18 Funny Snowbird Habits at Publix Every Floridian Has Witnessed

Snowbird season in Florida means license plates from up north, crowded restaurants at 4:30 p.m., and a noticeable change in Publix’s aisles.

You can almost feel the shift when you step inside.

We have nothing against snowbirds. But ask any year-round Publix regular, and they’ll tell you that these seasonal visitors have some… unique… shopping habits.

They Call It “The Publix”

There’s something between charming and irritating about the way many snowbirds refer to Publix as The Publix, as if it were a proper noun with special status.

You’ll hear it often in the parking lot or over the phone: “I’m just heading over to the Publix. Need anything?”

It’s almost always said with affection and a slight sense of wonder.

Native Floridians don’t think twice about the store’s name. But for snowbirds, it’s The Publix Experience.

They Buy Grits, Then Google What to Do With Them

It’s not uncommon to spot a snowbird proudly holding a bag of grits like they’ve just discovered gold.

They’ve heard it’s “a Southern thing,” and they’re determined to try it.

But once they get home, the confusion sets in. Do you boil them? Bake them? Eat them with sugar or cheese?

Some give up and let the grits sit in the pantry untouched. Others try to make shrimp and grits and end up with a gluey mess.

They Treat the Deli Line Like a Social Hour

Snowbirds aren’t in a rush, and it shows. The deli counter becomes less of a sandwich station and more of a stage for small talk.

They’ll chat with the worker about their grandchildren, compare prices on ham, and ask for samples like it’s Costco on a Saturday.

If the wait is 12 minutes, they’re fine with it.

Local shoppers might tap their feet, glance at their phones, and mumble under their breath. But snowbirds? They’re just getting warmed up.

They Panic-Buy Key Lime Pie Like It’s Going Out of Stock

Nothing screams “I’m not from around here” like buying three key lime pies on a Tuesday for a household of two.

For some reason, certain snowbirds seem convinced this tangy Florida treat is endangered.

They’ll stock up like there’s a key lime shortage, often debating in the bakery section whether they should freeze two or just eat them all this week.

Locals know the pies are almost always available.

But to snowbirds, each slice feels like a sweet, tropical souvenir.

They Ask Publix Employees for Restaurant Recommendations

Snowbirds are often curious folks, and that curiosity spills over into some unexpected places, including Publix’s checkout line.

They’ll ask the cashier, “Where do you like to eat seafood around here?” or “Is that Italian place near the Walgreens any good?”

Meanwhile, there’s a line of shoppers holding melting ice cream behind them.

Publix employees usually respond politely, sometimes even enthusiastically. But the regulars know to keep it short and sweet.

Snowbirds? They want the full Yelp review.

They’re Shocked You Can Buy Wine in a Grocery Store

For snowbirds from states with stricter alcohol laws, the wine aisle at Publix is a pleasant surprise and a bit of a novelty.

They’ll linger in front of the bottles, reading every label like it’s a fine art exhibit.

“Back home we have to go to a liquor store!” one will whisper to another, eyes wide with delight.

They often grab a bottle or two “just because we can.” Florida living has its perks.

They Think BOGO Means “Buy 1, Get More Than 2”

BOGO deals are a mystery and a miracle to many snowbirds. It’s understandable on one hand, given that every grocery store has different promotions.

You’ll see carts overflowing with BOGO items they might not even need in questionable numbers—three jars of mayo, five boxes of cereal, six frozen pizzas—all because they were “on sale.”

They may not fully understand the math, but they love the thrill.

And who can blame them? Publix BOGOs are legendary.

They Say “Excuse Me” Every Three Seconds

Politeness is a virtue, and many snowbirds have plenty of it. Sometimes, maybe a little too much.

You’ll hear “Excuse me,” “Oops, sorry,” “Oh dear,” and “Didn’t mean to block you!” as they slowly navigate the aisles with a half-full cart and full social energy.

It’s well-intentioned and honestly kind of sweet.

But Publix regulars know to keep moving because they’ve got places to be.

They Use Coupons From 1998

Snowbirds often show up with a fistful of coupons that look like they’ve been stored in a drawer for decades. Some are expired. Some are for stores that no longer exist.

They’ll hand them over with confidence, completely unaware that their $1 off Ocean Spray cranberry juice offer is three presidential administrations old.

Most Publix cashiers smile through it and offer to check for a valid deal.

Meanwhile, regular shoppers quietly admire their optimism.

They Stand in Awe of the Bakery

To a snowbird, the Publix bakery is more than a grocery section; it’s a wonderland.

They marvel at the cupcakes, debate over loaf cakes, and often ask if they can special-order something “just like that wedding cake we had in 1982.”

You’ll spot them sampling cookies, praising the icing, and taking way too long to decide between apple fritters or cinnamon buns.

But, really, who can blame them? Even Publix regulars sometimes gawk at Publix’s bakery.

They Pick Up Every Jar in the Pickle Aisle

We’re not going to lie: Publix’s pickle section is impressive.

It isn’t so uncommon to spot a snowbird spending ten minutes comparing kosher dills, bread and butter chips, gherkins, and half-sours.

They’re not in a rush, and the pickle aisle might as well be an art gallery.

It’s endearing, even if it causes a traffic jam near the mustard.

They Bring Reusable Bags the Size of Canoes

Snowbirds often bring their own shopping bags, and some of those bags seem big enough to hold a kayak.

You’ll see them wrestling to get the bags open at the checkout lane, explaining that they bought them at a Vermont farmer’s market and they “hold everything but the kitchen sink.”

They usually do.

The problem is, the bag ends up weighing 40 pounds. Still, they carry it out proudly like they just won a Publix Olympics.

They Complain About the Heat… in January

Florida natives put on sweatshirts when the first month of the year rolls around. But snowbirds?

They’re sweating in shorts and asking where the nearest fan is.

You’ll overhear them say things like, “It’s hotter than August in Michigan!” or “How are these oranges not melting?”—all while holding a bag of ice and fanning themselves with a BOGO flyer.

Publix becomes their climate control checkpoint. Aisle 7? Just the right amount of air conditioning.

They Treat the Weekly Ad Like a Treasure Map

For snowbirds, the Publix weekly ad isn’t just a flyer—it’s a full-blown strategy guide.

They’ll circle items in pen, fold it into quarters, and refer back to it like it holds ancient secrets.

You’ll spot them in aisle five, flipping back and forth between shelves and the ad, comparing brands and squinting at the fine print.

“Is this the mustard that’s BOGO or the one next to the one that’s BOGO?” becomes a real conversation.

Even when they only need milk, the ad comes with them. And if the sale ends today? You better believe they’ll mention it at checkout. Twice.

They Comment on the Produce Like It’s a Farmer’s Market

“Look at the size of this avocado!” “Smell this mango!” “Back home, we don’t have strawberries like these!”

Like all of us, snowbirds love fresh produce, and they treat the Publix produce section like a guided tour.

They’ll squeeze, sniff, examine, and share their findings with anyone within earshot.

It’s wholesome, if a bit theatrical. Just watch out for slowdowns near the bananas.

They Ask If Publix “Carries Souvenirs”

This one happens more than you’d expect. Snowbirds sometimes assume that because it’s Florida, every store must sell flamingo mugs and seashell trinkets.

They’ll ask an employee if Publix has postcards or t-shirts with the logo.

And if they spot a reusable Publix tote with a palm tree on it, it’s going in the cart immediately.

It’s a grocery store. But to snowbirds, it can double as a gift shop.

They Think the Checkout Lane Is for Life Stories

Once a snowbird has filled up their cart, a final step often happens: Telling their life story to the Publix cashier, including how many times they’ve come to Florida.

They’ll share where they’re from, what they did before retiring, how they met their spouse, and why they love Publix so much.

Publix is known for its warm and friendly employees, so chatting at the checkout lane is normal.

It’s just the content of the conversation that screams “snowbird!”

They Celebrate Every Shopping Trip Like It’s a Vacation Day

Snowbirds bring a sense of novelty to grocery shopping that Floridians could learn a thing or two from. What feels routine to locals is exciting and new to them.