1. Publix Subs (“Pub Subs”)
Floridians know that no other grocery store sandwich compares to a Pub Sub from Publix. The ritual of grabbing a freshly made sub—especially chicken tender or ultimate—becomes a comfort food you crave, and it’s hard to find anything quite like it outside the state.
2. Flip Flops as Everyday Footwear
In Florida, flip flops aren’t just for the beach—they’re the unofficial state shoe. Wearing them year-round, even to the store or work, is a habit that feels odd to break when you move away.
3. Afternoon Thunderstorms and Lightning Shows
Florida is the lightning capital of the U.S., and those dramatic afternoon thunderstorms—quick, loud, and intense—become a familiar background to daily life. The sudden downpour and electric skies are uniquely Floridian.
4. Swimming Pools Everywhere
Whether it’s a backyard pool or a community one, pools are central to Florida living. Pool parties, lounging, and even prom photos by the pool are part of growing up in the Sunshine State.
5. The Scent of Orange Blossoms
Florida’s orange groves fill the air with a sweet, unmistakable fragrance in spring. That scent, tied to memories of road trips or local festivals, is something you don’t realize you’ll miss until it’s gone.
6. Gatorade’s Origin Story
You might not think twice about grabbing a Gatorade, but knowing it was invented at the University of Florida for the Gators football team gives it a special local pride—and the drink just hits different in its home state.
7. Coexisting with Alligators and Manatees
Spotting an alligator in a retention pond or seeing manatees at a spring is a normal part of Florida life. The casual attitude toward these creatures becomes a quirky thing to miss when you’re away from their habitats.
8. Theme Park Perks for Locals
Floridians enjoy special discounts and even free tickets to world-famous theme parks like Disney and Universal. The ability to pop into a park for a day on a whim is a luxury few other states offer.
9. White Sand Beaches and Warm Gulf Waters
The feel of powdery white sand and the warm, gentle waves of the Gulf or Atlantic are hard to match. Even if you find a beach elsewhere, it rarely feels quite like “home”.
10. The Unique Florida Wildlife
From lizards scampering across sidewalks to the sound of tree frogs at night, Florida’s wildlife is everywhere. The constant presence of these creatures, big and small, becomes oddly comforting—and their absence is noticeable.
Sources:
- https://www.unf.edu/housing/resources/homessickness.html
- https://www.fau.edu/thrive/students/thrive-thursdays/homesickness/
- https://www.architect-us.com/blog/2017/08/how-to-cure-homesickness/
- https://moveadvisor.com/move/21-fascinating-florida-facts/
- https://www.buzzfeed.com/tomvellner/23-ways-to-feel-a-little-less-homesick
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX1cCH0EsWc