Living in Florida is like being on vacation… until it’s not. The sunshine, the beaches, the palm trees it all feels like paradise.
But scratch the surface, and you’ll uncover a mix of wild weather, buzzing bugs, and booming populations.
As someone who lived there for years, I’m pulling back the curtain to share the real deal about Florida life the good, the bad, and the downright bizarre.
1. You Can Enjoy the Outdoors All Year Long
With mild winters and hot summers, Florida offers year-round access to outdoor adventures. Whether it’s paddleboarding in January or backyard BBQs in December, there’s rarely a bad time to be outside. Just don’t forget the sunscreen it’s a must, even on cloudy days.
2. Brace Yourself for Lovebug Season
Twice a year usually in spring and late summer Florida gets overrun by lovebugs. These little black-and-red bugs float through the air in attached pairs, splattering car windshields and grillwork. They don’t bite or sting, but they smell awful and are tough to clean off.
3. Beaches That Feel Like Paradise
From the Gulf’s calm, warm waters to the Atlantic’s surf-ready waves, Florida’s beaches are world-class.
Places like Siesta Key and Clearwater Beach boast powdery white sand that stays cool underfoot. And the sunsets? Pure magic.
4. Tourists Are Everywhere
Florida attracts over 130 million visitors each year and locals feel it. Theme park cities like Orlando and coastal towns like Miami swell with traffic and long lines during peak seasons. It’s great for business, but sometimes, you just want your favorite spot back.
5. The Weather Is a Mixed Bag
Yes, it’s warm and sunny, but Florida weather is also unpredictable. Afternoon thunderstorms can roll in like clockwork in the summer, and they’re no joke booming thunder, torrential rain, and flash flooding are common. A sunny morning can quickly turn into a soaked afternoon.
6. Hurricanes Are a Real Threat
From June through November, Floridians live with one eye on the forecast. Hurricanes and tropical storms are part of life.
You’ll get used to stocking up on bottled water, canned goods, and flashlights. After a few seasons, hurricane prep becomes second nature.
7. No State Income Tax
This is a huge financial win. Residents don’t pay state income tax, which can mean serious savings especially for retirees and remote workers.
But the trade-off comes in the form of higher costs in other areas, like insurance, toll roads, and property taxes.
8. Watch Out for Wildlife
It’s not uncommon to see an alligator sunning itself near a retention pond or a snake slithering across your driveway.
Mosquitoes are relentless, especially in swampy or wooded areas. Florida’s natural beauty is wild and wonderful, but it’s not without risks.
9. Rent Is Hit or Miss
Rent prices vary wildly depending on location. In inland cities like Ocala or Lakeland, you can still find affordable options.
But coastal areas like Miami Beach or Naples? Be prepared to pay top dollar. The housing market is booming and competitive.
10. Snowbirds Can Be a Headache
When winter hits up north, Florida fills up with seasonal residents. They boost the economy, but they also bring traffic jams, crowded doctors’ offices, and longer wait times at restaurants. It’s like clockwork from November through April.
11. The Food Scene Is Fire
Florida’s diverse population fuels a vibrant culinary landscape. Cuban, Haitian, Jamaican, Southern, and seafood-based dishes dominate the scene.
Ever had conch fritters or a fresh grouper sandwich? You’re in for a treat. And don’t skip the fresh citrus or key lime pie.
12. Car Insurance Will Shock You
Florida consistently ranks among the most expensive states for car insurance. High accident rates, uninsured drivers, and lots of traffic contribute to steep premiums. Even with a clean record, your wallet might take a hit.
13. Nature Lovers Rejoice State Parks Are Everywhere
With nearly 200 state parks and dozens of natural springs, Florida is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground.
You can swim with manatees, kayak through mangroves, or hike shaded trails draped in Spanish moss. It’s a peaceful break from the bustle of city life.
14. Sinkholes and Rising Seas Are No Joke
The state sits on porous limestone, which means sinkholes can form unexpectedly sometimes swallowing cars or entire homes.
Coastal flooding and rising sea levels are increasing concerns, especially in areas like Miami and the Keys.
15. Pools Stay Open All Year
Florida homes often come with backyard pools, and the climate keeps them open year-round. A pool party in December?
Totally normal. Just be ready for pool maintenance and possibly fencing requirements, especially if you have kids or pets.
16. Driving Is… an Experience
Between aggressive locals and lost tourists, Florida driving can be stressful. Expect lots of merging issues, ignored turn signals, and sudden U-turns. Defensive driving is a must especially near theme parks or on I-95.
17. Resident Perks Are Real
Florida residents can get discounts to major attractions like Disney, Universal Studios, and Busch Gardens.
Even smaller attractions and museums often offer “locals only” deals. You’ll definitely want to keep an eye out for those.
18. Overpopulation Strains the System
Florida’s population has surged in recent years, and infrastructure isn’t always keeping up.
Overcrowded schools, traffic congestion, and landfill issues are common, especially in fast-growing cities like Tampa and Jacksonville.
19. Retirement Life Is Thriving
With sunny weather and no state income tax, it’s no surprise that Florida is a top retirement destination.
There are entire cities (like The Villages) designed for retirees, complete with golf cart lanes, pickleball courts, and endless social clubs.
20. Long Commutes Are Common
Affordable housing is often found further from job hubs, leading to long daily commutes. While public transportation exists in some cities, it’s not always reliable. Many residents spend a big chunk of their day on the road.
21. Lightning Capital of the U.S.
Florida gets hit with more lightning strikes than anywhere else in the country. Summer storms are intense, fast, and frequent.
Power flickers and downed trees aren’t uncommon, so a good surge protector is essential.
22. Expect High Utility Bills
Air conditioning is a way of life, not a luxury. With summer temps soaring into the 90s and humidity that feels like a sauna, your A/C will run nonstop. Monthly electric bills can get steep, especially in older homes.
23. Gardeners, You’re in Luck
With a subtropical to tropical climate, Florida offers nearly year-round growing seasons. Whether you’re planting tomatoes in January or picking mangoes in June, there’s always something thriving. Just prepare for sandy soil and lots of pests.
24. Transplants Can Be… A Lot
Everyone’s got an opinion about Florida from politics to wildlife to “how we did it back home.” If you’re new here, be respectful, learn the local pace, and try not to compare it to other states too much. Florida marches to its own rhythm.
Alicia Richards