Florida—the Sunshine State, where the palm trees sway, the beaches are never far, and the wildlife occasionally tries to eat you. Whether you’re from Miami, Orlando, the Keys, or a quiet town in the Everglades, if you check off most of these signs, you’re definitely a true Floridian. Let’s see how many of these resonate with you!
You’ve defended the Florida Man meme and have probably said, “I swear, not everyone here is like that.”
You know the Florida Man headlines all too well. And yes, you’ve probably been asked about it more times than you can count, but deep down you know that not every Floridian is making the news for bizarre reasons—just most of them.
You’ve spent a day at the beach—and you’ve probably said, “I could live here forever.”
Whether it’s Clearwater, South Beach, or a hidden spot on the Gulf Coast, you’ve spent time soaking up the sun, swimming in the ocean, and probably enjoying the sand between your toes. And after all of that, you’ve likely thought, “This is the life.”
You’ve gotten caught in a sudden rainstorm—and you didn’t even bother running for cover.
Florida weather is unpredictable, to say the least. You’ve been in the middle of a downpour so heavy that visibility was reduced to zero, and instead of panicking, you just kept on going with your day—because, hey, it’ll be over in five minutes.
You’ve spent a Saturday afternoon in a theme park—and you’ve somehow survived the lines.
Whether it’s Disney World, Universal Studios, or Busch Gardens, you’ve spent hours in lines waiting for the best rides. You’ve embraced the thrill of the parks and mastered the art of hydration, sunscreen, and maintaining an optimistic attitude while you wait.
You’ve tried to explain to someone that “snowbirds” aren’t just a type of bird—they’re a lifestyle.
You know exactly what a snowbird is, and you’ve either been one yourself or spent time navigating the traffic and crowds that come with seasonal residents. Whether you love them or think they make everything a little more crowded, you know that the influx of northern visitors is a part of Florida life.
You’ve seen an alligator—and you didn’t panic.
Alligators are a normal part of life in Florida. You’ve seen them lounging by a pond or crossing the road, and instead of running for your life, you’ve taken a photo and calmly moved along, knowing that they were just as uninterested in you as you are in them.
You’ve explained to someone that “Cuban food” is more than just a sandwich.
Cuban food is a Florida staple, and you’ve had your fill of delicious dishes like ropa vieja, tostones, and, of course, the iconic Cuban sandwich. Whether you’re enjoying it in Little Havana or a local spot, you know it’s some of the best food Florida has to offer.
You’ve had a conversation about hurricanes—and you’ve become oddly calm about it.
Living in Florida means you’ve probably been through at least one hurricane. Whether it was a close call or a full-blown storm, you’ve made sure to stock up on supplies, keep an eye on the weather, and wait for the all-clear to get back to your beach activities.
You’ve spent time in the Keys—and you’ve probably thought about retiring there.
The Florida Keys are a paradise, and if you’ve visited, you’ve definitely considered living there one day. Whether you’re fishing, snorkeling, or just enjoying the sunset, you know that the Keys have their own special charm that you just can’t find anywhere else.
You’ve tried to explain that “Florida Man” is not a representative of all Floridians—but you still chuckle every time.
Florida Man has made headlines more times than you can count, and while you might get frustrated by the stereotype, you can’t help but laugh at some of the outrageous headlines. You’ve probably even joined in on the fun, creating your own ridiculous “Florida Man” story.
You’ve eaten key lime pie—and you know it’s the best dessert in the world.
Key lime pie is a Florida staple, and you’ve definitely had a slice (or two). Whether it’s made with a graham cracker crust or just topped with a dollop of whipped cream, you know there’s nothing better than this tangy, creamy dessert on a hot Florida day.
You’ve said, “It’s always summer in Florida,” even when it’s “winter.”
Florida winters are mild at best, and you’ve gotten used to wearing shorts in “winter” while everyone else is bundling up in jackets. You’ve embraced the eternal summer lifestyle and still can’t believe that the rest of the country is dealing with snow.
If you checked off most of these signs, you’re a true Floridian! Whether it’s the wildlife, the weather, or the endless sunshine, Florida has a special place in your heart—and it shows. So, next time someone asks where you’re from, throw up a shaka, say “Florida,” and maybe even offer them a key lime pie slice while you’re at it!
