I have lived in Florida my whole life. Born and raised in Tampa, I learned at a young age that a motto of Floridians is “I live where you vacation.” Even though certain parts of Florida are known for tourism, there are some tendencies of the sunshine state that not every person could become accustom to. Here are some common things every Floridian can relate to.

1. The beach is a simple hour drive away

Having the best beaches in the country less than an hour away is something I definitely took advantage of growing up in Tampa. Even going for a lunch trip, or to watch the sunset was something my friends and I could do with ease.

2. Oh, and so is Disney World

I love amusement parks. Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, you name it. Getting the chance to make day trips to places some people only dream of going to is an amazing opportunity.

3. Flip flops are never seasonal

I wear flip flops year round. They are essential in the constant heat that is Florida.

4. In fact, there aren’t even seasons

When I first moved to South Carolina for college, I was in awe of the leaves changing colors. It was something I had never experienced before, so my camera roll was full of pictures of leaves.

5. Half of the people you know have some form of water as their backyard.

I know people that live on the bay, on a lake, or on the Gulf of Mexico. It calls for very pretty backgrounds for pictures.

6. Nonstop rain

From April to August, it rains every single day. Every afternoon, you are guaranteed to be soaked if you are outside. Watch out for the lightning too, seeing that Tampa is the lightning capital of the country (and the name of our hockey team).

7. Never getting tired of the sunsets

I kid you not, the sunset is breathtaking every single day. Some days it looks like cotton candy, some days like the whole sky is on fire. But either way, it’s even better to see the sun set over the water.

8. Joking about hunting for gators.

Yes, there are gators in just about every body of water in Florida. No, we don’t actually hunt them.

9. Feeling secluded from the other states

The Florida Georgia border is over three hours away from my hometown. When I have to drive out of the state, it feels like Florida is never ending.

10. Terrible drivers

In Florida, people either drive recklessly, or really slow. There’s no in between.

11. Understanding you’re not from “The South”

I have to say that in my opinion Florida is not considered a southern state. Even though we are southern geographically, Florida seems like its own state compared to the southern states. Florida is also a state that is considered more southern in its roots the more north you go.