Worst Things About Living in Florida 🌴 Bugs, Severe Weather, Crazy News | MELANIE ❤️ TAMPA BAY

Previously, I've highlighted mostly the good things about living in Florida and the Tampa Bay area. It's in my nature to do so, because I love these areas but no state or city is perfect so... Let's talk about the worst aspects about living in Florida.
Why would I try to talk you out of moving to Florida? Because you need to relocate here with realistic expectations and with eyes wide open.
My goal is that the people who choose to move here LOVE IT.
BUGS & CREEPY CRAWLIES
Mosquitoes can make it feel like you're being eaten alive, cockroaches and palmetto bugs with wings, love bugs that try to ruin the paint on your car, and skinks - sort of a lizard/snake combination.
How do Floridians survive all of these creatures? Bug spray, screened in patios, and pest control.
POLITICS
Florida is a swing state for national elections. This is a pro or a con depending on your view point. I love living in a state where every vote matters, but the downside is being bombarded with political ads and mailers every election season.
BAD DRIVERS
Not sure why everyone is in such a hurry in Florida, but people here drive like they're trying to win a NASCAR race on a daily basis. Add on the fact that many drivers on the roads are tourists, and those factors can lead to some accidents.
Florida is populated by people coming from many different areas, driving like they were taught in their hometowns. So we're meshing together countless driving styles.
HEAT & HUMIDITY
We all know it's hot here in Florida, with it being a tropical climate - also very humid. Heat / humidity itself isn't the "con" in my book, but just the fact that it's like this throughout the year. Floridians don't get much of a break from the heat. The solution is having air conditioning EVERYWHERE.
SINKHOLES
Yes, they happen in Florida - more frequently in areas where rock below the ground surface is limestone. (Florida is basically a bed of limestone) There are areas more prone to sinkholes, so do your research before picking a place to live.
CRAZY NEWS STORIES
Seems like far too many news reports of someone doing something crazy involve "Florida man." Not sure why that is, and I certainly have theories...
I promise not everyone who lives in Florida is crazy, some of us are normal, boring people.
INCREASED POPULATION
Florida overtook New York a few years ago as the third most populated state. Currently, we have over 21 million residents and expected to grow 1.5% this year. With so many people, Florida struggles with affordable housing, infrastructure, and transportation issues. State and local leaders are constantly challenged to manage growing pains to allow residents to thrive without taking away all the things that make Florida such a great place to live.
There are crowded areas in the Sunshine State, but also some nice, quaint towns to get some peace and quiet.
LIGHTNING, HURRICANES & STORMS
For many, the extreme weather is a deterrent for moving to Florida.
Hurricanes are definitely an ever present concern here, but it's a risk for anyone living in a Gulf Coast or Atlantic Coast state. Prepare accordingly and breathe a sigh of relief when hurricane season is over for the year!
INSURANCE COSTS
When you live in a state with a growing population, extreme weather, not-so-great drivers, and some fraud - you better belief insurance rates will be high! Greater the risk, the higher the prices.
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Melanie is a Tampa Bay area Realtor with Smith & Associates. She loves Tampa Bay area area, houses, and helping clients buy and sell real estate.
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[@MelanieLovesTampaBay]

Fellow Floridians, what is it about the state that makes living here worthwhile despite the downsides?

[@ericperich1240]

Thank You for this video Melanie.

[@srok62]

There is always a festival & I don't shovel snow.

[@ericperich1240]

@@srok62 Oh Yes! Snow Shoveling! This past winter I Fell backwards on my lower back and right hip! Very Painful!

[@srok62]

@@ericperich1240 None of that down here

[@lamont22222]

no state sales tax

[@ethanhill5073]

I was born in Florida but moved to Michigan when I turned 3😭 I’m so happy to be moving back to Florida in 2020😀😀 yay

[@quelquun2018]

Did you move?

[@mickmccrory8534]

Florida has a really weird geographic anomaly. The farther north you go, the deeper down south you get.

[@Tlyna1952]

Well in my little area of the southwest part of the state a good chunk of the city's residents are former midwesterners so I don't see much difference to my old home state.

[@asideofaioli4630]

😂

[@theropesofrenovation9352]

Very true. lol. Florida, to me, really isn't the South like Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama.

[@SeriouslySeriousGrim]

The Ropes of Renovation I’m from Georgia and Florida, and I can say going north towards Atlanta definitely turns into the city or suburbs. However, with Florida you get to thick horse country the further you go up!

[@ClownScript]

Yeah lol and places like west palm.are on tbe east side

[@kaylynn1702]

We throw great hurricane parties while sitting on the back porch cooking out and watching trees fall down😂

[@davea4250]

Andrew baby!

[@cashmoneylo9215]

Fr fr lol

[@destineydevereux4722]

I don't know any real Floridians who do this!!!

[@TheCubanchica250]

@@destineydevereux4722 I did this during Katrina.

[@Sssssssslf]

sad.

[@lylebarnard7447]

I would rather deal with all those creepy crawlies and bugs then the politicians

[@jameskelley5821]

I slipped on the ice and cracked my skull, crashed my new car in the snow from Hell . Spent a day cutting a tree off my home. When the ice and snow made it over grown . Power lines down and people without power , all out shoveling for many grueling hours! Cars and trucks off the road because they slid into a ditch. Getting frostbite that’s starting to itch.. Snow plows building mountains is really a pain . After you’ve shoveled your driveway and have to do it again.scrapping 4 inches of ice from my windshield, my injuries from the last snow storm still haven’t healed. That’s it I’ve had it ! I moved to Florida from Boston mass. I’m absolutely happy I did and don’t feel like Ass . I love it here despite the downsides , I’m so glad I did and I’m a very happy Guy.

[@ashley1641]

James Kelley omg I am sorry you had to go through such pain and I hope you are feeling better! I’m from Boston too been wanting to move down for a while now my husband and I are planning to take the plunge in the next coming months!!!

[@austins.6805]

Bingo. I understand why people hate heat, humidity, and hurricanes, but I hate winter more than anything.

[@quelquun2018]

GREAT JOB!!! I LOVE IT😂😂💯💯💯

[@andrewschannel4259]

I HATE the weather here. The humidity is literally killing me.

[@johnboy6594]

I’m sorry. I feel your pain.

[@emmarpetty19]

I live in Winter Haven. & man do I love living in Florida. Yes sometimes I get tired of the bugs, tourists, and heat but only being like 2 hours from a beach is amazing. I always laugh at the crazy people on the news . We have the best sunsets & sunrises. :)

[@marijohoon7127]

"only" 2 hrs

[@MtyQuinn69]

Winter Haven is one of my favorite cities in Florida...Just a down right beautiful city.... with amazing cafe's, shopping, and great restaurants...

[@barrywainwright3391]

You live in FL and you still have to drive 2 hours to get to a seashore beach? That doesn't make since. If you like beaches you should live a lot closer to them.

[@docschweitz7606]

I have to say--refreshing to get REAL INFO from someone who's business interest could be affected negatively by that info. I saved your video for reference. Thank you for the honesty. I'm actually impressed. I would give myself a "pat on the back" if I was you! GOOD JOB!( Seriously!!!)

[@MelanieLovesTampaBay]

Doc Schweitz Thank you very much Doc!

[@tonyjackson6188]

Loved your comments and especially the comments at the end of this video about Florida cities and towns offering different opportunities and scenery and things to see and do. Thanks for posting. tony j from Indiana.🤗🤗🤗

[@bigd9848]

I love Florida and always appreciate the beautiful weather. You really made a great video 🌹

[@shamar6226]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I think you covered everything. I like your pleasant and informative reality video. Keep them coming. There are positive and negative things about every and any place to live on the planet. I really enjoyed your way of explaining the "Worst Things About Living in Florida".

[@Mojosfire]

I was worrying when I had to move back to Florida after spending a couple of years in California about the huge nasty palmetto bugs. Even though being born in Florida, and living here almost my entire life, the palmetto bugs freak me out the worst! I'm the type that would run out in my underwear screaming in the street like a lunatic if one even comes near me! Yet spiders don't really bother me. 😂

[@reachyouteachyou4649]

Move back to Cali better weather and higher end. Love Cali thats why i wont move to Florida its like national geographic

[@moniquechastain5060]

Everything your talking about is true, florida ia the most exciting beautiful place i have lived. I lived here 10 years. Not moving again

[@TheChoochooboy99]

I’ve lived all over the country and the mosquitoes are really no worse here than some places in the Midwest. As far as Palmetto bugs go, at least they aren’t looking for food sources, just water. Summers in Oklahoma saw 100 degree plus temperatures along with 90-95 percent humidity nearly everyday. Oklahoma is one of the only places I know that can be in the 70’s with rain, thunder and lightning and tornadoes, and two hours later the rain has turned to thunder snow storms and ice with an earthquake rumbling underneath you. City living in Florida is not much different than any other state. I will take Tampa any day over many of the other places I’ve lived.

[@TheHeartGuardener]

E L Brown Here in St. Louis, we say if you don’t like the weather, wait ten minutes.

[@TurfSurf]

I heard gators are everywhere in FL, have you run into any in Tampa?

[@TheChoochooboy99]

@@TurfSurf not while I have been out walking, but I have seen them hanging out in retention ponds here and there. You get used to it.

[@TurfSurf]

@@TheChoochooboy99 ok, that’s good to know. I have not heard a lot of gator attack in FL on the national news, but my parents are freaked out about moving to FL because of gators and snakes.

[@TheChoochooboy99]

@@TurfSurf there’s not as many snakes as they think. It’s really no different than living anywhere else. There’s predator animals everywhere. Alligators just look scarier than most. Your parents will be fine .

[@kelsogray]

90 degree weather on Thanksgiving YAASSS! I was in Lakeland during December a few years ago. While it was snowing in my home state of KY. I was walking around in a short sleeved shirt. That was wonderful.

[@ericperich1240]

I really enjoyed this video. I have been thinking of moving to Florida, Tampa Area and if I do, I want you to be my realtor. Thank You Melanie.

[@alain0323]

For sure Melanie when I'm looking at you my eyes are wide open, great video thanks

[@JD-mv8tl]

Melanie I really enjoy your videos and honesty. It makes your credibility even that much better. You have a new subscriber here and I have truly enjoyed your videos.

[@slarson8044]

I think you gave a well rounded And realistic overview of Florida. I have lived on the Gulf Coast 4 years. These are valid points. I really like it here. I have found a better quality of life here despite the negative. No area is perfect.

[@MelanieLovesTampaBay]

S Larson Thank you so much 😊

[@Tlyna1952]

I've now been here on the Gulf Coast for 6 years and wouldn't want to live elsewhere.

[@alvin1039]

When you said flip flops, you put a smile on my face. I lived in Hawaii for 4 years and the first thing I did once I got home , was take off boots and slide into my flip flops. I love Tampa and have visited 3 times in last 2 years. I live in Chicago area and am so ready to move. My wife not so much. Love your channel!!

[@jrtiger34]

im a canadian that always drive down to florida and stay there for a week or so.. theres a lot of bad drivers in florida, they are rude, inconsiderate and a bunch of bullies.. to think that its a tourist industry driven state ive experenced so many bad customer service. but we keep coming back coz we love disney and universal! and the weather..lol

[@A42yearoldARAB]

Haha spot on about the bugs and storms. We've been here for about a week and the bugs don't bother me personally, it's funny to me how it storms literally every day, but only for 30 minutes- a couple hours. Usually after I've had my outdoor fun too. It's no big deal because you know every day is going to be warm unlike Minnesota 😔. I enjoy the fast driving too I noticed it as well lol. Another thing that we can't do in Minnesota without a ticket every other day 😕

[@EricEvolving]

Another great video Melanie! Thank you!!!! You almost convinced me at Skinks and Sink Holes :) but I am still on board and would still like to move to Tampa, FL.

[@MelanieLovesTampaBay]

Lol...both just make life interesting here!

[@carolyn5560]

I haven't seen an "ice scraper" in 15 years. Thanks Venice, Florida😎😎😎

[@shaneryan9301]

Carolyn D way to rep the V Carolyn

[@bobbiggley6992]

I haven't seen one in 25 years..hi from Ca

[@Tlyna1952]

I recently found one I must have accidentally brought down when I moved here some years ago. I'll be passing it on to one of our snowbirds to take back up north.

[@dodgert1803]

Excellent video, thanks for sharing.

[@fallingiguanas6015]

I really enjoy the home state talks you provide. I live in Clearwater and was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area .I think the pros do out way the cons except on one issue ,the traffic. Where I live in Pinellas county it's not as bad as other areas but the snowbird season is terrible w people that shouldn't have a license .And the time being spent sitting in red lights is where cell phone games come in handy , Joking of course 🙄 well I just wanted to thank you for keeping it real when it comes to living in the sunshine state .🌴

[@alainbourdon2736]

Great information. Thanks much appreciated.

[@URIASmusic]

So good! Thank you for getting to the point :)

[@joedecesere7033]

I love pan blackened grouper sandwiches. Sunshine doesn't have to be shoveled in November through March.😎🌴

[@TheChoochooboy99]

Joe DeCesere it also means one less thing I have to store in the garage (snow blower).

[@jeremylindner2405]

Love your videos, informative like always.

[@Athanasius1975]

So I'm 100% committed to Florida and I watched the video of the bad things about living in florida. And to be honest ..it not that much different from Jersey where I currently live. Bugs , drivers etc.. but as you said at the end of the video Florida has a certian energy about it, that just calls me. The video was very helpful. And I'll be waiting for more as I prepare my move

[@MelanieLovesTampaBay]

Thank you for catching that part of the video! I absolutely meant that. Florida is a very large state with a lot of different towns and cities. Of course, some have more energy than others. Tampa, where I live/work has an amazing energy to it...especially during the winter months. Florida is experiencing a lot of growth, which comes with growing pains...some more annoying than others. To me, the good definitely outweighs the bad. Good luck with your move! I hope I can continue to help!

[@Athanasius1975]

@@MelanieLovesTampaBay thanks for your reply, yes when I considered florida the normal cities came up , miami, Orlando fort Lauderdale , but outside the Buccaneers, we here in Jersey haven't heard much about tampa which stuck out to me very much. So in 2017 January, I started my homework on the area and never have been there , fell in love with the area. We are coming to the area in Aug for 4 days to check it all out , well part of it. So yes I cant wait.

[@Athanasius1975]

@@MelanieLovesTampaBay there are some questions I'd like to ask..1# I'm targeting my move to the brandon area just outside tampa, and I like to know if there are plenty of furniture and bedding stores there that are reasonable prices , as I'm not gonna bring my old one . #2 I plan on saving 20,000 to move with having at least a 15,000 umbrella to punch off until my wife and I get rolling. I'm a barber so its gonna take sometime to build my clientele. # 3 is work difficult to find, my wife has 20 plus years and 11 plus years as a book keeper for a major supermarket franchise and a medical assistant.

[@asideofaioli4630]

@@Athanasius1975 can i ask, why Brandon? And yes, you will find furniture shops. There's also an IKEA in the Tampa area.

[@Athanasius1975]

@@asideofaioli4630 well Brandon was 1st area that caught my eye but I've since expanded my search

[@idfk-vibee]

even with the cons I’d love to move there, tired of living in the Midwest.

[@Twizzledoc187]

Wolf’s Lullaby I made that move from Ohio 2 years ago!! Snow?? What’s that?

[@josiahmeissner4218]

Same!!!!! Wisconsins terrible!!!!!

[@AisforAlibi1]

After one season of love bugs, you will be happy to scurry back to the Midwest.

[@Tlyna1952]

@@AisforAlibi1 I've been here a little over 5 years and so far only one season has been bad and that was last May. Most of the time I hardly notice them. My pet peeve are the damned fire ants.

[@smedlydumpsterjuice8875]

If we can convince enough not to move here, maybe traffic will ease some.

[@mims5826]

you don't know how good we got it move to Atlanta Chicago OR ANY CITY IN CALIFORNIA OR NEW YORK OR JERSEY or Miami AND THEN COME BACK to Tampa THOSE ARE CITIES WITH REAL traffic im a truck driver so id know

[@smedlydumpsterjuice8875]

@@mims5826 I drove for 30 years. I hope to prevent another Chicago or LA traffic here. It's Florida that's growing as people are leaving those high tax areas for places like Florida. So yes, I do know!

[@antguy-superheroextraordin7835]

I lived in Florida for 30 years. Traffic is pretty tame in comparison to a lot of states.

[@kaydub007]

Exactly. Everything she said it is all in Atlanta plus more. At least you know its hot in Fl. It can be 30 degrees in May or 85 in Nov in GA. Unpredictable and weather person can't even keep up.

[@villasantamaria1]

Right on Smedly, we need more negative shows about Florida, it's becoming a little too crowded especially in Naples.

[@hikingwiththedog6078]

Spot on. Driving is not easy in Florida. But it does have a special energy...very hard to resist.

[@CanoeingTheEdgeOfTheWorld]

"Tampa Realtor Goes Berserk" at 6:28 in this video actually made me laugh out loud. That was genius and I may have to use this in a video and tell everyone how you stole the idea from me. 😊 Hilarious! Great video that will definitely educate some people thinking of moving here.

[@jadeblues357]

I’ve lived in Florida most of my adult life and there is tons of things I love about it the laid-back attitude the diversity the heat and let me say that again the heat in the cooling off of the winters nice break and the only other state I would trade this for would be Arizona! And you know what if the snowbirds don’t like the bugs or whatever move back to your home state please we don’t need your stress! Respectfully A Floridian😎

[@markwalker3499]

Looking forward to it Melanie, I lived there before in a lovely county I like to call Baja Alabama, most of the cons you mentioned did not bother me, and some I enjoyed, like the downpours every afternoon and light shows in the sky, oh and I just got an insurance quote on homeowner and auto insurance, between them they went down $3 per month, so not really different from Oregon. The big pro though is getting three times the house for the same monthly payments.

[@BennyValdesMusic]

So I plan to move to Florida hopefully by end of year and your video made me nervous . I saw the entire video and was like “It’s not thaaaaat bad.” lol 😂 I’love take it over cold winter and snowy dark nights. ☀️

[@michellemarie1197]

What i personally liked about living in florida was at 3 am id wake up to the sound of rain, i love the rain but i also like warm weathering

[@geno5169]

I love the sound of rain.I hate our snow and ice storms here in Pennsylvania.we’re so ready for a move for better weather.I’m so tired of shoveling snow.I used to live in Tampa year’s ago your rain sto are both from are snow storms

[@philipnguyen3107]

Thanks for sharing. You are not only beautiful but very articulate.

[@turkelliott]

Your videos crack me up. I will be moving down to florida probably around in the summer since I am down so often anyways....tampa here I come!!

[@trevalondon5580]

Melanie, try to mix tea tree oil with water and put it in a spray bottle and spray it on before you go outside. It keeps mosquitos away......another tip is...if you are familiar with AVON....the Skin so Soft oil definitely keeps them away too. I love your videos!! I live avout 14 hours away right now but in 4 years I will be a Floridian too!!

[@jacobalbelo9463]

I'm 11 it's been my dream to move to Florida since I was 5 and this doesn't stop me try harder :)

[@MelanieLovesTampaBay]

HI Jacob! Good for you for thinking so far in advance! Florida is a great place to call home. Work hard and we'll see you in soon :)

[@KenVic02]

Nice summary! I would add that the state is somewhat divided up by where people come from. New Englanders tend to move to the southeast region, southerners to northern FL and midwesterners to the west coast (Tampa through Ft Myers). Central FL is a bit of a mix. I moved here from MI in 2000 to Ft. Lauderdale with a job offer, but never really felt that I fit in down there. Moved to Tampa in 2002 and have loved it since...lots of people around here from MI, OH and IN.

[@pc3666]

I love your channel. Thanks!

[@bandit157]

Great video... I live in the Northwest panhandle have lived here my whole life 39 years have a great business wouldn't trade it for nothing... There are some really awesome people as well

[@wtr7]

Very good vid Thanks. Thinking Jacksonville or Vero Beach to move to.

[@christinejohnsonosei-tutu4129]

thanks for you honesty. looking to retire somewhere in Florida. looking at Tampa/Tampa Bay area in mid June 2019

[@whatsupdoc9833]

Move north of Tampa, look into hernado county city and country life combined, lived close to tampa to much crime ,also pasco county to much crime, hernado is next county about one hour from tampa . Pretty laid back and peaceful

[@Tlyna1952]

I live in small town southwestern Gulf coast area and here the humidity is only bad halfway through May to the end of September although the heat will last into October. The rest of the year seems pleasant to this former Michigan resident with warm days, low humidity and cool nights for good sleeping. My town also sprays for mosquitoes heavily during the summer so I rarely see any and I tend to sit out by the pool in our complex until well after dark. I'm not sure if they could do that in large metro areas. Bugs...I hate lovebugs! They are hell to get off your cars, out of your hair, etc. Roaches. I haven't had a problem with. Once in a while I get a palmetto bug in the house but my cats invariably catch and kill them before I even know they are there. My real pet peeve are fire ants. There is absolutely nothing worthwhile about those little buggers (as I stare at my left foot covered in bites). Never sit, lay down in or stand in grass for more than a few seconds or you will regret it. I even spray my lawn chair legs with Home Defense to keep them from climbing up them. I use Diatomaceous Earth on their nests because I live uphill from a pond that I don't want to poison and it is safe for animals and humans. It doesn't kill them right away but the next day the nest will be quiet. I consider I 75 in Florida the American version of the German Autobahn. Nothing is more annoying that someone in the left two lanes who seems to be out for a casual Sunday drive and no it isn't always seniors doing it. If you can't keep up with traffic stay on the right or you may get run over. Gators...consider that every body of water has them and be careful. Today I heard we have an 8 footer in my pond that they will be coming out to remove. It is rare as this is only the third one in my 5 years here and this one is the biggest. Be careful if you pull up next to a ditch as they are known to be in them too. There was a lovely article on a cop on the Atlantic side who was treed on top of his patrol car when one rushed him from a ditch. The picture showed him on top of his car with his gun out and aimed at the gator because they can and will climb fences and other low obstacles. I don't swim in lakes, rivers, etc because you can never be sure there are none. I stick to pools now. Keep at eye out for them and you won't have any problems. Still with all those I much prefer living here to back north. No cold, wet fall, winter and spring plus still have hot humid summer, mosquitoes, black flies and yellow jackets. NO SNOW AND ICE!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MelanieLovesTampaBay]

Thanks for the detailed comment! We have a lot in common! The part about the German Autobahn made me laugh...I totally agree!

[@silinusvers]

Every time I hear of a weird story or an Extraordinarily dumb crime/criminal and it's from Florida, I feel like my home team scored again

[@hgh5762]

Lol. Isn't that just bc of their laws are more revealing? I'm from MO and trust me crimes are every bit as wild.

[@ludmilafascia6665]

I’m actually low key proud of that though.

[@christinearmington]

#yeahFlorida

[@Mojosfire]

Lmao 😂

[@destineydevereux4722]

The kind of person I'd love to see leave Florida!!

[@jeffmorse645]

I bought a lot in Palm Coast and am planning on building a home. During escrow I had a soil bore test done to make sure it wasn't a sinkhole waiting to happen. Just a good idea.

[@Thepixiebella]

I have been set on moving to Florida since 8 years old full well knowing the downfalls! I’m so ready!! ❤️

[@shermanlee7234]

Awesome video about Florida!! The driving is so true. 90 year old grandma in the left lane doing 60 as a entrepreneur from Florida takes her doors off in a Ferrari doing 90 next to a tourist from Wisconsin trying to find Disney World on the I95 Brahhhhh A bit more on the reptile situation. Not uncommon to look in your backyard and see a ....... 🐊 crocodile or some other reptile in your pool drinking all your free and clean water.

[@robertc.regeljr.3375]

Thanks ,love your sense of humor.

[@rockthesix1679]

So by comparison, Im better off in Minnesota with -30 temps. Not true. Lived in the cold hell all of my life, some bugs in Florida wouldn't make me NOT live there.

[@MrzBadaBing]

RockTheSix I’m with you lived in Rhode Island my whole life there’s no more 4 seasons it’s terrible there’s maybe two months of summer and then bam it’s cold and raining my seasonal depression is getting worse I don’t think I can survive another crazy winter I hate bugs but I gotta deal with it

[@Tlyna1952]

@@MrzBadaBing I'm former Michigan. We had either cold and wet most of the year, hot and humid for 3 months and only May and maybe part of September and October being nice. I live in southwest Florida now on the Gulf and yeah it is hot and muggy in the summer, especially after our afternoon thunderstorms but 8 months out of the year is pretty decent. My seasonal depression is gone. I do hate the love bugs and fire ants but the town sprays at night for mosquitoes so we don't have many of them. Once in a while a palmetto but gets into my house but my cats invariably kill them before I even know they are there.

[@anitaknight3915]

@@MrzBadaBing I feel the same way. I hate how we have only a couple good months in the midwest and seem to receive two winters no spring or fall the last several years. I hate bugs as well but hate the winters and cold more.

[@manisaadi4355]

@@anitaknight3915 right

[@87411969]

Thank you for the great information.

[@pamross4994]

When I was !8 my mother took us to Florida in the off season. I hated it, I retired to AZ, love it.

[@jbone2345]

Thank you for this video!

[@lilyg1157]

I’m moving to florida somewhere this year and I’m really excited! :)

[@GardenerEarthGuy]

Using a turn signal on Florida roadways is a class c felony, possession of a turn signal on a car is a misdemeanor charge with a $500 fine.

[@kevindao1103]

Gardner Earth Guy I can understand that joke. No one knows what a blinker is down here. Source: MN-Ex pat in Orlando, FL. Let me return home. P.S. I'll admit if I wanna live in Florida, Tampa is a much better option. 72 million tourists is too much.

[@YourBoyAlex]

I SWEAR that I have seen you before.....

[@Tlyna1952]

@@kevindao1103 Small town well outside of the bigger cities here is a much better option. I live in a small Gulf coast town and wouldn't move any closer than I am to a big city (half hour away). Few tourists, lower crime.

[@funeralangel8262]

@@Tlyna1952 Stay away from Miami

[@Tlyna1952]

@@funeralangel8262 I lived in Ft Lauderdale at one time and really wouldn't want to go back there or Miami. Nix to Orlando, Tampa, Ft Myers, Naples, etc. Fun to visit but not to live. Don't have the high cost of living anymore either. Instead I have about a 35 minute drive if I want to go to a big city for anything so not a problem.

[@camillecole9497]

One of the worst things about Florida is people from NY, Jersey, Chicago and Maryland with all those HIGH crime rates wind up moving down to Florida with that crap. Living in Brevard is like living in a mini N.Y. smdh but instead of seeing piss, graffiti and trash everywhere you see palm trees.

[@anthonymolina7416]

I live in NY but not NYC

[@1gumbah]

Camille Cole lol if it were not for those nasty people bringing thier wealth down her you’d still be living in a grass hut

[@enjoythedreamlife5658]

Melanie Thank You!!! You are right on Its hot every where in the summer. Why do people point to Florida like its the only place. Florida has the best weather hands down.

[@Tlyna1952]

You have that right. I remember camping in Michigan's upper peninsula and the days could be in the 90s with very high humidity. Add in the huge arse black flies and giant mosquitoes. I loved the UP, it is beautiful but I will take south Florida weather any day. Blizzards and ice storms are a common occurrence in Michigan along with all the usual heat and storms that summer brings. At least hurricanes aren't all that common and 8 months out of the year the weather is paradise here.

[@silentstorm77]

I live in Michigan and planning on moving to FL soon. I Definitely enjoy your videos!

[@manueloctaviomartinez3173]

When you mentioned how left lanes are for passing I swear I HAD to like your video. Tourists, snow birds, and the large amount of elderly in Florida don’t know this and it’s ignorant.

[@theropesofrenovation9352]

I know! Drives me nuts. I'm older and I KNOW better. (Driving in the left lane)

[@davea4250]

Heck they don’t know it in Florida just like they don’t know it elsewhere. I’m finding middle to older aged people in a Prius or Subaru are the left for popping into the left lane and firmly inserting the thumb up their ass. Of the loser greens in BMWs and other cars there is no way they can afford weaving in and out while crawling up your ass.

[@erinmccarthy8784]

I donnot know I think this video is very honest and a plus I think you are selling florida. Thanks for the video I live in miami lakes and I love it .

[@sieje]

Only tropical state in the USA that isn’t in the middle of the pacific. I need the weather, roller coasters, and palm trees. Lol. Great videos!

[@sieje]

PS. Have you ever watched the sunrise over on the east coast, and then driven to the west coast to see it set in the same day? Great thing to see...

[@MelanieLovesTampaBay]

I haven't! That sounds great!

[@eceyaz9418]

Do u have Instagram I want to be friends ?

[@gretb6332]

Melanie you are soooo amazing!!!! I admire you!

[@jujuu1230]

Thanks for the very informative videos! :))

[@footballaustin55]

The reason so many 'crazy' things happen in Florida is because the 'Sunshine Act' makes all police reports and most info regarding crimes immediately public.

[@DanielDavis1973]

I spent my elementary school years in the daytona area in a house without air conditioning. And people wonder why i hate hot weather and moved to Seattle when i graduated UCF. There are exactly 4 things i miss about Florida: my mom, my little sister, publix, and thunderstorms

[@Ms.lindahart]

Daniel Davis Yes! Publix is the BEST!

[@asideofaioli4630]

My sister moved to Texas and misses Publix so much too 😅

[@55chevytruck]

I live directly north of you. Levy, Gilchrist, Dixie,and any where near Gainesville. The prices are still very a fordable. It is more rural but has the best health care in Gainesville.

[@dschephigh1]

As always very informative video. Thanks Melanie for your information on Florida. We are from Northern Minnesota and are looking right now at different condo's. We are tired of the winters here. Love Florida.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

I'd check the Villages area or the northern central areas of Florida, smaller towns near I 75 or I 95 🛣... avoid the college towns; Gainesville Deland etc...

[@samanthasnyder9087]

Stay. We don't need or want anymore transplants. Go to California.

[@dschephigh1]

@@samanthasnyder9087 oh we are going to be a burden on you especially samantha.

[@JD-mv8tl]

Would love to hear your theories on why the crime in FL is so bizarre

[@samanthasnyder9087]

Because 80% of people who live in Florida are from out of state. We seek to attract the weirdos.

[@Tlyna1952]

Look up the Sunshine Law in Florida. Everything is public including criminal and just plain stupid acts.

[@loreenrapoza3046]

I choked at the comment "Everyone drives like a NASCAR Race" LOL. I'm from Boston, relocated to Charlotte AKA NASCAR COUNTRY about 10 years ago, relocating to the bay area in a month. I think I'll feel right at home.

[@doenjangstew4438]

So Nice! Informative! I am living in Seoul, South Korea and I have a dream to move ULTIMATE FLORIDA! WOOHOO! Wait until I arrive.

[@TheChoochooboy99]

Doenjang Stew we can’t wait to see you! I hope you can make it soon!

[@doenjangstew4438]

@@TheChoochooboy99 Thanks

[@samanthalucas8070]

I was born and rise in Port Charlotte Florida for 32 years I loved it This video you are right about it From Samantha Lucas

[@Anne--Marie]

This is actually spot on. We moved here from Michigan ten years ago and the palmettos freaked me out! The produce here is terrible. Everyone moving here should plan to grow their own tomatoes.

[@RichieHustles]

I really, really, really enjoyed this! Me and my family are thinking of relocating to Boca Raton!

[@puravida5683]

Great info. I currently live in Costa Rica, as a military retiree. I am considering purchasing a vacation home in Florida.

[@Tlyna1952]

Punta Gorda in Charlotte County has a very large number of military retirees. Good climate, low crime, friendly people. Not a lot of tourists but do have the yearly snowbirds.

[@Nicholereo333]

I grew up in Champaign, IL and will be moving to Tampa, FL at the end of the month for work. I’m excited about the heat(anything below 80 degrees and I’m freezing), but not that wildlife.

[@taowright]

Good overall coverage of the negatives -- Melanie is telling the truth about Florida!

[@donnahamilton253]

I moved to Florida about a year ago. Mosquito bites? I get mosquito bites over my entire body, on my neck my face, you’re so lucky you only get them on your ankles!

[@petegriffinhoapresident]

Everybody hates on Florida, *but inside they know we are amazing*

[@ingrismorquecho3721]

Thanks. I still like it.. sun shine 😃🙏

[@frankworley-lopez2282]

You forgot snakes and gators! I lived in FL as a kid and loved it, but that was before the snake invasion. If I could I'd probably move back, mostly for the ocean.

[@MelanieLovesTampaBay]

I definitely forgot snakes...I think I could do a whole episode on the snakes here! Alligators I talked about in the Living In Florida video :) Thank you for watching!

[@theropesofrenovation9352]

I like both snakes and gators. lol. They won't bother you if you don't bother them.

[@Tlyna1952]

I don't like the python invasion or that of the Nile Monitor lizards but some of the snakes are quite useful in getting rid of mice and rats, especially when you live outside of a town. We are kind of fond of our black snakes because of it.

[@charlesschmitz8498]

Just like 99 percent of every place on earth, if you've got money it's nice, if your poor, it kinda sucks

[@WilliamMedina]

While I agree about the bugs, especially the love bugs ( have lived in Florida 27 years). I spent 4 wonderful days in South Georgia - Jekyll Island Club Resort. I loved it but the gnats were killing me at night and the squirrels, well, they walked up to me and snatch, stole, even attacked people in order to get your food. Again I loved my trip, but every place has issues.

[@duffyman2809]

Hi from the UK, interesting video. My wife and I love Florida and we are regular visitors. I have to say that your roads are a lot safer than ours which have become steadily worse over the last 20 years. People in the UK are brought up on strict lane control on our roads so we understand the overtaking culture. We have family in Florida, at Boca Raton and Miami. Could I live there? Probably not but I could spend a good part of the year there. One plus side to tourism is the revenue it brings your fantastic State. Thanks for the video, we hope to visit again in 2020.

[@Nate-pz1rf]

All kidding aside very good and thorough!

[@ricgillis1280]

"Skinks", somehow sounds like a promiscuously cheating spouse?LOL! Great video!

[@dennybenz5846]

Loved this video and i live in florida

[@fotonmom]

Love your videos. We know we will be re locating to the state in a year or two.. And believe me when I say..the political onslaught was national. We are in Ohio..I had to turn to KZbin for entertainment--it was relentless...so I feel ya gal!

[@kevinginsberg4869]

Just moved into Wesley Chapel last Friday from Ohio. I'll tell you the worst day in Florida beats the best day in Ohio. Loving the heat/humidity, bugs, weather, traffic, whatever. Bring it on, lol

[@carolmiranda2814]

If You Plan On Coming For Vacation. Come In The Winter Time, NOT In The Summer Is Soooo Hot And Hummid It's Sooo Baaad. You'l Looove Winter Better You Can Still Be In Flip Flops. Beautiful Weather!!

[@BeFoundOnTheWeb]

Looking good, Melanie!

[@mssagittariusgang]

I live in Clearwater Florida please don’t get me started the bugs are as big as me

[@mssagittariusgang]

Art creation thank u

[@Samone8428]

Ms Sagittarius do you enjoy living there? I’m thinking of moving there.

[@fluoridaman2332]

Big ones aren't the problem. It's tiny flying jaws that devour your flesh.

[@Jan-bl2ho]

And the lizards 😩

[@Tlyna1952]

@@Jan-bl2ho The lizards eat insects like spiders, etc. I'll take them any day.

[@6410daniel]

publix boars head subs are good,, tampa bay lighting in regular season, Ac.. and to all the girls ive loved... in the last 30 years..

[@edfrhes]

You didn't mention the red tide that seems to show up every year. That is the deal breaker for me especially on the gulf side. It horrible to breath, kills the fish, birds, manatee and tourism.

[@georgemcdonald7922]

Been there done that!

[@racketman2u]

yeah, those Alabama football supporters are the worst!

[@sherrihodges849]

Tampa Bay is paradise as far as major cities go. Yes there are bugs, lightning and humidity and locals allow an additional 15-30 minutes driving time December-March. However, the clean beaches, super fresh produce and huge array of outdoor activities all year make it worth it. Heads up...cops are bullies here