Guide to Florida lifestyle and culture for Brits on holidays in Florida

Florida’s nickname – the Sunshine State – gives the first clue to culture in this part of the USA. Blue skies and year-round sun grant everyone the freedom of the great outdoors, and are the main attraction for most Brits buying apartments or villas in Florida or taking their holidays in Florida. But there is more to Florida than just sunshine. And more, too, than Central Florida’s theme parks, although they are undoubtedly a huge draw for family holidays in Florida.

The north-south divide

While the sun may shine all over the state, there is distinct difference in culture and lifestyle between north and south. The north of Florida is historically and culturally closer to Alabama and Georgia, so you are more likely to see confederate flag logos, hear rather drawn-out ‘southern’ accents discussing stock-car races, fishing and hunting or the ‘good book’, and get a strong sense of redneck conservatism. Temperatures may be as much as 20 degrees lower than in the south.

The latter is generally more cosmopolitan and liberal, although its range of views and values covers a wide spectrum. This is the most populated area of Florida and it is easily the most multicultural thanks to high numbers of transplants from the northern and mid-western states of America as well as immigrants.

Most Brits buying condos and villas in Florida have tended to favour the Central region! Rather than a display of characteristic fairness, this probably has more to do with the numbers of tourists lining up to rent property for family holidays in Florida’s theme parks.

Who are the people living in Florida today?

While English is the official language, Spanish is the dominant language in some parts of the south, largely due to the influx of Hispanics from Cuba. It is estimated that more than 23% of Florida’s residents over the age of five speaks Spanish at home. In some areas, especially around Miami, these Spanish-speakers make up 60% of the local population, and most of them are Catholic. The Miami region also has a strong Afro-Caribbean presence.

The largest religious group in Florida is Protestant (58%) and one in five of them is Baptist. American Baptists tend to be fundamentalist and both politically and socially conservative. The latter is also true of the Catholic population (26%), which is growing steadily in line with immigration from Cuba and some Central American countries. Non-Christian religions are in a minority but are represented by Judaism and Islam as well as other organisations. Just over one in ten residents do not have any religion.

Age and migration – the snowbird phenomenon

Age-wise, Florida is quite an elderly state. About 7,000 temporary residents over 55 spend between one to six months in their apartments and villas in Florida each year. Known as snowbirds, they are human seasonal migrants with property in northern USA and Canada (and, increasingly, Britain), who return home only when the worst of their winter has passed. These demographics add to the state’s fairly conservative stance on politics and social behaviour.

Beyond Disney – the natural attractions

While Orlando and its theme parks are a big attraction for the 1.5m Brits who take family holidays in Florida, those who decide to buy property and live in the state have other interests…. Beautiful wide beaches with silver sands, outstanding national parks, exotic birds and wildlife, forest trails, lake and river fishing, watching spectacular thunderstorms and breathtaking sunsets…. This is the great outdoors! It’s a healthy lifestyle, far removed from the damp of Britain, and this is what most buyers of condos, cottages and villas in Florida are seeking.

Florida’s multiculturalism is demonstrated in its calendar of festivals

The state’s cultural diversity is showcased in festive celebrations that highlight the history and heritage of its many peoples. The following list, though short, gives a flavour of Florida.

African Dance festival: Pulsating African drumbeats announce this annual event in Tallahassee featuring dancers and musicians from all over the African continent. Ancient African traditions, mostly of music and dance, can be learned in a series of workshops. Usually held in June. www.fadf.org
Miami Goombay Festival: Arguably the most exuberant and colourful festival in Florida, it takes over the Coconut Grove area of Miami for one week in June. It is a Caribbean carnival, set to the tribal sounds of the goombay drums, with over 300 vendors expressing their Bahamian culture through arts, crafts, food and music. www.goombayfestivalcoconutgrove.com
Key West Goombay festival: Similar to Miami’s festival but held over six days in October, it takes place in the island’s Bahama Village neighbourhood. It is Key West’s most popular street festival. www.goombay-keywest.org
Zellwood Sweet Corn Festival: Outdoor family fun with rides, music and food. Plus the opportunity to witness Big Bertha cook 1650 ears of corn every nine minutes. Three-day event held in May. North west of Orlando. www.zellwoodcornfestival.com
Oktoberfest Suncoast: A Bavarian folk festival lifestyle near Sarasota. Held over two weekends in October, it also features Dachshund races and a Dachshund beauty pageant. Dachshunds get in free! www.oktoberfestsuncoast.com
Festival Argentino: Held in Miami each May, this is a celebration of all things Argentinian. It is the largest such festival outside Argentina and features music, food and exhibitions. www.festivalargentino.com

Fourth of July – the most popular summertime holiday in Florida

Celebrating America’s declaration of independence from Great Britain is taken seriously throughout the USA and it is easily the summer’s most popular federal holiday in Florida (ie a bank holiday). The day is typically associated with parades, barbecues, picnics, baseball and fireworks. The Sunshine State is perfect for all this outdoor activity, of course, but Florida is particularly enthusiastic for its fireworks displays.

Usually set to music, the fireworks explode, crackle and burst to patriotic tunes such as the Star Spangled Banner or classical masterpieces such as 1812 Overture. If you are in the state on 4th July -- whether you are living in your own villa in Florida’s north or enjoying a family holiday in Florida’s deepest south – you can be sure there will be a fantastic firework display somewhere nearby.