There's no place like the "Sunshine State." Where other people vacation is where we Floridians call home. Whether you've lived in Florida all your life or moved to Florida from another state, this list sums up your life as a Floridian.
1. The beach has a special place in your heart.
You're so used to being close to the beach and most likely have spent a great deal of time there throughout your life. Whether it's tanning in the sun and swimming in the ocean during the daytime or walking the boardwalk at night, it's always a good time. The best part? You can even go to the beach during "winter."
2. Disney World is a frequent vacation spot.
You've been to Disney World more times than you care to admit (and you know it's way better than Disneyland in California). Despite how many times you've been there, you still get excited like a little kid each and every time. Want to go on a last minute little vacay? You drive a few hours to Disney, no big deal!
3. You are from one of three parts of Florida and know how different each one is.
You either belong to South Florida, Central Florida, or Northern Florida (I'm personally from what we refer to as SoFlo). You also know that the three parts of Florida are so different that they may as well be three different states.
4. You're either a crazy Florida driver or one of the few safe drivers.
Florida drivers don't understand the concept of using a turn signal when switching lanes. If you're like me and actually do that, congratulations for being in that 1%. If you're trying to get into a lane to make your exit, good luck, because Florida drivers are rude and won't let you over.
5. Publix is a lifestyle.
To tourists, Publix is just a random grocery store. To Floridians, Publix has a special place in our hearts and truly is "where shopping is a pleasure." It's always a struggle traveling out of state because there's no Publix. If you've never had a chicken tender "Pub Sub," you haven't lived.
6. You either like the Gators or the Seminoles.
You can't like both. That's just unheard of. Enough said.
7. You don't understand what a real winter is.
There's only a couple weeks of the year where it gets "cold" in Florida. Once it hits 60 degrees outside, you break out the Ugg boots and winter jackets.
8. You've never experienced snow days (but you've experienced hurricane days).
As much as you didn't want a hurricane to hit your house, you loved hurricane days because that meant you got to miss school. And yes, many Floridians throw hurricane parties. Many have even walked outside during a hurricane.
9. You know what "snowbird season" is.
We may not have winter, but we do have "snowbird season." This is Floridian code word for the time when those annoying, retired northerners invade our state during winter. In case you couldn't tell from my use of the word annoying, we hate snowbird season.
10. You understand how bipolar the weather is.
It will literally be dark and pouring rain, then five minutes later, the sun will be out and shining. We don't even bother trusting the weather app because the weatherman can't even keep up with our state's weather.
11. You know that flat-ironing your hair is almost pointless.
Your hair looks perfect right after you do it. However, once you walk outside, it instantly frizzes and goes wild. The humidity (and struggle) is way too real.
12. Your entire closet consists of tank tops, shorts, and flip flops.
In Florida, it is socially acceptable to wear tank tops, shorts, and flip flops everywhere you go. Why wouldn't you when you get summer weather practically 365 days a year? I know what a swimsuit is...but what's a winter coat???
13. You answer where you live in relation to Miami or Orlando.
When asked, "Where do you live in Florida?" I gave up on answering "Davie." I now simply say, "One hour north of Miami and three hours south of Orlando." And no, just because I'm from Florida does not mean I live in Miami.
14. You don't classify yourself as living in "the South."
Especially if you are from South or Central Florida, you are not at all southern. We may be geographically at the bottom of the United States, but that doesn't make us from "the South." Southern hospitality is not a thing here.
Admit it, you have those times where you absolutely can't stand Florida. But at the end of the day, you couldn't imagine living in any other state. Orange you glad you live in Florida?
