Florida might have a weird reputation for all the wonky headlines that land on new stations every day, but that doesn’t take away from millions of people’s intrigue when it comes to relocating on a permanent level. One of the most shocking headlines to come straight out of the heart of Florida was about a young woman jumping from a pier to avoid cops. It all went down after she was caught having sexual intercourse in public.
Another headline shed light on a time a Florida man was attacked by a squirrel while trying to take a selfie in the depths of the wilderness. A separate Florida resident made the news for using a private plane to draw the shape of male genitalia across a radar map. Would these headlines deter you from moving to Florida or encourage you to migrate for the potential laughter that would come with it?
Many would label the uncanny headlines from Florida as negative cons regarding living in the state. What about the weather in Florida, though? Some people think the weather is a total positive for the warm temperatures and beach access. Others might find the humidity and random bouts of rain too inconvenient to deal with. The biggest pros and cons that come along with living in the Sunshine State are a bit subjective and based on personal opinions. While we’re on the topic of Florida, click here for 23 monster fish that were caught there by fishermen.
To this list of pros and cons for living in the state of Florida, 24/7 Tempo consulted several travel-centered sources. These include Apartment Guide, The Honest Local, Roadway Moving, Mover Junction, and State Property Management.
Pro: Beach access
Having daily beach access is a fabulous positive that comes along with living in Florida. Spending time at the beach is a great way to Escape the hustle and bustle of busy city life. Relaxation is a top goal to strive for. People who lounge on the beaches of Florida freely showcase their adventurous sides with surfing, paddle boarding, jet skiing, swimming, and other fun water sports. Folks who don’t want to get wet can lay out near the water to catch a tan by absorbing the UV rays of the sun. Sipping a cocktail or mocktail by the ocean will always be a pleasant thing to do on a vibrantly sunny day.
Cons: Natural disasters
The possibilities of natural disasters occurring in Florida make it a chilling place to relocate to. Residents living in California need to stay prepared for the potential threat of earthquakes at any given moment. Florida, on the hand, has much more to worry about. Potential natural disasters that can wreak havoc in Florida are severe storms, untamable wildfires, powerful tornadoes, sweeping floods, and frightening hurricanes.
Out of all the aggressively spooky natural disasters that could flip Florida upside down, hurricanes are probably the most concerning to worry about. Folks in Florida need to make sure their affairs are in order at all times. Natural disasters can roll across the state at any moment.
Pro: Disney World
Disney World is a huge draw for people thinking about moving to Florida. It’s especially wonderful for anyone seeking a family-friendly environment. Disney World is where people can experience the magic of their favorite childhood movies and TV shows. When Disney World first opened its doors in 1971, it instantly attracted a family-friendly crowd. Based on all of the rides, attractions, and Disney characters dressed up in colorful costumes, that shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Non-Floridians often daydream about what Disney World might be like since the amusement park has so much to offer. Disney World covers so much land that people from out of town consider hiring tour guides to steer them through the amusement park. That way, they can make sure they don’t miss out on rides or attractions that are truly worthwhile.
Con: Wild headlines
The wild headlines that come out of Florida are absurd and totally uncanny. With such unnerving headlines always taking over the news, there’s no doubt locals living in Florida might be a tad embarrassed about how their state is perceived by the rest of the world. Crazy headlines are liable to come from any state across America, but for some reason, they always sound the most out-of-pocket when they’re coming from Florida.
One example? A Florida headline from 2016 mentioned a man who was charged with assault after throwing a living alligator through a Wendy’s drive-through window. It was considered “assault with a deadly weapon” since the alligator could’ve very well bitten or killed the Wendy employees.
Pro: Warm winters
It’s obvious that the weather in Florida is comfortable and warm throughout the year, but the weather is especially important to note when it comes to the winter season. Plenty of people go out of their way to avoid cold weather during winter because they don’t want to be uncomfortably frigid.
There is a valid and understandable reason the term “snowbirds” exists. Snowbirds live in places like Canada or Michigan and routinely relocate to sunny destinations during winter seasons to avoid shoveling snow and facing seasonal depression. The winters in Florida have a reputation for being comfortably warm without dropping below temperatures of 50 degrees.
Con: Bugs… everywhere
The bugs in Florida are enough to make anyone say, “Yikes!” The bugs creeping and crawling throughout the state might turn you off completely. If you’re the type of person who’s super grossed out by the sight of bugs that could bite or sting you, then Florida might not be the state for you. Some of the more common bugs you’ll come across in the Sunshine State include ants, earwigs, termites, flies, fleas, and moths.
Worst of all? There’s a huge probability you’ll deal with mosquito bites while living in Florida. Another pesky critter Floridians regularly deal with are cockroaches. They crawl into the cracks and crevices of your home to escape the heat outside. Once they figure out a way inside, it’s difficult to keep them out.
Pro: Locals discounts
If you’re a permanent resident living in Florida, there’s a chance you’ll gain access to tons of locals discounts. This is a common offering in different states based on where you live. In Florida specifically, people who are interested in staycations can do so at up to 28% off depending on the hotels and resorts they choose. Avanti International Resort is one spot with a fabulous reputation for locals discounts.
Floridians who are interested in enjoying vacation vibes without actually leaving the Sunshine State are in luck. Tons of trendy restaurants offer discounts to Florida residents. Ordering sandwiches, sushi, Italian food, Mexican food, and other cuisines is doable. When it comes to shopping, a handful of premium outlets happily give Floridians discounts as well.
Con: The cost of living
Money matters – and Florida is one of the more expensive states to live in. Since the cost of living is so astronomical, the state isn’t appealing to people coming from less expensive parts of the United States. Folks from Iowa, Indiana, and Oklahoma are paying much less to survive. The cost of living in Florida rivals the cost of other exorbitant states like California and New York.
You be aiming to live in a state that’s considered a “destination.” If so, then it’s crucial to understand that a higher cost of living comes with a territory. Sure, Florida doesn’t have state income tax. But that doesn’t mean the cost of living is a walk in the park for people trying to get by. It’s been reported that an average studio rental in Florida will go for about $1,950 per month.
Pro: Access to the Everglades
If you’re a nature enthusiast, having access to the Everglades is fabulous benefit that comes along with living in Miami. Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness zone in all of America. The Everglades have been threatened over the last few decades based on pollution from careless and callous human beings.
As long as the Everglades exists, though, people will have access to its delightful beauty. Some of the animals you might cross paths with in the Everglades include manatees, alligators, crocodiles, and panthers. The majority of the wild animals in the Everglades roam freely with the capacity to be dangerous. It’s in your best interest to watch your back and stay safe while visiting.
Con: Overcrowded roads and cities
Multiple lane highway with many cars in a traffic jam.
People love spending time in Florida, whether it’s because they’re ready to move their permanently or they’re simply hyped about a temporary vacation. Either way, the fact that people are constantly doing their thing in Florida means the roads and cities have grown increasingly overcrowded.
When roads are overcrowded, it leads to traffic. No one wants to sit in their car on the road to and from various destinations. Having a long commute to and from work can be miserable enough to spark depression in employees. Overcrowded cities means you’ll likely deal with long wait times in emergency rooms, restaurants, store checkout counters, and more.
Pro: Sports team to root for
Sports culture in Florida is a massive reason why some people might want to relocate to the state. Florida has a long list of teams for folks to root for. This means you’ll always be surrounded by hyped individuals when games are playing at local restaurants, pubs, and bars. Professional teams based out of Florida include the Florida Panthers, the Miami Heat, and the Orlando Magic. We can’t forget the Miami Dolphins, the Tampa Bay Rays, or the Miami Marlins, either.
Rooting for the Florida Everblades, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Orlando Solar Bears, and the Tampa Bay Lightning are a few other teams to obsess over based on which sports you find the most entertaining. Even folks who aren’t head over heels in love with sports will enjoy the vibrancy of sports culture in Florida.
Con: Mediocre elementary and high schools
Elementary schools and high schools in Florida have a terrible reputation. They’re known for being mediocre and underwhelming. The school systems have real room for improvement in Florida — in a significant way. It’s unclear if the lower level school systems of Florida will ever go out of their way to make changes regarding elementary school or high school students.
For this reason, tons of parents who are eager to set their kids up for success are hesitant about relocating to Florida. These fears will continue growing if the school systems don’t start resolving their issues. One way Florida’s elementary and high schools could improve would be if a bigger budget was allocated to the teachers and classrooms.
Pro: Top-notch colleges and universities
Even though the elementary and high school schools in Florida are struggling, that doesn’t mean the colleges and universities aren’t at the top of their game. Florida has some of the most impressive and prestigious colleges and universities in America. The University of Florida is located in Gainesville as a public four-year college with an 88% graduation rate.
The University of Miami is located in Coral Gables as a for university with an 83% graduation rate. Florida State university is located in Tallahassee with an 80% rate. kids who are in their having the chance to party it up no, they’ll find exactly what they’re looking for. Enrolling in a college or university based out of Florida. A lot of these schools have reputations for allowing major party cultures.
Con: The minimum wage is $8.98
The minimum wage that tipped employees earn in the state of Florida is $8.98. This is a disturbing con for folks who are simply trying to get by without higher educations or college degrees. The minimum wage is a little bit better for non-employees at $12 per hour. Whether you’re earning $8.98 or $12 per hour, these wages aren’t exactly livable.
There are tons of people to worry about these rent to phone bills to car notes. Earning an hourly rate between $8.98 to $12 per hour makes things more challenging for people paying bills and living independently. For this reason, a lot of folks are resorting to moving back in with their parents or shacking up with multiple roommates since the minimum wage is so painfully low.
Pro: It’s a diverse melting pot
A lovely benefit that comes along with living in Florida? The state is a diverse melting pot. People from different cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds are happy to migrate to Florida for the warm weather that seemingly graces the Sunshine State year-round. When you’re surrounded by people who come from different cultures, it gets easier to link up with new besties who don’t look like you. In diverse places, the fight against heartbreaking issues like racism and bigotry becomes fiercer.
Con: Opioid epidemic
As far as drugs go, opioids are arguably the spookiest substances of all. They’re highly addictive and once opioids have gotten their hooks in, it’s difficult to get clean. Many people who are hooked on opioids only started with them after facing some sort of injury. From there, people feel forced to rely on painkillers during the healing process.
The scariest detail is the process of it all. While healing from whatever injury might’ve occurred, an addiction to opioids will gradually develop over time. Once someone’s jonesing for opioids, they have to go through the uncomfortable process of detoxing for a chance at moving forward with their lives. As ugly as opioids are, they happen to be an disgustingly widespread issue in Florida.
Pro: Fresh oranges
Which fruit do you salivate over the most? If you have the tastebuds for oranges, then you’ll be in luck living in Florida. Florida is known for planting, harvesting, and selling oranges to nearly every other state across America. There are tons of benefits that come from eating oranges, including that they’re jam-packed with fiber, citric acid, potassium, vitamin C, and more.
Oranges are fabulous for more than their sweet flavor. They keep you super hydrated, they reduce any inflammation you might be suffering from, and they improve your cognitive functions. The sweet and tangy flavors of oranges are unmatched. If you appreciate the taste of freshly harvested oranges when vacationing in Florida, you’ll have much to look forward to. If you move to Florida full-time, the number of oranges you’ll be surrounded by will be insanity.
Con: Political polarization
High quality stock studio photography of Vote 2020 presidential election buttons
There’s a lot of political polarization taking place in Florida right now. Despite the fact that Florida is super diverse as a cultural melting pot, political polarization still exists in a significant way. Major cities of Florida like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando are full of liberal individuals who would prefer voting for Democratic leaders. In less populated parts of Florida, the residents are far more conservative with interests in voting for Republican leaders. The push and pull of politics in Florida can be super uncomfortable for locals living there.
Pro: High crime rates
The crime rates in Florida are nothing to joke around about. Unfortunately, Florida isn’t exactly one of the safest places to lay your head down at night. It also isn’t the safest place to run errands at night. No one wants to be robbed at gunpoint or kidnapped during a jog regardless of where you live, but the people in Florida have to be a little more vigilant about their safety.
Out of every thousand people living in Florida, about 25 individuals become victims of crimes. Living in Florida means staying aware of your surroundings when passing through parking lots and alleyways late at night. Some Florida residents avoid venturing out of their homes late at night unless they know they’ll be safe.
Con: It can get “touristy” since it’s a vacation destination
Since Florida is a well-known destination, it can get super touristy. There isn’t anything inherently wrong with Florida being a vacation destination, but it means that locals will have to stand in line longer at some of their favorite hot spots. Are you comfortable displaying true patience every once in a while? Locals need to make room for tourists who are only there for a few days.
Hour-long waits to be seated at restaurants can be frustrating for anyone, but that’s something Florida locals have to understand and accept when living in a place vacationers are heavily attracted to. Now that we’ve covered all the pros and cons of living in Florida, click here for 15 must-see destinations to lay eyes on in the Sunshine State right.