If you're planning a trip to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and want to experience the area like a true local, you might need a few tips on how to blend in. The Emerald Coast is full of beautiful beaches, friendly people, and a laid-back lifestyle, but locals have their own unique ways of doing things. Whether you're visiting for a week or thinking about making a permanent move, here’s how to avoid standing out as a tourist and fully embrace the Floridian way of life.

Ditch the Northern Accent

True, native Floridians are a rare breed, but that doesn’t mean they can’t spot an out-of-towner from a mile away. If you have a thick Northern accent, try to tone it down when chatting with the locals. A strong New England or Midwest accent will immediately set off their “snowbird radar,” and you might find yourself the subject of some friendly teasing.

Know Your Seafood

One surefire way to impress a local? Know the difference between scallops and oysters. The Gulf Coast is famous for its seafood, and Floridians take it seriously. If you’re dining out, make sure to order fresh, local seafood. Bonus points if you know that oysters are best in cooler months and that scallops are harvested by hand.

Flip Flops Are Acceptable Everywhere

Floridians wear flip-flops everywhere—yes, even to nicer restaurants. You might get a side-eye if you show up in dress shoes on a casual night out. The rule of thumb? If you can wear flip-flops comfortably, go for it. Sandals and open-toed shoes are the unofficial state footwear.

Master the Local Driving Habits

Driving in Florida is... an adventure. If you want to fit in, know that turn signals are optional, and speed limits are more of a suggestion than a rule. Traffic circles? Good luck. If you drive slow, you’ll irritate the locals, but if you drive too aggressively, you might terrify the tourists. Find a happy medium and keep your eyes open—especially for sudden rain showers that can turn the roads into a slip-and-slide.

Be an Expert on Disney

Even though Fort Walton Beach is a good six- eight hour drive from Orlando (depending on Orlando traffic, which is horrible!), every Floridian knows something about Disney World. Whether they love it or avoid it like the plague, they can hold a conversation about it. Brush up on the basics of park layouts, the best rides, and the annual passes if you want to blend in.

Respect the Unpredictable Florida Weather

Florida weather is erratic, and locals have learned to roll with it. It can be sunny one moment and pouring rain the next, only for the sun to come right back out. That said, true Floridians never carry an umbrella—it’s a sign of weakness. Just accept that you might get wet and move on.

Grocery Shop Like a Local

If you’re grocery shopping in Florida, there’s only one acceptable choice: Publix. The beloved grocery store chain is a staple in every Floridian’s life. And if you haven’t tried a Publix Chicken Tender Sub, you’re missing out on a cultural experience. Just don’t make the mistake of feeding any leftovers to the seagulls—they are aggressive, relentless, and will make your beach day a nightmare.

Dress for Florida’s ‘Winter’

Floridians are not built for the cold. If the temperature drops below 70 degrees, you’ll see locals bundled up in jackets, hoodies, and even scarves. A good denim jacket is the perfect “winter coat” for the area. If you’re from a colder climate, try to resist the urge to comment on how warm it still is, or make fun of us wearing UGGS, in 60 degree weather—you’ll just get eye rolls.

Hurricane Parties Are a Thing

While most people fear hurricanes, Floridians see anything below a Category 3 as an excuse for a party. Stock up on snacks, grab some drinks, and prepare for a “hunker down” event with friends. Just remember to take actual hurricane warnings seriously—locals might throw a party, but they still respect Mother Nature.

The Seasons are Different Here

Forget the four traditional seasons. In Florida, we have:

• Hurricane Season

• Love Bug Season

• Tourist Season

• Summer (which lasts about nine months)

If you want to sound like a local, these are the only seasons that matter.

Learn the Stingray Shuffle

If you’re hitting the beach, always shuffle your feet in the sand as you walk into the water. This helps avoid stepping on a stingray, which is a painful experience you don’t want. Floridians do this instinctively, and you should too.

Measure Distance in Minutes, Not Miles

Floridians rarely measure distance in miles. Everything is referenced in minutes. “How far is Destin?” Answer: “About 20 minutes, depending on traffic.” This rule applies everywhere in Florida.

Respect the Sea Turtles

If you’re visiting during sea turtle nesting season (May through October), be mindful of beach lighting at night. Bright lights can disorient the hatchlings, so if you’re staying oceanfront, turn off unnecessary lights. Locals are very protective of the turtles, so show respect.

Always Have Sunscreen and Chapstick

The Florida sun is intense, even on cloudy days. Sunscreen and chapstick should be staples in your beach bag. Nothing screams “tourist” like a bad sunburn on day one of your vacation.

BeachThoughts

Blending in with the locals in Fort Walton Beach isn’t too difficult—just adopt a laid-back attitude, embrace the quirks of Florida living, and respect the local way of life. If you follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the Emerald Coast like a true Floridian. Welcome to paradise!