Winter in Florida? It’s more of a myth than a reality. For us lucky Sunshine State dwellers, winter is a suggestion, not a season. When the temperature dips below 70°F, we pull out our “cold weather gear”—which usually means flip-flops, a tank top, and maybe, just maybe, a hoodie. But when the mercury drops below 60°F? That’s when the real panic sets in. Grocery stores sell out of bread and milk like a blizzard is coming, and Floridians start breaking out ridiculous layers—hoodies, scarves, puffy jackets, and flip-flops. Because, hey, who needs snow when you can be stylish in confusion?
Fashion, Florida Style: “Winter” Edition
Once the temperature drops, it’s time to pull out our “winter” wardrobe, and let’s just say it’s Florida winter. Think oversized hoodies, scarves that double as blankets, and denim shorts paired with a tank top because, well, it’s still Florida. The layers are all about fashion, not warmth—after all, it’s only “cold” if you’re pretending it is. Some of us take this fashion game to the next level, adding socks with sandals because why not? In Florida, winter is more about making a statement than staying warm.
Beach Days in December? Yep, That’s a Thing
While the rest of the country is buried under snow, we’re at the beach. You’ll catch us lounging in 70°F water, rocking a festive Santa hat and sunglasses because, really, who says you can’t have a tropical holiday? Sure, we might be wearing a hoodie, but that’s more for fashion than necessity. The ocean’s a little cooler than usual, but who cares? In Florida, we’re always ready to show off our winter “resilience” with a refreshing dip, even if it means quickly hopping in and out like we’re testing the temperature. It’s not a real cold front until we say it is.
The Great Holiday Sweater Debate
Of course, no Florida winter would be complete without the annual holiday sweater contest. But here, “ugly” sweaters aren’t about keeping warm—they’re about making a statement. You’ll see everything from sparkly, light-up reindeer sweaters to snowman-adorned T-shirts that are more about flair than function. Some of us pair these festive garments with shorts, flip-flops, and a “why not?” attitude. It’s not about the cold; it’s about the season, and we’ll dress accordingly, no matter how absurd it looks. Because why should a little thing like mild weather stop us from being extra?
The AC Dilemma: “It’s Winter, But Is It?”
Ah, yes, the Florida winter paradox. The temperature may be dropping outside, but our air conditioning is still going strong inside. Floridians are all about maintaining “perfect” indoor temperatures, which, in this case, means 72°F regardless of the 55°F breeze outside. Whether it’s 100°F or 60°F, the AC is a year-round commitment. This leads to an amusing scenario where you’re bundled up in a hoodie indoors while your friends are out basking in the sun. We live for indoor comfort, even if it means freezing ourselves out.
Polar Vortex, Florida-Style
When Floridians want to show off their toughness in the “cold,” they do the only logical thing: dive into the pool. Yes, even in 62°F weather, some of us will jump in, teeth chattering, but determined to prove we can handle it. It’s less about actually enjoying the swim and more about defying the elements. If you can survive a Florida winter pool plunge, you’re basically a Florida hero. We call it a “polar vortex,” but really, it’s just an excuse to splash around in frigid waters and laugh at ourselves.
The Snowbird Shuffle
And then there are the snowbirds—those glorious northerners who migrate south every year, convinced that Florida winter means 40°F at best. You’ll often see them fully decked out in parkas, scarves, and gloves, while the rest of us are still in our shorts, casually sipping iced coffee. They’re perplexed by the fact that it’s “cold,” but not that cold, and we’re over here trying not to laugh. It’s a classic case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time—and it’s totally endearing to watch.
Citrus-Fueled Holiday Spirit
Finally, let’s talk holidays. While most people are decorating for Christmas with snowflakes and icicles, in Florida we’re decking out palm trees with lights and citrus garlands. The holiday spirit here is as sweet as a fresh-squeezed orange, and it usually involves boat parades instead of floats and fake snow (yes, made of styrofoam) around palm trees. You can forget the snow, but you’ll never forget the citrus scent that fills the air as you sip your Christmas margarita by the pool
So, while the rest of the country is shoveling snow and bundling up in heavy coats, we’re out here in flip-flops, trying not to sweat in our holiday sweaters. Sure, it’s technically cold—by Florida standards—but we know how to make the best of it. Whether we’re diving into icy pools, pretending to stay warm with oversized scarves, or just enjoying the endless sunshine, Floridian winter is less about the chill and more about the attitude. So go ahead, put on your Santa hat, take a swim, and enjoy your “cold snap”—we’ve got it all figured out.