FLORIDA: Before you visit or move to the Sunshine State
Florida… Before you visit or move to the Sunshine State…
by Bill Knell
A lot of people visit each year, but some think seriously about moving to Florida. It is the o Inly state in the continental USA that has a tropical climate.
But all is not fresh orange juice and theme parks. Before you visit or decide to live there consider a few things...
Melted Car
Climate... It's hot and can be humid. The further south you go, the hotter it gets. If you are from a cold state it will take your body at least a year to acclimate and during that time you may find yourself with sudden instances of diarrhea and vomiting as your body adjusts.
You can only stay in your house or car with the a/c churning so long. You eventually have to go outside and between the heat and humidity, it will hit you like a punch in the gut.
Avoid dairy and heavy meals if you plan on going out. Bring water with you everywhere and crack those car windows a bit when you go out.
Do NOT leave pets or kids in the car for any amount of time without a/c. Get a sun screen for the front window.
Crime... Tourists and newcomers to the Sunshine State are easy pickings for career criminals. Do not leave your car running or unlocked, unattended.
Lock all your doors and windows at a hotel, b&b or home at all times. Never leave anything in your car or outside that you don't want stolen.
Don't open your door for anyone you don't know. Lots of scammers and home Invaders look for people who will just answer the door. If they claim to be from the power company or police, dial 911 and let them tell their tale to the authorities.
Carry a debit card and some i.d. with you, leave your cash and wallet at home or in a safe. Pickpockets and thieves are everywhere.
When you gas up go inside to pay. Do not leave cell phones or laptops/tablets in the car or trunk (thieves will steal, heat can damage). Use indoor ATMs.
Escort young teens and kids everywhere. Avoid going out alone late at night or early in the morning.
Critters... Alligators are more important to politicians than people so there are now MILLIONS of them in Florida. Lakes, ponds and swamps are favorite habitats. Don't stay or live too close to those places unless you want to find an alligator in your pool, backyard, garage or house, or a family member or pet attacked.
In many places in southern Florida you will also want to beware of monitor lizards.
Big, fast and very dangerous. They catch and eat deer in the wild, so consider that and keep on eye on dogs, cats and kids. Make inquiries with local wildlife authorities before you move anywhere. Talk to locals.
Pythons are also a very BIG problem. They eat alligators and just about anything. These mega-snakes are found mostly in south Florida, but they are plentiful and on the move.
Monkeys are also on the increase. They are unpredictable, carry many diseases and bite. Monks regularly attack humans that get too close to them or their young.