There are certain things you should know about Floridians before you go to Florida.
First, let's define "Floridian."
A Floridian is someone who actually lives in Florida
year round. People who live in Florida only in the winter are called
snowbirds.
A Floridian is someone who moved to Florida before they turned sixty. If you move there after 60, you can own property, have a Florida drivers licence, and be a permanent resident, but you are NOT a Floridian. You are a
retiree.
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Magda from Something about Mary lived in Miami but was NOT a Floridian! |
If you are under 60 and you moved to Florida because you made a ton of money, say, being a pro golfer, basketball player, or selling your book, and you want to avoid state income taxes, you are only a Floridian if you actually live in that big mansion in the gated community.
A person who was born and raised in Florida, but now lives elsewhere, is definitely a Floridian.
Every area of the country has its own way to identify the non-natives from the natives. New Yorkers can spot a local from a tourist in a New York minute. It's not just the way they hail a cab or cross the street, it's a certain attitude unique to New Yorkers.
Floridians are the same way. There are subtle ways to spot a true Floridian.
Here are three basic rules on how NOT to stand out as an outsider in Florida.