Leaving Florida means saying goodbye to a host of everyday sights and experiences that are uniquely Floridian. Here are ten unexpected things you won’t see after leaving the Sunshine State:
1. Endless White-Sand Beaches
Florida’s coastline stretches for hundreds of miles, with easy access to white-sand beaches and turquoise waters nearly everywhere you go. Outside Florida, especially in Texas or inland states, you’ll trade daily beach strolls for lakes, rivers, or wide-open landscapes.
2. Iconic Theme Parks Everywhere
Orlando’s world-famous theme parks—Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld—are a staple of Florida life. Few places outside the state offer such a dense cluster of globally renowned amusement parks.
3. Year-Round Tropical Weather
Florida’s tropical and subtropical climate provides warm temperatures and sunshine nearly every day. Other states, even those with warm climates like Texas, have more seasonal variation—including colder winters and, in some areas, even snow.
4. Palm Trees Lining Every Street
Palm trees are a symbol of Florida’s landscape, often lining highways, neighborhoods, and city centers. While you may spot palms in other warm states, they’re not as omnipresent as in Florida.
5. Latin and Caribbean Cultural Influence
Florida’s vibrant Latin American and Caribbean communities shape everything from language and festivals to food and music, especially in cities like Miami. You won’t find the same blend of Cuban coffee shops, salsa clubs, and Caribbean cuisine elsewhere.
6. Alligators in Neighborhood Ponds
Spotting alligators sunning themselves in golf course ponds or neighborhood lakes is a uniquely Floridian experience. Most other states, including Texas, have different wildlife—think armadillos or deer, not gators.
7. Citrus Groves and Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice
Florida’s orange groves are iconic, and fresh citrus is a local staple. Outside Florida, you’ll find fewer roadside stands selling just-picked oranges or grapefruits.
8. Sandhill Cranes and Exotic Birds Roaming Suburbs
It’s common in Florida to see sandhill cranes, ibis, and other exotic birds wandering through suburban neighborhoods. This everyday wildlife spectacle is rare elsewhere.
9. No State Income Tax with Low Property Taxes
While both Florida and Texas lack a state income tax, Florida’s property taxes are notably lower, and the homestead exemption offers additional savings for homeowners. In Texas, higher property taxes are the norm.
10. Hurricane Prep as a Way of Life
Floridians are accustomed to hurricane season rituals—stocking up on supplies, tracking storms, and installing shutters. While other Gulf states experience hurricanes, nowhere is the culture of preparedness as ingrained as in Florida.
Leaving Florida means embracing new landscapes, cultures, and lifestyles—but these ten things are uniquely Floridian and might just surprise you when you realize they’re gone.
Sources
[1] https://www.energytexas.com/en/blog/moving-to-texas-from-florida
[2] https://www.viprealtyinfo.com/blog/florida-vs-texas/
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/moving/comments/16ehkt6/texas_vs_florida_which_is_better/
[4] https://www.rent.com/blog/florida-vs-texas/
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGTSQNp8OX4