🌴 Florida Living
Weather, local culture, and everyday Florida living — news for residents and transplants alike.
Charlotte County: A Quieter Gulf Coast Retirement Gem
Just north of Fort Myers, Charlotte County ranks among Florida's top five counties for retirees — and locals say it's more affordable than most of the coast.
Florida Property Tax Exemptions You Can Stack in 2026
Most Florida homeowners only claim the base homestead exemption — here's how to layer on senior, widow, disability, and veteran savings on top.
Meet Tapioca, Ocala's Grinning Mini-Bully Looking for a Home
This 3-year-old mini-bully at the Humane Society of Marion County has been waiting patiently — and smiling — for her perfect family.
Miami's MAST@FIU Ranks No. 2 in Florida, 31st in the US
U.S. News & World Report put 13 Florida schools in the national top 100 — and South Florida claimed six of those spots.
Florida Save Our Homes Cap 2026: How the 2.7% Limit Works
Florida's constitutional assessment cap quietly saves long-term homeowners thousands every year — here's exactly how it works in 2026.
Panama City's Airport Is Clearing 350 Acres to Grow
FAA-approved work will start with stormwater drainage before roads and trees are cleared north of the terminal.
St. Augustine Rewrites Event Fee Rules at Francis Field and Beyond
New time-based pricing and updated permit fees take effect October 1 across city venues.
23-Year-Old Pilot Lands Plane in Ocean Off Boca Raton Beach
Faith Tenkley ditched her family's twin-engine Piper in the Atlantic after her landing gear failed — and walked away uninjured.
Indian River County: Florida's Low-Key Retirement Gem
Tucked between Orlando and West Palm Beach, Indian River County offers uncrowded beaches, fresh seafood, and wide-open parks at a gentler pace.
Wakulla Springs: Old Florida's Best-Kept Natural Secret
Just south of Tallahassee, one of the world's deepest freshwater springs offers manatees, gator sightings, and riverboat rides for about $8.
3 Locals Picks for an Alcohol-Free Day in Miami
A vintage shop owner on Bird Road mapped out a perfect sober day — from Coral Gables to Key Biscayne.
3 Sober Things to Do in Miami, From a Local Who Knows
A Miami photographer shares his go-to spots for a great day out — no bar tab required.
Best Indoor Activities in St. Pete for Rainy Days
From world-class museums to axe throwing and cat yoga, St. Pete has no shortage of ways to wait out the rain.
5 Florida State Parks Worth the Drive, From a 25-Year Local
A longtime Florida resident shares five state parks that deliver real nature without the tourist crowds.
Lafayette Blue Springs: Cabins, Camping & Crystal-Clear Swims
This remote North Florida gem sits halfway between Tallahassee and Gainesville — and most tourists have never heard of it.
6 Florida Beach Towns Where Retirees Can Live for Under $1,800/Month
From Pensacola to Fort Walton Beach, these Gulf and Atlantic Coast towns still offer real retirement value.
Florida TRIM Notice 2026: How to Read It and Lower Your Bill
Your annual property-tax preview arrives in August — here's how to decode every line and fight back before the deadline closes.
Jacksonville Humane Society Lets You Name Your Own Adoption Fee
Dogs and cats are available through Aug. 14 — and you decide what you pay.
Wekiwa Springs: Central Florida's Cool, Clear Lakeside Escape
Just 30 minutes from Orlando, this Apopka gem offers 72-degree spring swimming, kayaking, and miles of shaded trails.
12 Florida Beach Towns Where Rent Stays Under $1,800
From the Space Coast to the Gulf, these communities keep one-bedroom rent under $1,800 a month.
2026 Hurricane Season Looking Calmer Than Usual for Florida
NOAA now puts the odds of a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season at 75%, up from 55% earlier this year.
Should Florida State Parks Require Reservations? One Lawyer Says No
An Orlando attorney argues mandatory day-use reservations at parks like Wekiwa and Blue Spring shut out the public they're meant to serve.
Silver Springs Gets $436K Gift From Late Volunteer's Estate
Monica McNamara of Ocala left the landmark Ocala park a transformative estate gift after years of volunteering there.
Pennekamp State Park Gets $250K Boost for New Aquarium Center
A Pittsburgh foundation's $250,000 gift helps fund the $52 million Discovery Center opening at Key Largo's iconic coral reef park in 2028.