INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — As a bitter cold snap sweeps across Florida, sending temperatures tumbling into the 30s and 40s, residents of the state are bundling up and letting their grievances fly. For people living in Florida, any dip below 60 degrees feels like an Arctic invasion.
Here are five common complaints surfacing from Floridians when it gets cold:
First, the sheer shock of the cold itself. What northerners might shrug off as a crisp morning sends shivers down spines here. “It’s F@#$ing Cold in Florida,” posted one Florida resident on Facebook, describing waking up to 41 degrees and rushing to crank the heat.
Others echo the sentiment, noting that even lows in the 40s feel brutal. “We are not built for this,” wrote an Indian River County resident.
Second, wardrobe woes. Accustomed to flip-flops and shorts year-round, many lack proper winter gear. “We only have flip-flops . . . so . . . there’s that,” quipped another Facebook poster, whining about the sudden need for layers amid a high of just 60.
Sightings of mismatched outfits—think socks with sandals or pajama pants at the gas station—abound, as people overdress for mornings that warm up by afternoon.
Third, physical tolls hit hard. Locals often blame “thinned blood” from years of heat for making the cold unbearable. Hypothermia risks rise, especially if folks get wet, and Florida state emergency guides warn of it even in mild winters. “I can’t handle any kind of cold anymore,” admitted one Sebastian resident, vowing to stay indoors as wind chills hit 36. Pets and plants suffer too, with calls to bring animals inside and cover greenery.
Fourth, home heating systems often fail the test. Rarely used, many heaters sputter or don’t work at all. “My heater at the house doesn’t work and we are all just here in full jackets and scarves inside,” shared a Vero Beach resident on Facebook.
Finally, the blame game targets northern visitors. Some Floridians accuse snowbirds of “bringing the nasty weather” south, clogging roads and restaurants while mocking locals’ reactions. The northerners often say people in Florida are weak while laughing off taunts.
The cold will linger until Friday; until then, bundle up.
