Having grown up in Florida my entire life, Florida summers are old news. But it’s still something you never really “get used to.” There are good parts: the sunsets, the beach days, and the sun. But there are also bad parts: the mosquitos, the rain, and the heat. Most people think that Florida is paradise, but there’s a reason all the tourists leave during the summer. It’s just too hot! Here are eight things that all Floridians know to be true about the summer.

1. The heat is unbearable.

It’s hot in the house. It’s hot in the car. It’s hot everywhere. There's no escape!

2. The heat wave that happens when you open your car door.

This is me every time I open my car door. Also, I hope you’re not expecting to drive anytime soon because that steering wheel is way too hot to touch. This might be the worst part of the summer in Florida.

3. Expecting to have a nice beach day, but instead just sweating profusely.

There ain’t nothin’ cute about how much you sweat on a Florida beach in August. You walk to the beach looking fly in that swimsuit, and then you're soaked before you even dip your toe in the ocean.

4. The 20-minute sunburn is real.

Walk outside for 20 minutes and BAM SUNBURN. Especially for my pasty-white brothers and sisters like myself. You just have to lather on the sunscreen no matter how long you’re going to be in the sun, or face the consequences.

5. The mosquitos.

Are. Everywhere.

I’m talking CLOUDS of these babies. I’m talking 20 bites at once. I’m talking dozens of them hanging off of your clothes. No bueno.

6. The Daily Thunderstorm right around 2 p.m.

It’s a fun little mini hurricane every day! It’s not just “rain,” it’s a straight up storm, complete with thunder and lightning, and, if you’re lucky, hail. I hope you packed your umbrella!

7. The convenience of raining in the middle of the day also means getting soaked almost every day.

This is an actual picture of me every day this summer. It only rains when I leave the house, I swear. Why even bother doing my hair?

8. Florida is absolutely gorgeous during the summer.

I see you, Florida. Nothing can beat these hot summer days and nights. There's no place like it, and no place quite as great.

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Just like any other place, Florida has its good and bad parts. Although the heat can be oppressive, there are so many great things about Florida. I am so glad that I grew up here and have been able to enjoy it for my whole childhood. We all still may secretly envy the Snowbirds who get to go back to their cool summer homes, though...