[lair8]

What culture is there in Florida. Living in condo complexes that all look the same? Drinking at bars? Not signaling when changing lanes on a congested road?

[RICANRICAN]

Kissimmee it has a very large Latino community especially Puerto Ricans I have some family there!

[1insider]

Originally Posted by lair8

What culture is there in Florida. Living in condo complexes that all look the same? Drinking at bars?

There's three cultures in Florida, identifiable by the beachwear of the males; Speedos, board shorts or jeans (sawed off or full length). Full length jeans at the beach are often referred to as Cape Canaveral baggies.

[NearFantastica]

It's funny actually, coming from a native Southern Californian, the whole "tanned blonde surfer girl" cultural image fits more into Florida these days than California. When someone says "culture of Florida" beautiful tanned instagram blondes and crazy rednecks wrestling gators comes to my mind immediately

[RMESMH]

Originally Posted by lair8

What culture is there in Florida. Living in condo complexes that all look the same? Drinking at bars? Not signaling when changing lanes on a congested road?

I love Florida....but.....my personal experience has been....that it has the worst drivers of any state.

[Monello]

Where I live, PANAMA CITY BEACH, there is a definite tourist culture. Similar to places like Branson, Gatlinburg or Myrtle Beach.

There is no shortage of hotel rooms, rental condos and furnished, short term rentals homes. Then throw in just about any type of restaurant you could desire. Sprinkle in the typical family tourist traps like water parks, arcades, rides and mini golf. And there you go.

Depending on the time of year, half of the license plates in parking lots will be out of state. Winter you find more of the northern US states visitors. ANd Canadians snow birds. Summer time will be more extended families from closer states.

People come here to go to the beach, find shells, eat seafood, drink frozen, overpriced alcoholic drinks. Every once in a while a group will get out of hand. Thankfully local law enforcement take that personal. So it doesn't last too long.

We have a flag system for bathing in the gulf. Sadly many people overestimate their ability, so each year a few have to get fished out of the water. Those flags are there for a reason. Mostly your personal safety. Disregard them at great personal risk to your life.

Seafood is king at meal time. There isn't any place you can go to get inexpensive seafood. You can find a reasonably priced fried shrimp basket. You can also drop some serious money at the AYCE crab leg seafood buffets. You won't find a lot of tablecloth and cloth napkin establishments. This is I'm on vacation dining. Expect long wait times at the more popular spots.

You can rent a tricked out golf cart and drive it annoying slow down the main beach drag. Don't be surprised when cars whip around you at the first chance they get.

We have a zoo. An aquarium. Helicopters rides, Axe tossing, bowling, go cart rides, oddity museums.

You cant swing a dead cat on the beach road without hitting a t shirt shop. You can also load up on beach umbrellas, sun screen, shot glasses, beachy snow globes, hoodies, swim suits, beach towels and a bunch of other stuff you will impulsively purchase then kick yourself for doing it.

3 fishing piers are available for anglers. Head boats will take you out for a couple of hours for not so much money. If you have deep pockets, you can charter an entire boat.

Water shuttles will take you over to Shell Island. I have yet to make it out there. It's primitive with no bathroom or amenities.

You can paddle board, kayak, ride a bike, parasail. And you don't even need to use your own equipment. They will rent you everything.

Go on a boat and dolphin watch. Last time out we saw no less that 30. Big and small. Family groups. Best part is they play it up for the tourists, by surfing in the boat's wake.

Make sure you head to the beach just before sunset. Catch the amazing colors as the sun sets for another evening.

PBC has some of the cleanest beach water in America. Right after a storm it gets churned up. But after a day or 2 it lays back down and is crystal clear. It goes well with the baby powder soft sand.

Living here I've learned to economize when doing things. Some places offer local's discounts. But they don't advertise those. If you are from out of the area and come down, bring lots of disposable income. It's not cheap to visit paradise.

[Lillie767]

White sand beaches and pretty sunsets are global. Nothing special about these. I'll post mine of Maui and Mumbai.

[MrKnight]

This is a difficult question to answer as there are 8+ distinct metro areas in the state, each with different cultures, different demographics, and different histories.

[Monello]

Originally Posted by Lillie767

White sand beaches and pretty sunsets are global. Nothing special about these. I'll post mine of Maui and Mumbai.

The OP asked about Florida culture. I don't think a beach or sunset in Bombay would qualify. But sure, post pics if you want.

[Ghaati]

The closest thing to "culture" for Florida:

The immigrant Cuban culture mingled with wealthy white people in Miami, has created its own unique culture of fashion and music.

Key West has a unique culture, the ambience of being in a resort town where life is easy and colorful, and there's an umbrella in every drink.

There's not much in the way of Opera houses, live theatre, symphony orchestra, ballet. It exists, but Florida is not known for having any of this type of culture with any measurable quality.