14 Falsehoods About Florida That Are Wildly Inaccurate
Florida, or as it’s nicknamed the Sunshine State, is a assortment of vibrant beaches, quirky wildlife and cultural flair. It’s a state of oranges and palm trees and retired people sipping margaritas. The glitzy images of spring break escapades and theme parks may be what comes to mind when you think of Florida, but it’s also encrusted in layers of myths and half truths.
Florida is an area of contrasts, with sunshine and storms, urban centres and unharmed wild country. So, grab your shades and get ready for the wild inaccuracies people spread about Florida.
Florida Is All About Miami
Most people think of Miami’s Art Deco streets and its pulsating nightlife when they think of Florida. But Florida is a patchwork of many different regions. The Panhandle is quiet and beachy, Northern Florida is Southern charm, and the Keys are laid back and tropical without Miami.
Alligators Are Taking Over Florida
Yes, Florida has more than a million alligators, but they’re not hiding in every backyard or grocery store aisle. Mostly these creatures stick to swamps, lakes and rivers. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, attacks are rare, with fewer than 10 a year.
Theme Parks Is What Orlando Is About
Disney World and Universal Studios put Orlando on the map, but there’s more to the city than roller coasters. It has a fast developing tech industry, an awesome arts scene, and has lovely green spaces such as Lake Eola Park. Locals will tell you that their favorite Orlando isn’t Mickey Mouse, but the thriving downtown vibe.
Everyone in Florida Is a Retiree
About 21 percent of Florida’s population is 65 or older, and the state has a reputation as a retirement haven. But a large portion of the demographic is made up of young professionals and families. Miami and Tampa are booming cities with industries that draw younger generations.
Florida Water Has Crystal Clear Water Always
Not every shoreline in Florida is turquoise perfection, but beaches like Clearwater and Destin have postcard worthy water. Natural sediments or algae make the water murkier in some areas of the state. They are no less beautiful, but they are not the fantasy that travel ads often paint.
Florida Drivers Are The Worst
Florida drivers often get a bad rap, but the state ranked 18th for bad driving incidents in a 2023 study by Insurify. Florida’s mix of tourists, retirees and young drivers makes for an unusual driving environment, but it’s not America’s worst offender behind the wheel.
Florida Is Always Warm
Florida is famous for its sunny weather, but it’s not always warm. In winter it can get down into the 20s Fahrenheit in the northern parts of the state like Tallahassee. In fact, Florida has seen snow more times than you’d think, including a major snowstorm in 1977.
Floridians All Live on the Beach
It’s not like every Floridian is sipping coconut water with sandy toes. Florida has 1,350 miles of coastline, but most of its residents live inland. Orlando and Gainesville aren’t near the ocean, and many Floridians might only hit the beach on special occasions.
There’s No History In Florida
There is as much history in Florida as there are beaches. Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States. Native American culture heavily relied on the state, as did Spanish exploration and even the Civil Rights Movement.
There Are Mosquitoes Everywhere All Year Round
In Florida, mosquitoes love the humid summers, but they’re not buzzing around every day of the year. Mosquitoes are much fewer in winter months. And cities have mosquito control programs to keep populations in check, so Floridians don’t spend their lives swatting.
Florida Is a Cheap Place to Live
Once, Florida was affordable, but that’s no longer the case. Housing prices have skyrocketed and Miami is one of the least affordable cities in the country. Affordability varies widely, but it’s still cheaper than states like California.
Florida Is All Flat Land
Florida’s reputation as a pancake flat state is misleading. Of course, it’s not a state of towering mountains, but it does have hills like Sugarloaf Mountain in Lake County, which climbs to 312 feet above sea level. Floridians affectionately call it a “mountain,” but it’s no Everest.
Every Year Hurricanes Destroy the Entire State
Florida gets hurricanes, but not every storm wipes out the whole state. Hurricane Ian in 2022 was bad, but not everywhere. Modern infrastructure and prearranged plans also take risks out. “Florida has learned a lot from past storms and is better equipped than ever,” said meteorologist Bryan Norcross.
Florida Wildlife Will Attack You
Florida is full of fascinating wildlife — everything from black bears to panthers — but attacks on humans are extremely rare. Experts stress the need to live with animals and their habitats. “Florida wildlife is more afraid of you than you are of them,” says conservationist Carlton Ward Jr.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
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