Florida is known for its sunny weather, beaches, and theme parks, but for many former residents, it’s the small, unexpected aspects of life in the Sunshine State that linger in their memories long after they leave. From lightning storms to palm trees at Christmas, here are ten things that former Floridians often find themselves missing:
1. Thunderstorms and Lightning Shows
Florida’s afternoon thunderstorms are legendary. The frequent lightning shows, crackling through the sky and lighting up the night, become something you don’t fully appreciate until you’re gone. Former residents often find themselves missing the powerful spectacle of a real Florida storm, something that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.
2. Flip-Flops All Year Round
In Florida, flip-flops aren’t just for the beach—they’re a staple of everyday life. Whether it’s winter or summer, wearing flip-flops without a second thought is a luxury that many miss once they’ve left. The ease and comfort of wearing them year-round can be hard to replace, especially in colder climates.
3. Publix Subs (“Pub Subs”)
Publix, the beloved supermarket, is a Florida institution, especially for its famous deli subs. Known locally as “Pub Subs,” these delicious sandwiches are something that many former residents crave once they’re away. The ability to grab a fresh, tasty sub on the go is a convenience that’s tough to find outside the state.
4. Warm Winters and Palm Trees at Christmas
There’s something uniquely special about celebrating Christmas in Florida—palm trees strung with lights and wearing shorts instead of coats. The warm, festive atmosphere during the holidays stays with you, making the thought of traditional, snow-filled Christmases feel a bit colder once you’ve experienced the Florida twist on the season.
5. The Beach—Anytime, Anywhere
Florida’s proximity to the coast makes spontaneous beach trips a regular part of life. Whether it’s for a sunrise walk, a sunset stroll, or just to feel the saltwater breeze, having the beach so close is something many former residents miss. The ease of simply heading to the beach after a long day is a luxury that’s not always available elsewhere.
6. Outdoor Living—Year-Round
Thanks to its warm climate, Florida offers outdoor living nearly every day of the year. Whether it’s dining al fresco, lounging by the pool, or hosting a barbecue, the ability to enjoy the outdoors year-round is something that becomes ingrained in daily life. When you move to a colder state, the shift to indoor living can be jarring and a stark reminder of what you’re missing.
7. Unique Wildlife Encounters
From alligators casually lounging by the side of the road to manatees grazing in the springs, Florida’s wildlife is both quirky and captivating. Encountering these creatures in your everyday life becomes so normal that when you leave, you realize just how unique those sightings were. It’s the kind of wildlife experience you won’t find just anywhere.
8. Southern Hospitality and Friendly Floridians
One thing many former Floridians miss is the warmth of the people. From friendly neighbors to casual chats with strangers, the down-to-earth, welcoming vibe of Floridians is something special. The laid-back and approachable nature of locals is often hard to find in other parts of the country, and many find themselves longing for that easy, friendly interaction.
9. Fresh Citrus and Orange Juice
Florida is known for its fresh, sweet oranges and world-famous orange juice. Once you leave the state, it’s hard to find juice that compares to what you had every morning in Florida. The taste of freshly squeezed juice and the crisp sweetness of Florida-grown citrus is something you don’t truly miss until you no longer have easy access to it.
10. The “Anything Goes” Vibe
Florida has a reputation for its quirky, laid-back culture—whether it’s the oddities like the Skunk Ape or spontaneous festivals, the state has its own flavor of freedom and fun. The “anything goes” atmosphere, where unusual is embraced and celebrated, is something that many former residents find difficult to replicate elsewhere. Florida’s unique charm, full of surprises and eccentricities, is one of a kind.
Leaving Florida often means saying goodbye to more than just the major attractions and sunshine. It’s the small comforts, quirky details, and laid-back lifestyle that slowly become an unforgettable part of everyday life. For many, Florida truly is a state unlike any other—one that’s hard to fully leave behind.
Sources
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/florida/comments/y6ubg7/fl_natives_who_moved_away_what_do_you_missnot/
[2] https://chatterbug.com/community/t/10-things-you-might-not-know-about-florida/8322
[3] https://www.businessinsider.com/things-i-miss-about-orlando-after-moving-to-brooklyn-2022-8
[4] https://www.promoversmiami.com/things-you-should-leave-behind-when-leaving-florida/
[5] https://www.getmovedtoday.com/blog/things-you-will-miss-when-moving-from-florida-to-another-state/
