I've been a Floridian my whole life. But after I started attending college in the Midwest I realized some interesting things about my home state, things I thought were normal for everyone else. I have learned that Florida is an outlier in comparison to the other 49 states. For example, the more north you go, the more "southern" it gets and vice versa.
Here are just some of the things that only Floridans really understand.
1. Speed Limits
We don't have speed limits... we have speed suggestions. The speed limit may say 60mph, but that means we can get away with at least 70mph. Even if you do get pulled over, chances are you will get a warning instead of an actual speeding ticket.2. Public Transportation Does Not Exist
Every one in Florida owns a car. Many people get their first between the age of 16 and 18. Florida mostly developed after everyone already owned their own mode of transportation so public-transportation does not exist here.3. Abnormal Seasons
The Florida seasons are hurricane season, love bug season, tourist season and summer (a.k.a death by humidity). Therefore: socks are only worn for exercising or bowling, anything under 70 degrees is chilly, and seeing Christmas decorations up on palm trees and Santa's sled on a lawn of green grass is normal.4.Love Bug Season
5.Hurricanes are NBD
If anything, Floridans become pretty desensitized to hurricanes. Anything under a category 3 is not worth being concerned about. When told to prepare for a hurricane you wait to the last minute to go buy supplies. Its just a large thunderstorm in our eyes.6. Speaking of Thunderstorms...
We get quite a bit of storms in Florida. Florida is lightning capital of the United States, and second in the world for most lightning strikes. If it's not a thunderstorm, it rains nearly everyday in the summer. But you never need an umbrella because it will stop in a few minutes. We are also all masters of driving in the rain.
7. Best Super Markets
Publix is the best grocery store. Period. Even non-floridans have complimented the business. Their subs are a staple amongst us Floridians.
8. Parking and Parallel Parking
The driver's test in Florida does not include parallel parking, so a vast majority of us don't know how to do it properly. Not that there many places its needed in Florida anyway. When parking in parking lots, its not about how close you are, its about how much shade you have. Cars get HOT when sitting out in the sun.
9. Theme Parks Galore
Between Disney World, Universal, Islands of Adventure, Sea World, and Busch Gardens. There is never a shortage of quality theme parks to explore. Even better, Floridians get discounts on tickets!10. Golf Courses EVERYWHERE
With all our warm weather and tourist attractions, we are a popular spot for "snowbirds" and retirees. This may explain why our culture is so "northern" despite it being the most southern state in the country. It also explains the sheer amount of golf courses and retirement homes in our state. In fact, we have over 1,000 courses, more than any other state.
11. Pools and Lakes are Commonplace
Most of your friends have a pool in their backyard. If not, they're likely to have a lake. Some have both! There is never a shortage of water around here.12. Beautiful Beaches
If by some miracle you or your friends don't have either of these (and this is pretty much impossible), then no fear because everyone lives with 2 hours of a beach. Florida is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Clearwater sitting at #1.13. Green All Year 'Round
Though we have beautiful white sand beaches, we don't get to experience white snow in the winters. In fact, Floridians get extremely excited when there is frost on the ground. Did some one say snow day?14. Exotic Wildlife (Crocs aren't just a shoe here...)
Florida is also known for its wildlife. Yes, we have alligators. No, they are not in everyone's backyard. Yes, they are in some though. No, you're not going to die. Floridians are generally pretty smart when dealing with them. No biggie.15. Great State Colleges
FSU, USF, UCF, UF, UM, FIU, and FAU are the major schools in the state. Everyone knows at least one family that is obsessed with one, and most of your friends go to these. The competition is fierce!16. "Northern Cuba"
The Miami-Dade country is basically "northern Cuba" and gosh you can find some amazing Cuban food around there and in most Florida cities.
17. A/C is Essential for Survival
Amongst emergency responders like the Police and Firemen, in Florida we place the A/C repair guy high on the list. Because if the A/C breaks down we're going to die.18. Basements are a Rare Find
Since Florida sits at sea level, its very rare for people to have a basement in their home. It far to expensive for it to be worth it. As a result, we have an odd jealousy for the additional space.19. All You Can Eat Froyo
The frozen yogurt industry has exploded in Florida. If you live here you probably live within 15 minutes of at least three different shops. Since its never too cold for the frozen sweet treat, the businesses are doing pretty well.20. Notorious news stories of the "Florida Man"
"Florida Man" has become a running joke in the U.S., and it's pretty funny. We Floridans chuckle and roll are eyes at them too. But most of us are quite normal, so be wary because those jokes get old eventually.