Say These 13 Words Correctly and Every Floridian Will Know You’re One of Them

Florida is a state of sunshine, theme parks, and place names that make even GPS say, “I give up.” Mispronounce just one of these and you’ll instantly be outed as a snowbird — or worse, someone who just moved here from Ohio. But if you can nail all 13 like a pro, congrats — you officially earn the right to complain about tourists, humidity, and lovebug season like a native.

Kissimmee (Kuh-SIM-mee)

Say “Kiss-a-me” and you’ll be met with side-eyes and a slow, knowing headshake.

Micanopy (Mick-uh-NO-pee)

No, it’s not a pasta. And yes, this one gets butchered at least ten times a day.

Okeechobee (Oh-kee-CHO-bee)

Half lake, half fun to say. A whole lot of Florida energy packed into five syllables.

Alachua (Uh-LATCH-you-uh)

Looks like a spelling error. Sounds like someone sneezed. Still, 100% real.

Apalachicola (App-uh-latch-uh-KOH-luh)

It’s a mouthful, just like the oysters it’s known for. Good luck ordering a T-shirt if you mess this up.

Homosassa (Hoe-muh-SASS-uh)

No jokes. Just pronounce it right and enjoy the manatees.

Thonotosassa (Thuh-NOTE-oh-sass-uh)

Try saying that three times fast while swatting mosquitoes.

Loxahatchee (Locks-uh-HATCH-ee)

Sounds like a cryptid, but it’s really just a swamp with strong opinions.

Chiefland (CHEEF-land)

Easy enough to say, but still strangely mispronounced by people who should know better.

Palatka (Puh-LAT-kuh)

Not “Plate-ka” or “Pla-ta-ka.” Just go with the flow — the St. Johns River kind of flow.

Ybor City (EE-bore City)

Yes, it’s spelled with a Y. No, it’s not “Why-bore.” And if you call it that in Tampa, good luck making friends.

Boca Raton (BOH-kuh Ruh-TONE)

Don’t say “Boca Ratten.” Ever. Florida’s retirees deserve more respect than that.

Miami (My-AM-ee)

Sure, it looks easy… until someone from the Midwest says “Mee-ammy” and the state collectively weeps.

If you glided through those 13 without tripping over your tongue or pausing to Google “How do you say Apalachicola?”, you’ve earned your Florida badge. You can now confidently order gator bites, dodge iguanas falling from trees, and explain the difference between a tropical storm and a “mild Thursday.” Welcome, Floridian — just remember, if you can say it, you probably survived it.

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