Florida’s iconic sights and activities tend to grab all the attention, but it’s often the little everyday experiences that linger and tug at the heartstrings after you leave. Here are ten subtle pieces of Florida life that may surprise you by how much you miss them:
1. Publix and Their Famous Subs
No grocery store carries as much nostalgia as Publix in Florida, and their fresh “Pub Subs” are a beloved lunch staple. Grabbing a chicken tender sub or wandering the aisles just hits differently when you’re far from home.
2. Flip-Flops as Everyday Footwear
Floridians wear flip-flops almost everywhere. It’s not just for the beach—morning coffee runs, errands, and sometimes even work. Other places may not embrace this ultimate state of casual.
3. Thunderstorms and Instant Weather Changes
Afternoon thunderstorms—sometimes daily and always dramatic—bring a distinct scent to the humid air and a rhythm to Florida life. The sudden weather changes create a feeling that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.
4. Fresh Citrus on the Trees
Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons growing in backyards or lining highways are as Floridian as it gets. Peeling a just-picked orange in winter is a sensory memory that endures when you move away.
5. Lovebugs and Other Quirky Wildlife
Twice a year, Florida’s infamous lovebugs cover car windshields and front porches, while manatees, alligators, and even lizards are regulars in just about every neighborhood. It’s odd what you miss about the ecosystem you grew up in.
6. The Scent of Salt Air and Pine
There’s a slightly briny tang near the coast and a piney sweetness inland, reminding you you’re never far from water or wilderness in Florida.
7. Year-Round Swimming
Pools, springs, rivers, and beaches: swimming is a daily possibility for most of the year. Even the sound of pool pumps or the ritual of applying sunscreen can inspire nostalgia.
8. Neighborhood Gated Communities
Living in a gated community is surprisingly common, with their unique blend of neighborliness and suburban security. The gentle hum of golf carts and the sight of pastel stucco houses is a distinctly Floridian comfort.
9. Local Seafood Feasts
Crab boils, shrimp fresh from the Gulf, and fish fries aren’t just restaurant fare—they’re a part of family gatherings and community events, fostering togetherness that’s easily missed elsewhere.
10. ‘Old Florida’ Charm
Vintage beach motels, pastel neon signage, and sleepy main streets evoke a simpler, slower-paced era. Childhood memories of road trips, fishing piers, and small-town diners can feel especially poignant for those far from the Sunshine State.
These small things, woven through everyday life in Florida, quickly turn into powerful memories that can spark homesickness in the most unexpected ways.
Sources
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/florida/comments/qgve1f/anything_to_help_with_florida_homesickness/
[2] https://chatterbug.com/community/t/10-things-you-might-not-know-about-florida/8322
[3] https://movingtofloridaguide.com/10-things-that-only-floridians-understand.html
[4] https://alittleadrift.com/living-in-florida-pros-cons/
[5] https://leightontravels.com/2021/07/10/florida-nostalgia/
