20 Iconic Things That Make Florida One of a Kind

When you think of Florida, what comes to mind? You might picture Disney World, oranges, or pristine beaches.

Every state you visit has its own unique features, both interesting and strange. Although native Floridians may be used to alligators and hurricanes, those living in other states may be surprised by some of the items on this list. (And if you’re interested in facts about other states, click to read about the most important event in every state’s history.)

To create this list, 24/7 Tempo consulted several major news publications, including U.S. News Travel and WUSF Public Media. Whether you’re planning on visiting Florida or simply want to know more about the Sunshine State, here are 20 things Florida is known for.

Florida Man

• Fact: Florida man is a meme that started because of the strange headlines coming out of Florida

It’s Florida’s favorite meme–or at least the favorite meme of those poking fun at Florida. The phrase “Florida man” became popular after people noticed a lot of strange headlines coming out of the Sunshine State. In reality, Florida may not be much stranger than other states. The creation of “Florida man” can partially be blamed on Florida having one of the most transparent public record laws.

Alligators

• Fact: There are an estimated 1.25 million alligators living in Florida

You know you’ve met a true Floridian when they can tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile. While there is such a thing as a Florida crocodile, they’re not common in the state of Florida. Alligators, on the other hand, are a common occurrence. Every Floridian knows if there’s a body of water, no matter what size, there’s at least one gator in it. Floridians also know how to outrun them, are known for wrestling them (especially if they’ve grabbed a dog), and sometimes have gators show up in their swimming pools.

Disney World

• Fact: Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida features four theme parks and two water parks

You can’t mention Florida without mentioning the happiest place on Earth. Lake Buena Vista, Florida, a city close to Orlando, is home to Disney World and every Floridian will be quick to correct you if you call it Disney Land instead of Disney World. Although it started with just one theme park and two resorts in 1971, Disney World now features four different theme parks, two water parks, and more than 25 resorts.

Bad Drivers

• Fact: Drivers in Florida are consistently ranked as some of the worst in the country

Whether someone is just visiting or is a transplant from another state, it doesn’t take long for them to say, “The drivers are just worse here.” Whether it’s the snowbirds who aren’t sure how to drive in the rain or the growing population of retirees, it’s true that Florida drivers are often rated as some of the worst in the country.

Beaches

• Fact: From Clearwater to Miami, Florida is home to many beautiful beaches

Any trip to Florida has to include a visit to some of the beautiful Florida beaches. In the Tampa Bay area alone, you’re 20 minutes away from several different beaches, but there are plenty of options across the whole state. Since the weather is warm most of the year, Floridians do indeed have beach days nearly year-round and the Florida water stays pretty warm.

Sunshine

• Fact: Even though it rains nearly every day in the summer, Florida is also known for its year-round sunshine

There’s a reason Florida is known as the Sunshine State. Even though Florida is known for year-round sunshine, it’s also true that it rains nearly every day during the summer. However, the beauty of Florida rain is that unless a hurricane or tropical storm is hovering over the state, it will be raining one minute and sunny the next.

Hurricanes

• Fact: Hurricane season in Florida happens every year from June to November

Speaking of rain, Florida is also known for hurricanes and hurricane parties. While hurricanes can be a scary idea to anyone from out of state, Floridians are used to hurricanes since they deal with them every year. They know that a Category 1 Hurricane is just another day in Florida and they know what to do when things do get serious.

Pub Subs

• Fact: The first Publix opened in Winter Haven, Florida and Publix subs are a necessary part of visiting the state

Even though Publix has expanded its stores outside of Florida, you can’t visit Florida without enjoying a Publix Sub, also known as a Pub Sub. To those who aren’t familiar with Pub Subs, a sub from the deli counter at a grocery store may not sound too exciting, but Pub Subs blow most other subs out of the water, including ones from Subway, Jersey Mikes, and Firehouse Subs.

Universal Studios

• Fact: Universal Orlando is home to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay

Another theme park Florida is known for is Universal Studios. Universal Orlando actually has three theme parks in Florida: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and a water theme park called Volcano Bay. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure are likely on your to-do list. These two theme parks include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.

LEGOLAND

• Fact: LEGOLAND is home to a theme park, water park, and the world’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park

Florida isn’t the only state with a LEGOLAND theme park, but it is one of the many theme parks Florida is known for. LEGOLAND in Central Florida includes a theme park, water park, and for the younger kids, the world’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park. For the LEGO enthusiasts, there are also three LEGOLAND hotels including a beach-themed resort and a pirate-themed resort.

St. Augustine

• Fact: St. Augustine is the perfect place to learn about Florida history

For the history buff, St. Augustine is one of the most interesting places in Florida to visit. Just a short drive from Jacksonville, Florida, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied settlement in the country. It’s no wonder Florida is known for this city considering all there is to see. From the St. Augustine Lighthouse to the Fountain of Youth, this historic city attracts Florida tourists year-round.

Daytona Beach

• Fact: Daytona Beach is a popular destination that’s home to the Daytona 500 NASCAR race

Daytona Beach is another city that’s known across the country. But it’s not just the beaches that draw people to Daytona Beach. This city is also home to the Daytona 500, a 500-mile NASCAR Cup Series that takes place in the city. The Daytona 500 takes place at the Daytona International Speedway, which is also the location of nine major racing events throughout the year.

Kennedy Space Center

• Fact: The Kennedy Space Center is a NASA field center and was founded in 1962

Another fun fact about Florida is that it’s home to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, a Florida spaceport that draws visitors from all over the world. Even though it is one of NASA’s field centers, it also has a visitor complex where you can experience the future of space travel. The Kennedy Space Center is also a common field trip destination for many schools in Florida.

Florida Keys

• Fact: The Florida Keys are a group of islands on the southern coast of Florida

The Florida Keys are another fun destination Florida is known for. This beautiful destination is one of the most well-known Florida trips and these islands are worth visiting whether you’re traveling from out of state or looking for a local trip. This group of islands includes popular destinations such as Key Largo and Key West. There have even been many famous people who owned homes in Key West, including Ernest Hemingway and Jimmy Buffett.

Cuban Sandwich

• Fact: There are arguments over where this sandwich originated, but it was heavily influenced by Cuban American residents of Florida

Aside from Pub Subs, one of the most iconic Florida food options is the Cuban sandwich. Tampa and Miami residents have argued for years over which city is the birthplace of this delicious sandwich. Interestingly enough, there’s a distinct difference between a Tampa Cuban sandwich and a Miami Cuban sandwich since the Tampa sandwich includes salami. Considering there are more Cuban American residents in Florida than in any other state, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of authentic Cuban restaurants and Cuban cuisine there.

Miami

• Fact: Miami is a popular tourist destination in Florida and is the second most populous city in the state

Miami is another one of Florida’s vibrant cities you have to visit at least once. Whether you head to Miami Beach or enjoy the nightlife of the city, there’s plenty to see and do when visiting Miami. Out of the nearly two million Cuban American residents in Florida, over one million of them live in Miami-Dade County–so if you’re a fan of Cuban food, you’ll find some of the best Cuban restaurants in Miami.

Destination Weddings

• Fact: Florida is a popular place for destination weddings since there are almost 200 beaches in the state

If you want a beach wedding but live in a land-locked state, Florida is a great place for a destination wedding. Destination weddings are another thing Florida is known for since it’s home to nearly 200 beaches. Florida is also unique because your beach wedding doesn’t have to happen during the summer. Many tourists flock to Florida for destination weddings throughout the year since they don’t have to worry about snow.

Warm Weather

• Fact: Florida is known for its warm weather with mild winters and incredibly warm, humid summers

For most Floridians, any weather under 60 degrees is considered freezing. It might seem strange to residents from up north, but Florida is known for its nearly year-round warm weather. The temperatures rarely drop below 40 degrees even during the winter. However, the summer weather can be brutal with average temperatures in the 90s and high rates of humidity.

Oranges

• Fact: Tropical fruit like oranges thrive in Florida’s climate since the weather is warm most of the year

While Florida oranges are probably one of the best-known fruits coming out of Florida, they’re not the only fresh fruits Florida is known for. Since Florida doesn’t experience the bitter winters like the states up north, there are many delicious fruits that grow year-round in Florida. Fruits like oranges thrive in Florida’s climate since it’s warm and there’s plenty of rain year-round.

Tourism

• Fact: Florida ranks as one of the top states for tourism

The reason behind many of the items on this list boils down to what Florida is most known for–tourism. Florida tourism is a huge part of the Florida economy. The Sunshine State frequently ranks as one of the top vacation destinations. From the beautiful beaches, exciting theme parks, and the rich history of some of the Florida cities, Florida is a great place to visit year-round.