Florida is in the news… alot! And most often, it’s all the bad stories! Florida has has some of the most robust public records laws in the United States that allows news reporters (an anyone) to get information on, well, pretty much anything. And crazy stories make the news and go viral! So you probably already know some of the things in my list of bad things about the Sunshine State! If you are considering a move to Florida, these are the truths you should know.
Here’s my top 15 list of the bad things about living in Florida that you should know before you move here
See also my list of the top 10 good things here
#1 – Sunshine State Law: Opening the World to Crazy!
As previously mentioned, florida has an open reporting law that allows anyone to view public records. This is Florida’s unique Sunshine Laws which plays a big role in why so many outrageous or unusual news stories come out of the state. These laws make government and public records more accessible than in most other states, including details about arrests, crime reports, and other incidents that might not be as easily reported elsewhere. Here are the details of the law:
Florida’s Sunshine Laws and Public Records Act
Under the Florida Public Records Act, virtually all government documents and proceedings are open to the public, including police reports, arrest records, 911 calls, and body camera footage. These records are available immediately upon request, with very few exceptions (e.g., active criminal investigations or minors’ privacy).
In contrast, many other states have more restrictive laws, delayed access, or higher thresholds for what must be disclosed to the public.
News stories are more outrageous here because a news outlet can quickly request details about someone who was arrested for a strange crime, such as wrestling an alligator or driving a car into a building for unusual reasons. These stories about bizarre crimes or behaviors are frequently labeled under the “Florida Man” meme now because that story became a global phenomenon (more on that later) and has now become the label that let’s people know it is another crazy Florida story.
Media Amplification
The ease of accessing arrest and crime reports in Florida means that local journalists have a constant stream of colorful and sensational stories. National and global media often pick up these stories adding to the perception that Florida is uniquely wild or crazy. Because let’s face it, crazy stories sell! So be ready to see a local story go viral!
#2 – Bad Reputation – Oh yea, we have one
“Florida isn’t just America’s punchline—it’s the entire comedy routine!” – Trevor Noah (The Daily Show)
So now that we got the crazy stories explained, this leads to our reputation. Florida is the #1 state for comedians to make jokes about. We have the reputation of crazy and outrageous stories that are easy to make fun of.
“Florida Man” Meme
I’m sure you have seen them! The Florida Man memes. The phenomenon of bizarre headlines esculated to a new international level with the “Florida Man” (e.g., “Florida Man Wrestles Alligator in Drive-Thru”). Now this meme has become shorthand for eccentric Florida stories, with headlines often treated as humor without even needing embellishment at this point.
Cultural Perceptions
Florida is seen as the land of retirees, spring breakers, and alligators. States like New York and California frequently mock Florida as a “lawless swamp” or “where chaos goes to vacation.”
Politics
Florida’s swing-state status and sometimes controversial voting history (e.g., the 2000 presidential election recount) add to its reputation as unpredictable. The state is very evenly spread when it comes to politics which makes for some interesting stories.
Florida’s Reputation Worldwide
Florida’s reputation as the “crazy cousin” of the United States is solidly entrenched worldwide. International outlets like the BBC and The Guardian often pick up Florida’s wackiest stories. Examples include:
- A man throwing an alligator through a fast-food drive-thru window.
- A woman arrested for shoplifting while wearing a “Best Mom Ever” T-shirt.
These stories make Florida synonymous with absurdity worldwide.
Global Stereotypes
For international audiences, Florida is often portrayed as:
- A vacation destination full of Disney, beaches, and amusement parks.
- A place where bizarre things happen regularly (invasive snakes, hurricane parties, etc.).
Shows like The Simpsons frequently lampoon Florida’s oddities, as seen in the episode where Homer says, “We’re going to Florida! America’s weirdest state!”
Social Media
Twitter hashtags like #OnlyInFlorida showcase the state’s wildest moments, often viewed with equal parts humor and disbelief by users abroad.
Pop Culture Examples Referencing Florida’s Reputation
- The Simpsons: Frequently parody Florida as a bizarre state.
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City: A satirical video game based on Florida’s Miami culture, crime, and excess.
- Netflix’s “Florida Man” (2023): A crime drama named after the infamous meme, delving into the state’s quirks.
Florida’s mix of surreal news, outlandish behavior, and openness to public records has made it a universal comedic target. While residents may embrace the quirks, new comers might find some of the bad stories and reputation hard to handle when friends and family from home call them out on it!
#3 – ☁️ Storms, Hurricanes and Flooding
While there’s plenty to love about the weather in Florida, we do have a reputation for bad storms, hurricanes, and flooding. And for good reason. These things happen!
Florida is known for its tropical and subtropical climate, with warm temperatures and tropical storms. Florida is also known as the sunshine state but has more lightning strikes and rain than most places on the planet! In Florida, when it rains, it typically pours. But then it’s over just as fast as it rolled in and the sky is back to it’s beautiful blue sunny hue. Follow the rules for avoiding lightning and staying safe.
Hurricane season runs from June to November, and while the region is inland and less prone to direct hits, hurricane preparedness is a must.
Hurricanes and the damages caused by them in Florida is always a concern. It is important to be prepared for hurricane season and stay informed about evacuation plans, have an emergency kit ready, and consider purchasing hurricane insurance to safeguard your property.
#4 – ☀️ It’s HOT and HUMID
Let’s get this out of the way: Florida summers are brutal. From May to October, you’ll experience high heat, humidity, and daily thunderstorms.
While the warm weather might be appealing other times of the year, getting used to the summer heat and tropical storms might take some adjustment if you are not relocating from within the state of Florida. The summer heat can be uncomfortable for those not accustomed to such conditions and can drive up energy costs for air conditioning.
Floridians learn quickly to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and embrace the outdoor lifestyle with early morning or late evening activities during the summer. Middle of the day in the summer is all about staying indoors or enjoying time in the water.
#5 – ❄ Lack of Seasons
Florida’s year-round warm weather means a lack of traditional seasons, which some people find monotonous or unappealing. Florida has seasons, just not the traditional ones that northerners are used to. Our seasons are typically summer (hot and humid) and winter (mildly cooler and dry). Of course, the temperatures vary greatly from South Florida to North Florida.
# 6 – Bugs & Mosquitoes
Flying gigantic cockroaches, fire ants and mosquitoes, oh my! Yes, in Florida we have a bug problem! Florida’s warm tropical climate is the perfect breeding ground for over 10,000 species of insects. Managing these pests can be a constant battle, particularly in the summer.
#7 – Cost of Living & Housing Costs
Home prices and rents have surged in recent years making housing much less affordable. While many parts of Florida are affordable, some areas, especially along the coast and in major cities like Miami, Naples, and Sarasota, come with a higher cost of living. Housing prices and property taxes can be significant, and in some locations, homeowners insurance premiums are elevated due to hurricane risk.
#8 – Annoying Tourists & Snowbirds
As one of the most popular tourist destinations, Florida’s beaches, attractions, and cities are often crowded, especially during peak seasons. During the winter months, many places in Florida become more conjested with snowbirds flocking to the warm climate. And while many of you started as tourists or snowbirds, when you live here you have a very different perspective.
#9 – Overcrowding and loss of small town vibe
Florida’s rapid population growth has led to overcrowding in cities and this population growth can cause your dream home location to become more crowded and less “dreamy”. With a consistently growing population, places that were once small towns, are becoming massively crowded taking away the small town vibe.
#10 – Traffic and Poor Infrastructure Planning
Because of the rapid population growth, the transportation infrastructure in many areas are strained. If you come from areas that are not as populated or touristy, you may not be prepared for the traffic in some areas of Florida, particularly the big cities and routes to get there. Major cities like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando are notorious for traffic congestion.
Some regions suffer from poor urban planning and highway designs that haven’t kept pace with population growth. Construction projects to improve infrastructure can lead to additional congestion and delays on highways that can take years to complete. And with additional traffic comes more frequent accidents that slow the traffic flow.
#11 – Limited Public Transportation
Outside of a few cities like Miami, public transit options are limited, making a car essential for most residents. Many downtown areas offer transportation around town and beach communities such as St Pete Beach have beach shuttles. However, this is not the norm and having your own vehicle is likely a must-have essential.
#12 – Weaknesses of Florida’s Job Market
The job market has both good and bad aspects in the Sunshine State. While the good includes no income state taxes, here are the weaknesses to consider about working in the state of Florida.
Many of Florida’s dominant industries, like tourism and retail, offer lower wages and limited benefits. The average hourly wage in Florida is below the national average in several sectors. With lower wages, Florida’s booming real estate market and rising housing costs make it harder for workers to afford living expenses.
Tourism and agriculture jobs are often seasonal, leading to fluctuations in employment levels. Workers in these industries may face income instability.
Florida’s reliance on tourism makes it vulnerable to economic downturns, natural disasters (hurricanes), and pandemics, as seen during COVID-19.
#13 – Challenges of Florida Schools
Florida ranks near the bottom in per-pupil funding. In 2023, it was in the bottom 10 states for spending on K-12 education. And Florida has faced significant teacher shortages in recent years, particularly in critical areas like special education, math, and science. Low teacher salaries compared to the national average contribute to recruitment and retention challenges as well as the quality of education the children are recieving.
Florida’s heavy reliance on standardized testing has been criticized for creating a high-pressure environment for students and teachers. And while Florida performs well in some areas, there are persistent achievement gaps among minority and low-income students. Hispanic and Black students in Florida schools often face disparities in access to advanced courses, resources, and qualified teachers.
Then there’s the politicalization happening in Florida’s education system with policies that have been at the center of national debates including:
- Restrictions on discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation (e.g., the “Parental Rights in Education” law, often called “Don’t Say Gay”)
- Changes to curriculum regarding U.S. history and African American studies
- Book bans and restrictions on classroom materials
These issues have led to divisions among educators, parents, and policymakers, with some arguing these policies create a restrictive learning environment.
#14 – ✌ Political and Cultural Divides
And speaking of political divide, Florida schools are not the only place to feel it. Florida’s diverse population has led to significant political and cultural polarization, with ongoing debates over laws and policies creating tensions. Neighbors can feel threatened by political signs and outward negative behavior from the “used to be friend” next door who has a different political view. Yard signs and flags can cause anger, avoidance, and break up any neighborly friendships before they start. And if you do not agree with a particular political party and you have to see the signs and flags all over a house in your neighborhood, this can take away your mental peace and stability.
# 15 – Environmental Concerns
Florida’s natural beauty and biodiversity face growing environmental challenges, which impact both residents and wildlife.
- Coastal areas are increasingly at risk of flooding due to rising sea levels, making flood insurance a necessity for many homeowners. Some communities face long-term concerns about sustainability and property values.
- The state’s limestone geology makes it prone to sinkholes, which can damage property and lead to safety concerns.
- While Florida’s wildlife is fascinating, encounters with alligators, snakes, and even bears can occur, particularly in areas close to natural habitats.
- Algal blooms, red tide, and pollution have affected Florida’s water quality, leading to environmental and health concerns in some areas.
The Challenge is Real!
Now that you have all the negative reasons not to move to Florida, check out my post on the great things about moving to Florida and my post on choosing the right location based on personal passions and priorities to make living in Florida not only more tolerable, but enjoyable.
