So you’re coming to Florida. Excellent choice. Florida is pretty awesome but it does have it quirks!

You probably already know about the beaches, theme parks, palm trees and sunshine. What you may not know is that Florida has a few rules of its own.

For example, rain does not necessarily mean you should cancel your plans. Lizards may fall out of trees when it gets cold. A perfectly innocent-looking pond may contain an alligator. And yes, you can get a sunburn while sitting under an umbrella wondering how on earth you got a sunburn.

Consider this your unofficial guide to the weird things you should know before visiting Florida.

1. That Pond Probably Has an Alligator

We’re not saying there is definitely an alligator in every body of water in Florida.

We’re saying it’s generally a good idea to behave as though there might be.

Alligators can live in lakes, ponds, rivers, canals and other freshwater habitats throughout Florida. Don’t feed them, don’t approach them for a picture, and keep pets away from the water’s edge.

Basically, if you’re standing beside a Florida pond thinking, “I wonder if there are alligators in there?” you’ve already asked the correct question.

2. The Afternoon Rainstorm May Last 12 Minutes

Florida weather can be incredibly dramatic for absolutely no reason.

At 2:47 p.m., the sun is shining.

At 2:52 p.m., the sky is black, rain is blowing sideways and you’re considering whether you should start building an ark.

At 3:14 p.m., the sun is back out and everyone continues with their day like nothing happened.

Especially during summer, don’t automatically cancel an entire day because rain appears in the forecast. Keep an eye on current conditions and have an indoor backup plan.

3. But Take the Lightning Seriously

The rain may be something Floridians casually wait out. Lightning is different.

Florida gets a lot of thunderstorms, and lightning can occur well away from the heaviest rain. If you hear thunder, get out of the pool, off the beach and away from exposed outdoor areas.

This is one Florida weather quirk you don’t want to experience up close.

4. “It’s Only 92 Degrees” Is a Trap

You check the temperature and think, “92? That’s hot, but manageable.”

Then you step outside.

Florida humidity has entered the chat.

Summer heat can feel much hotter than the actual air temperature, so bring water, wear sunscreen and don’t schedule six hours of outdoor sightseeing in the middle of the afternoon unless your vacation goal is to discover exactly how much a human can sweat.

5. Sunscreen Is Not Just for the Beach

You can get plenty of Florida sun while walking around a theme park, sitting at an outdoor restaurant, kayaking, fishing or wandering through a festival.

Use sunscreen and reapply it, especially if you’re outside for several hours or getting in the water.

And yes, cloudy days count too.

6. Hurricane Season Lasts Half the Year

Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30.

That does not mean you shouldn’t visit Florida during those months. Millions of people do. It does mean you should pay attention to the weather if a tropical system is developing.

If you’re traveling during hurricane season, check forecasts before leaving, understand your hotel’s cancellation policies and don’t ignore evacuation orders because you’ve already paid for the room.

7. The Bugs Also Enjoy Florida

Warm weather, humidity and water make Florida wonderful for people.

Unfortunately, mosquitoes received the same brochure.

If you’re hiking, camping, visiting springs or spending time outside around dawn or dusk, bug repellent is worth packing.

You may also meet lovebugs, no-see-ums and a collection of other tiny Florida residents that weren’t mentioned in the vacation commercial.

8. Yes, Lizards Can Fall Out of Trees

This one usually surprises visitors.

During unusually cold Florida weather, iguanas can become temporarily immobilized and fall from trees. They’re generally not dead — they’re cold-stunned and may start moving again as temperatures rise.

This is primarily a South Florida problem, but it’s far too Florida not to mention.

If you encounter one, give it space. Your vacation does not need to include attempting to rescue a large frozen lizard.

9. Our “Cold” May Not Be Your Cold

Florida winter weather is weird.

You could have a gorgeous 75-degree afternoon followed by a surprisingly cold morning — and every once in a great while, snow. Northern and Central Florida can get genuinely chilly, while South Florida may remain considerably warmer.

I’ve lived in Florida for about 50 years and have only seen real snow here twice. One of those times, though, it stuck around for nearly a week — hence the snowmen next to the palm tree.

If you’re visiting during winter, check the forecast instead of assuming shorts and flip-flops will cover the entire trip. You might need those… or you might need a parka.

Layers are your friend.

10. Florida Is Much Bigger Than It Looks

This catches a lot of visitors.

Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Tallahassee and Key West are not neighboring attractions you can casually knock out between breakfast and dinner.

Florida is a long state, and driving between destinations can eat up a significant portion of your vacation.

Before planning your itinerary, check the actual drive times. Then check them again during the time of day you’ll actually be driving.

11. Publix Is Basically a Tourist Attraction

If someone tells you to go to Publix and get a Pub Sub, they’re talking about a sandwich from the deli at a grocery store.

Just go with it.

Floridians have very strong feelings about Publix subs, sweet tea, Key lime pie and which seafood place makes the best grouper sandwich. Food arguments are practically a recreational activity here.

12. Not Every Florida Beach Looks Like Miami

Florida has more than one kind of coastline.

The Gulf Coast, Atlantic Coast, Florida Keys and Panhandle can look completely different from one another. Some beaches have powdery white sand and calm Gulf water. Others have stronger Atlantic surf. Some are surrounded by high-rise resorts, while others feel wonderfully undeveloped.

Don’t choose a beach simply because it’s the closest blue spot on Google Maps. Figure out what kind of beach experience you actually want.

13. Those Pretty Springs Are COLD

Florida’s natural springs can look downright tropical: crystal-clear water, lush greenery and people happily floating around on tubes.

Then you jump in.

Many Florida springs stay around the low 70s year-round, which feels fantastic during a scorching summer afternoon and considerably less fantastic during those first three seconds after you hit the water.

Still worth it.

14. Don’t Mess With the Wildlife

Florida has manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, alligators, snakes, black bears, birds and all kinds of other wildlife.

Enjoy seeing them. Take pictures. Give them space.

But please don’t feed, chase, touch or attempt to pose beside wild animals for the internet. And yes, this includes the seagulls. Every Floridian within sight is cringing when you start tossing French fries into the air and suddenly create your own personal flock.

And here’s something visitors may not know: if you notice red or amber lighting along the beach at night during sea turtle nesting season, there’s a reason for it. Sea turtles and hatchlings can become disoriented by bright artificial lights, so many coastal areas use turtle-friendly lighting and have rules about lights visible from the beach.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the beach itself is closed, but it does mean keep things dark, give nesting turtles plenty of space, don’t use flash photography and never disturb a nest or hatchlings.

Florida’s wildlife is one of the coolest things about being here. Enjoy it — just don’t become part of the wildlife story.

15. Pay Attention to the Beach Flags

Those colored flags flying at Florida beaches aren’t decorations.

They communicate current water conditions and hazards. Rip currents can occur even when the water doesn’t look particularly dangerous from shore.

Check the flags, swim near lifeguards when possible and don’t assume being a strong swimmer makes you immune to ocean currents.

16. Florida Has More Than Theme Parks and Beaches

Disney and the beaches deserve their fame, but some of the best parts of Florida are nowhere near Cinderella Castle.

We’ve got natural springs, caves, wildlife refuges, historic towns, state parks, roadside oddities, tiny fishing communities and enough weird local history to keep you busy for years.

If you have time, get off the interstate and explore a little.

17. And Finally: Florida Is Going to Florida

You can plan the perfect Florida vacation down to the minute.

Then a thunderstorm appears, a drawbridge goes up, an alligator crosses the road, traffic stops for no apparent reason and someone casually tells you there’s a tropical system forming in the Atlantic.

Don’t panic.

Adjust the plan, grab something cold to drink and enjoy the story you’ll get to tell when you get home.

That’s part of visiting Florida.