person new to Florida might think a day trip from Jacksonville to Tampa is a quick ride. They don’t realize it can take well over three hours one way. Locals also know that Florida has many hidden springs and lakes. There’s more to the state than just big cities, beaches, and theme parks. Real Floridians take pride in exploring the lesser-known spots.
Wildlife Encounters
Alligators are a big part of Florida. Long-term locals know to keep a safe distance and never to feed them. They also understand how to share space with creatures like ibises, manatees, and sandhill cranes. Florida has about 1.3 million alligators, so chances are you will see one eventually. Locals respect the fact that they are wild animals, not pets.
A Floridian newbie might panic at the sight of a small gecko or scream at an armadillo, let alone an alligator. On the flip side, they might try to feed an alligator or take selfies too close, putting their lives in danger.
Florida Foods
When you talk about Florida food, many people think about seafood, oranges, and key lime pie. A real Floridian can tell you their favorite key lime pie spot and swear it’s the best in the state. They can also intelligently debate about what “real” key lime pie crust should be like.
A Floridian wanna-be might not see the difference between real key lime pie and lime-flavored dessert. They might add green food coloring or use bottled lime juice when making it.
Florida Lingo
Real Floridians develop a certain way of talking about their environment. They may say “I’m headed down south” when referring to areas like the Keys, or simply mention an interstate name or number to explain where they’re going. They’ll also talk about “snowbirds,” “love bugs,” and “the Panhandle,” assuming everyone knows exactly what they mean.
A Floridian newbie often gets confused by this local language. They might call every single highway “the freeway” or use the wrong names for local landmarks. Over time, picking up these common expressions is a sign of blending in.
Living With Humidity
Florida’s humidity isn’t for the faint of heart. The average annual relative humidity in the state hovers around 74%, which can make the heat feel intense. Real Floridians learn to embrace air conditioning, keep their hair tied back, and drink lots of water.
A Florida newbie might complain endlessly about the sticky air, especially in the summer. They might wonder why their clothes never seem to dry. Locals know that a typical trip from the front door to the mailbox can leave you sweating. But they also understand that this year-round warmth has its perks, like spending time outdoors in January without freezing.
Seasonal Shifts
Real Floridians often joke that Florida has two main seasons: hot and less hot. They know that fall doesn’t bring a big drop in temperature, though northern spots cool down more than central and southern Florida.
A Florida newbie might ask, “When do the leaves change color?” or pack snow boots “just in case.” Locals understand that Florida’s seasons can be subtle, and any slight drop in temperature might lead people to wear jackets they rarely use. When you have lived there a while, you know that 60°F in Florida can feel like sweater weather.
Bug Battlers
Florida is home to all sorts of insects, from mosquitoes to palmetto bugs. Real Floridians learn not to freak out at the sight of a giant cockroach flying around at night. They also know the importance of using insect repellent or citronella candles during peak mosquito hours. It’s part of everyday life when you live in a subtropical climate.
A non-Floridian might shriek and run the first time they encounter a palmetto bug in their home. They may not realize that Florida has about 80 different mosquito species. Locals keep their cool, grab some paper towels or a shoe, and tackle the problem head-on, understanding it’s simply part of Florida living.
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24 Facts No One Knows About Florida
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