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75 Florida Moments That Make “Only In Florida” Feel Completely Justified
Interview With Expert
Try Googling the word “Florida Man.” Aside from the latest news reports, one of the top search results is a Wikipedia article about the meme that first emerged in the early 2010s.
As the description reads, the Florida man refers to “an alleged prevalence of people performing irrational, ridiculous, and maniacal actions” in that part of the US. Indeed, “The Sunshine State” has developed a reputation for all things wild and unhinged, and the following posts may support that.
If you’re planning to visit Florida for the first time, feel free to use these as part of your research materials.
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The Florida Man meme became such a hit that even non-Floridians found it funny. People laugh even though these stereotypes aren’t all true.
According to licensed therapist and Blume Behavioral Health clinical director Dr. Caitlin Artiaga, it relies on a “cognitive advantage.”
#5
Speak easy buttercup 3 hours ago
Man I remember back in 2021 I was living in arkansas and we had an AWFUL winter...snow constantly! Well in August of '22 I moved to Fort Lauderdale thinking I would have a nice warm winter. The day before Christmas it dropped below freezing for like the 1st time since the 60s! 🤣🤣 that arkansas winter followed me! And...Christmas in arkansas was warm! Go figure! 🤣🤣
As Dr. Artiaga tells Bored Panda, humans are biologically programmed to enjoy simplicity. So we accept patterned information (such as stereotypes), even though we know it's exaggerated.
“The “Florida man” is a “folk archetype” at this point. It lacks logic and is chaotic, but with a degree of consistency that makes us laugh, without necessarily believing each inhabitant behaves the same,” Dr. Artiaga explained.
#9
Some of the craziest US-based news headlines you have read are Florida-related, whether it’s a man shooting hoops at a public park in the nude or a person in a bunny suit wreaking havoc in bars.
Yes, these occurrences have only strengthened the unhinged stereotype. But according to Dr. Artiaga, part of it stems from a mix of Florida’s broader laws and the appeal of crazy news pieces.
#10
Grape Walls of Ire 2 hours ago
I wonder what would happen if you stared right back. Didn't acknowledge them, just stared...
“Since Florida has broad public record laws, unusual incidents are easier to document, find, and report versus states with stricter laws. These strange and absurd headlines travel more quickly than the average piece of news,” Dr. Artiaga explained.
#13
Upstaged75 3 hours ago
This is how I feel about Virginia. It's basically already two different states. The northern part is just a suburb of Washington DC. Everywhere below that is part of the South. 😂
The prevalence of the crazy Floridian archetype may actually lead some people to genuinely believe it. Dr. Artiaga says the stereotyping then becomes harmful when it turns into an insult to one’s intelligence, which is why she urges keeping the jokes lighthearted.
#17
Sarah Belt 5 hours ago
can attest. though they'd pull the same move if you talked about your heat, ya brits :)
“ In the case of jokes aimed at regional behaviors, people tend to remain lighthearted and make fun of situations (heat, humidity, alligators at the front door, etc.) so things remain absurd and circumstantial,” Dr. Artiaga said. “It becomes offensive when our jokes try to show these people as less intelligent and less worthy of respect.”
#21
Shark queen 🦈🦈🦈 5 hours ago
Honk honk honk honk honk honk (this is to the rhythm of the claps in the song)
#28
David Paterson 4 hours ago (edited)
I have a feeling that this is just one of about 300,000 cases in the whole USA.
#29
Sarah Belt 5 hours ago
i really want this to not be AI, but I guess kudos to whomever thought up the prompt?
#33
Colleen Glim 4 hours ago
I didn’t think it was possible to make a cybertruck any uglier. Apparently I thought wrong
#37
Colleen Glim 4 hours ago
I’ve been down that way during love bug season. They. Are. Everywhere. If you have a bug phobia, do NOT go anywhere near the south eastern US in August and September
#39
FranSinclair 4 hours ago
Its public property and its creepy to stare, especially while im at the beach!? 🧸
#40
Colleen Glim 4 hours ago
And then my pasty white self walks inside after 15 dàmn minutes looking like a boiled lobster
#44
Science Nerd 4 hours ago
When the school zone lights are flashing, do not go 1 mph over the speed limit.
#49
#54
Shark queen 🦈🦈🦈 5 hours ago
I don't see any socks that are pulled up as high as they can go. This is clearly not a complete list
#55
Science Nerd 3 hours ago
The shopping list looks like most mid-Atlantic cities when 0.5 inch of snow is predicted.
#60
Science Nerd 3 hours ago (edited)
I-4 will be completed? Is that like expecting the under construction signs on I95 south of DC to be taken down?
#63
Colleen Glim 4 hours ago
Don’t underestimate the awesomeness that is a perfectly ripe mango. The neighbour can share
#66
Shark queen 🦈🦈🦈 5 hours ago
Why is this in a Florida list? This is a universal experience. It can be found in almost every country.
#69
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What do you think ?
Speak easy buttercup 3 hours ago (edited)
Man I can relate to a bunch of these. I spent almost 3 years doing Traveling nursing down there. From Pensacola all the way down to Hollywood! Including several other towns in the Ft Lauderdale suburbs. Coconut creek, Deerfield beach, Romano, Davie! I really enjoyed my time in that area! Missed my kids and grandbabies too much and had to come back to boring áss Arkansas! 🤣🤣
Speak easy buttercup 3 hours ago
I made BANK during that time tho...Especially when I got called up to Ft Myers when the hurricane hammered it! 🫤
Load More Replies... Speak easy buttercup 3 hours ago (edited)
Man I can relate to a bunch of these. I spent almost 3 years doing Traveling nursing down there. From Pensacola all the way down to Hollywood! Including several other towns in the Ft Lauderdale suburbs. Coconut creek, Deerfield beach, Romano, Davie! I really enjoyed my time in that area! Missed my kids and grandbabies too much and had to come back to boring áss Arkansas! 🤣🤣
Speak easy buttercup 3 hours ago
I made BANK during that time tho...Especially when I got called up to Ft Myers when the hurricane hammered it! 🫤
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