What is Florida Known For? 30 Things Floridians Love About Themselves

Written by Chanel Coetzee
Updated: June 27, 2023
© Artiom Photo/Shutterstock.com
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Florida has a unique culture and love of life that separates it from the rest of the country. From its turquoise waters to its gator-infested lakes or rivers and live bustling cities, there’s a surprise around every corner. But what is Florida Known for? Continue reading to discover 30 things Floridians love about themselves.

1. Open Air Restaurants

Floridians love to drink and dine outside, even more, if the establishment has an ocean view. However, during the sweltering months of July and August, residents are mostly found inside air-conditioned restaurants.

Pink Sunset over the colorful shops of the Village on Venetian Bay in Naples, Florida
Floridians love to drink and dine outside, even more, if the establishment has an ocean view.
Image: SunflowerMomma, Shutterstock

©SunflowerMomma/Shutterstock.com

2. Beach Selfies

While the rest of the United States is battling the snow, Floridians are enjoying warm days at the beach and bragging about it on social media with their happy beach selfies.

3. Publix Subs

Instead of visiting mainstream chains like Miami Subs or Subway, any Floridian will tell you that Publix subs from the local grocer are much tastier. They always have the freshest ingredients and use Boar’s Head cheeses and meats.

4. Fresh Seafood is Always Available

Florida is home to vast amounts of fresh seafood. For example, residents can get their hands on fresh crab, shrimp, lobster, grouper, snapper, and even alligator (season depending).

Fresh seafood platter with lobster,mussels and oysters
Enjoy a fresh seafood platter while taking in the sunset over the ocean.
Image: Artur Begel, Shutterstock

©Artur Begel/Shutterstock.com

5. Walt Disney World!

No matter where residents live in the Sunshine State, they are close to the greatest place on earth, Disney World. Furthermore, Floridians get annual passes, which allow them to enter the park four times a year, and discounts on merchandise, dining, and tours.

6. Art Deco Style Architecture

Art Deco goes perfectly with the palm trees and warm weather of the Sunshine State. Visitors and view this style of architecture all over Florida, from the Temple Beth-El in Pensacola to the Ritz Theater in Jacksonville.

Low angle view of the facade of a building  with numerous balconies in pastel colors in the historic district of Miami Beach, Florida
Art Deco goes perfectly with the palm trees and warm weather of the Sunshine State.
Image: 365 Focus Photography, Shutterstock

©365 Focus Photography/Shutterstock.com

7. Fresh Fruit

Many fruits grow year-round in Florida. For example, residents can pick fresh coconuts, lemons, avocados, oranges, mangoes, pink grapefruit, and limes throughout the year.

Orange fruit
Oranges — like mangoes, limes, and other fresh fruits — are plentiful in the Sunshine State.

©PradaBrown/Shutterstock.com

8. Best Cuban Food in the Country

Florida is home to the best Cuban food in the United States. However, to truly experience the state’s finest Cuban food, you must visit Miami. Once you have found a Cuban restaurant, try the famous Cuban sandwich, fried plantains, beans, rice, and shredded meats.

A delicious cuban ropa vieja stew on a bed of rice with lime garnish.
A delicious Cuban ropa vieja stew on a bed of rice with lime garnish is familiar fare in Florida.
Image: Foodio, Shutterstock

©Foodio/Shutterstock.com

9. Hurricane Parties

This might sound strange, but it’s a real thing. When there is a hurricane warning in Florida, many residents will stock up on booze and party supplies instead of essentials like bread, eggs, milk, and water. Most residents would rather be partying it up with friends than cowering from the storm. And, of course, there are plenty of post-hurricane parties. You have to celebrate life, right?

10. Winning Teams

Floridians are very proud of their sports teams. They will fiercely support:

  • Major league
  • Minor league
  • College sports
  • Auto racing

Don’t knock any of their teams down unless you are looking for a fight.

11. Key West

Floridians don’t have to hop on a plane and then drive down to Key West. For them, it is a short trip for partying, a romantic getaway, or a weekend with the girls/boys.

Pier at the beach in Key West, Florida USA
Key West is a favorite getaway for Floridians.
Image: ventdusud, Shutterstock

©ventdusud/Shutterstock.com

12. Cuban Coffee

Floridians love their Cuban coffee. In fact, some of the best coffee houses are located in Tampa and Miami. It tastes even better when you add some demerara sugar, also known as brown sugar.

Cuban Coffee with layers of condensed milk, fresh espresso coffee and foamed milk.
Cuban coffee houses are located in Tampa and Miami. Image: I and S Walker, Shutterstock

©I and S Walker/Shutterstock.com

13. Weddings

Residents love to get married on Florida’s beaches. It doesn’t matter if it’s the beaches in the North, South, East, or West; getting married on the beach is like a right of passage. Just don’t plan your wedding during hurricane season. That’s the only time a beach wedding in Florida will be a problem.

A married couple holding their hands and looking into their eyes. A wedding on the beach-shore. Honey moon on the paradise island. White sand, turquoise sea waters.
There is nothing more romantic than a beach wedding.
Image: Anton Romaniuk, Shutterstock

©Anton Romaniuk/Shutterstock.com

14. Music on the Beach

While alcohol is usually banned on US beaches, Floridians love partying on their beaches with plenty of music, dancing, and alcohol (as long as it’s not in a glass bottle). While most of these events are actual music festivals. Residents often form drum circles on the beach, dancing in the soft sand.

15. Water Babies

Floridians are natural water babies. Most residents take full advantage of the ocean on their doorsteps and take part in recreational activities like:

  • Sea Kayaking
  • Jet Skiing
  • Surfing
  • Paddleboarding
  • Boogie boarding
  • Scuba diving
  • Snorkeling
Divers and ocean
Learning to scuba dive is a popular diversion in Florida.

©san4ezz/Shutterstock.com

16. Key Lime Pie

Nothing is better than a slice of Key Lime pie on a hot Florida day. This decadent dessert originated in Key West, and it is the official pie of the Sunshine State. As a result, there are different versions of this dessert, including various crusts, like pastry or graham cracker, and sometimes, it’s topped with a light and airy meringue.

Key Lime Pie. Classic traditional American dessert favorite. Key lime pie, raw mixture made with the juice from Key West lime juice, condensed milk sugar and eggs poured into graham cracker crust.
Nothing is better than a slice of Key Lime pie on a hot Florida day.
Image: Marie Sonmez Photography, Shutterstock

©Marie Sonmez Photography/Shutterstock.com

17. Boating

There is plenty of water in Florida to enjoy boating. For example, this state has numerous lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. In fact, Fort Lauderdale is the Yachting Capital of the World and hosts the International Boat Show annually.

Lake Apopka with clouds and blue sky at Winter Garden Florida
Lake Apopka is located in Winter Garden Florida.

©Timothy OLeary/Shutterstock.com

18. Sunrises

The sunrises in Florida are absolutely breathtaking. As the sun starts to rise, the sky turns to a mix of pinks and oranges until it settles into a soft, pale yellow. That’s why most Floridians are up at the crack of dawn.

Seven Mile Bridge, Florida- states with the best bridges in America
Overseas Highway Seven Mile Bridge offers views of the sunrise from the Florida Keys.

©iStock.com/SEASTOCK

19. Exotic Cars       

While not everyone in the Sunshine State can afford an exotic car, you see them everywhere. So much so that Walt Disney World as it’s a Speedway called The Exotic Course, which features Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and much more.

Beautiful woman in blue hat and white retro cabriolet on the beach
Life is good in a white retro cabriolet on the beach.
Image: BLACKDAY, Shutterstock

©BLACKDAY/Shutterstock.com

20. Casinos

In the past, residents of Florida used to bet on thoroughbreds and greyhounds. While Floridians still bet on greyhounds and horses, they also love to visit casinos with slot machines and poker. Gambling in the Sunshine State is like going to the movies or out on a date. The residents seem to love the thrill of the chase.

21. Fishing

Florida is home to some serious anglers. Most residents love to fish, and while sitting on a dock waiting patiently for something to bite is relaxing, Floridians are more about serious trophy fishing. They feel there is no better way to spend the day than charter fishing, sport fishing, or deep sea fishing.

Barracuda Fishing
Great barracudas are plentiful around Florida.

©BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock.com

22. Yoga In the Great Outdoors

Why do yoga inside when you have warm weather, fresh air, sand beaches, spectacular views, or wide-open outdoor spaces? But why not try your hand at stand-up paddleboard yoga? However, if you can’t do headstands on land, it might not be the best decision to try it on a board in the middle of the ocean.

Young woman doing YOGA on a SUP board in the lake at sunrise
Paddleboard yoga is gaining popularity in the Sunshine State.
Image: victoria karlova, Shutterstock

©victoria karlova/Shutterstock.com

23. All the Different Golf Courses

If Floridians are not fishing, they are out enjoying a day on the golf course. So, it’s only fitting that the PGA headquarters is in Palm Beach Gardens, and it has approximately 27,000 members. Therefore, there are numerous stunning golf courses around the state and eight diverse golf regions. In fact, Florida has more golf courses than any other place in the world.

Beautiful golf course green in afternoon sunlight
Florida has more golf courses than anywhere in the U.S.

©photoinnovation/Shutterstock.com

24. Shopping

Ok, now we all know you can shop anywhere in the world, but Florida is home to two malls that fall among the ten largest malls in the country. In addition, the Sunshine State has countless strip malls, open-air malls, and outlet malls. In Florida, shopping counts as a full-day workout. So, what are you waiting for? Start multitasking!

25. Farmers’ Markets

Floridians have farmer’s markets all year round. Therefore, residents can enjoy fresh veggies, fruits, and artisan-made food without having to wait for winter to pass. If that doesn’t make you jealous, then nothing will.

Fresh market produce at an outdoor farmer's market
Floridians enjoy farmers’ markets all year. Image: Alexandra Lande, Shutterstock

©Alexandra Lande/Shutterstock.com

26. Sunsets

Just as sunrises in Florida are magnificent, so are sunsets. Residents hardly miss an opportunity to kick off their shoes after a long day and sit on their porches to watch the beautiful colors of the sunset.

Sunrise on the beach and ocean waves on a tropical sea
You can’t beat a Florida sunset.
Image: Valentin Valkov, Shutterstock

©Valentin Valkov/Shutterstock.com

27. Flip-Flops All Year

While January usually means long, thick coats, snowboots, and scarves for most of the country, Florida sticks to casual flip-flops. They might not be the most glamorous shoes, but they are a staple in the Sunshine State. In fact, even when it does get cold in the state, residents would rather pile on layers of sweatshirts or pants before ditching the flip-flops.

28. Miami

Some Floridians will tell you they do not like Miami, but they are lying! Everyone lands up in this city from time to time, and it never disappoints! The vibe of Miami is undeniable. There is so much energy here. Whether you are at a show, partying the night away, shopping, at the beach, or catching a game, you are bound to have the best time. Florida residents love to hate Miami, but there is always more love than hate.

Miami-Dade County
According to the 2020 census, Miami-Dade county ranked as the most populated county in Florida and the seventh-most populated county in the country.

©iStock.com/SeanPavonePhoto

29. Avoiding Gators

It’s no secret that the Sunshine State is overrun by alligators. So much so that young children must learn about them in Elementary school. Young children across the state are taught what to do if they ever encounter one of these intimidating reptiles. For example, if an alligator ever starts chasing you, flee in a zigzag pattern. While this slows you down, it will confuse the alligator, giving you enough time to run away. In addition, because their eyes are on the sides of their heads, the zigzag pattern will make locking down your location much more difficult.

two alligators
Alligators are frequently found on golf courses in Florida.

©Danita Delimont/Shutterstock.com

30. Temperatures Below 60 Degrees Fahrenheit is Freezing

The only downside to living in a place with perfect weather is that residents aren’t equipped for it when it gets cold. So, does Florida receive weather colder than 60n Degrees? Yes, the last few weeks of winter usually bring colder temperatures. And when we say cold, we mean around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the temperature drops, residents turn on the heat in their homes and cars and carry blankets everywhere. You will often see elderly people wearing warm sweaters with their shorts. But there is no need to worry; the cold weather doesn’t last long at all!


The Featured Image

st. pete beach
St. Pete Beach is popular with tourists and Florida residents.
© Artiom Photo/Shutterstock.com

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About the Author

I am a 33-year-old creative and professional writer from South Africa. Wildlife is one of my greatest passions and led me to become the writer I am today. I was very blessed to work with an abundance of wildlife (mainly big cats) and captured my unique experiences in writing. But I wanted to take it further, and I ventured into the freelancing world. Now, I get to spend my days writing about animals; what could be better?

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