13 Must-Know Florida Slang Terms to Sound Like a Local

Florida, known for its quirky crime tales and unique wildlife, has built quite a reputation over time. This often leaves residents defending their beloved state. Despite this, the Sunshine State has become a hotspot for Northerners moving south in recent years. Now’s the perfect time to brush up on some Florida slang. Dive in, snowbirds. 

1. Pub Sub

One of the most essential terms you’ll encounter is pub sub, referring to a sub sandwich from Publix’s grocery store deli. A must-have for beach outings, the pub sub is a Florida specialty—particularly the chicken tender pub sub (though its origins remain a topic of debate).

2. Florida Man

You’ve likely heard this term before—if not, consider yourself fortunate. Stemming from headlines like, “Florida man arrested for [insert outrageous crime here],” the term Florida Man is a broad label for individuals displaying odd, often unlawful, behavior in Florida. 

3. Sun Shower

A sun shower occurs when rain falls lightly while the sun remains visible. (This term and phenomenon aren’t exclusive to Florida.) If someone mentions “the devil is beating his wife” during a sun shower, don’t be startled—it’s a common expression used in such situations. According to Appalachian Magazine, this phrase originates from the belief that “the devil is punishing his wife with a walking stick out of anger over God’s creation of a beautiful day. The rain is said to represent her tears.”

4. Florida Bath

Short on time for a proper shower? Simply hop into a pool to freshen up. That’s what’s known as a Florida bath.

5., 6., 7., and 8. Tally, Jax, Soflo, and PCB

Even cities in Florida have their slang names: Tallahassee is often called Tally or Tallanasty (a popular jab used by University of Florida students to mock their rival Florida State’s hometown). Jax refers to Jacksonville, while Soflo stands for South Florida, encompassing Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. PCB is Panama City Beach, the state’s ultimate spring break destination.

9. Hurricane Party

Florida is well-acquainted with hurricanes, so locals have mastered storm prep: stock up on water, prepare sandbags (and fill your gas tank), then gather friends for drinks as you watch the storm arrive at a hurricane party. This term is also used along the Southern U.S. coast.

10. Alligator Alley

The 80-mile section of I-75 running through the Everglades, linking Florida’s east and west coasts, is famously called Alligator Alley. This route offers the best chance to spot a gator in the wild. 

11. Snowbirds

Snowbirds is the term Floridians use for Northerners who migrate or vacation in Florida during winter to avoid the cold. According to Green's Dictionary of Slang, the term originated in the late 19th century, describing tramps who joined the military in winter for food and shelter until spring. It has been used in its current Florida context since the 1920s.

12. Bih

You’re likely familiar with Philly’s famous slang term jawn, a versatile word that can describe almost anything. Florida has its own equivalent: Bih, a catch-all noun used in similar fashion.

13. No-See-Ums

Florida is home to a variety of dangerous creatures, both large and tiny. Many people can’t spot biting midges—commonly called no-see-ums for obvious reasons—when they start feeding. However, their bites are unmistakable. These insects may be small, but their painful bites can leave a lasting impact.