Florida, often nicknamed the Sunshine State, has seen its population grow significantly, from just under 5 million in 1960 to a projected 22.9 million in April 2024, ranking it as the third-most populous state in the nation.
While many are drawn to Florida and choose to stay, living there isn’t always “sunshine and palm trees”. Based on five years of living in Florida, here are some of the notable aspects of life in the state.
Here are 24 pros and cons of living in Florida:
1. Outdoors Year-Round:
One significant advantage is the ability to enjoy outdoor activities like golfing, fishing, or bike riding almost every day of the year.
While short-lived frost or snow can occur, especially in central and south Florida, you can largely count on being able to be outside.
2. Lovebug Season:
A notable nuisance is lovebug season. These elongated black flies mate in large numbers during April to May and August to September. They can get tangled in hair and leave sticky residue on cars.
3. Amazing Beaches:
Florida boasts the most coastal mileage in the mainland U.S.. Beyond the quantity, the quality is also highlighted, with much of Florida’s sand being composed of tiny quartz crystals, contributing to the stereotypical soft, white sand.
4. Abundant Tourists:
Tourists add pressure on the state’s resources, such as trash management, and can impact residents’ well-being.
While tourists bring economic benefits, around 135 million people visited Florida in 2023, compared to a resident population of about 23 million.
5. The Weather (Pro):
The promise of warm, sunny days nearly year-round attracts many people to Florida. While Florida ranks tenth for average sunshine, cloud coverage and rain showers can provide opportunities for indoor work.
6. The Weather (Con):
The weather also has drawbacks; heat and humidity are not for everyone. Additionally, people living near the coast face a significant risk of losing their homes to hurricanes.
From 1851 to 2018, Florida had more hurricane landfalls than any other coastal state, with 120 reported.
7. No State Income Tax:
A major financial benefit is that Floridians do not have to pay state income tax. However, states need revenue, and local governments earn income through property taxes, which in Florida are not among the lowest rates.
8. Dangerous Animals:
Florida is home to animals that can pose a threat to humans, from West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes to alligators, some causing fatalities.
New residents are advised to use bug spray, keep brush away from their homes, and never feed alligators.
9. Fairly Affordable Rent:
Rent affordability varies depending on the location in Florida. Orlando is cited as the cheapest major city for renting, with a one-bedroom apartment averaging $1,404, which is close to the national average of $1,330, making it relatively affordable for a popular destination.
10. Snowbirds:
People who spend winters in Florida, known as snowbirds, can be a source of frustration for many Floridians.
They are described as clogging roads, creating longer lines in supermarkets in tourist areas, and causing aggravation with their navigation of roundabouts.
11. Delicious Food:
Florida is considered a “haven for foodies”. The state offers a variety of culinary options, including conch fritters, key lime pie, Cuban sandwiches, Southern-influenced food, and fried grouper sandwiches, allowing residents to explore different flavors.
12. Insurance Costs:
Florida has the third-highest full-coverage car insurance costs in the nation. Residents can expect to pay an average of $2,947 per year for car insurance, with high costs attributed to the severity of accidents and more litigated claims.
13. State Parks Abound:
Florida ranks fifth in the U.S. for the number of state parks, offering residents 191 options. Specific parks like Wekiwa Springs State Park are recommended for kayakers, and Little Manatee River State Park for potential alligator or manatee sightings.
14. Natural Disasters:
Beyond hurricanes, Floridians also contend with thousands of existing and potential sinkholes, due to the state’s limestone and dolostone bedrock being susceptible to giving way under extreme rain or drought.
Additionally, rising sea levels, up to around eight inches higher now than in 1950, could severely impact coastal homes.
15. 365 Days of Swimming:
Residents can swim year-round. A tip to enhance comfort is creating a screened-in area around a pool.
16. The Drivers:
Driving issues include people, possibly tourists, driving slowly in the left lane. Floridians are also noted for notoriously not using turn signals, which may be more problematic for tourists than locals.
17. Special Tourist Discounts:
Florida residents can access significant discounts at many tourist attractions. Notable examples include Disney World, where residents can get a 40% discount on 4-day tickets compared to non-residents, as well as discounts at Universal Orlando Resort and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
18. Overpopulation Issues:
The growing population of both residents and tourists contributes to issues like standstill traffic and waste management problems. While the state uses garbage incinerators, some residents report air contamination making them sick.
19. Retirees Are in Good Company:
For those in retirement, Florida is a welcoming place to meet peers. The state has over 1,000 senior living communities, and its healthcare system is experienced in caring for older patients.
20. Long Commutes:
Many working-age Floridians face long commutes. This is often because job demand is high in tourist areas and major cities, which are expensive places to live, requiring people to travel further for relatively affordable housing.
21. Impressive Lightning Storms:
Florida experiences more lightning strikes than any other state in the U.S.. The corridor between Tampa and Orlando is identified as having the most lightning activity within the state.
22. High Utility Bills:
Florida has one of the highest energy bill costs nationally, with residents paying an average of $130.40 per month. A significant portion of this cost is spent on air conditioning to keep houses cool.
23. Long Growing Season:
Gardeners can appreciate Florida’s long growing season, among the longest in the nation. Even in winter, residents can pick fresh oranges, and strawberry season is strong in February and March.
24. Annoying Transplants:
Long-time locals may find transplants frustrating, particularly when they constantly compare Florida to their previous state or express excessive fascination with common Florida features like palm trees and the weather.
Transplants talking about snowbirds as if they have extensive experience dealing with them can also wear on locals. There are even identified signs Floridians use to spot a transplant.
Alicia Richards