Mud tires, cane poles and sweet tea
Florida Country Living: Fishing, Swamps, Southern Food and Storm Prep
Beyond the theme parks and beach condos, there's a whole other Florida: bass lakes, cypress swamps, cattle ranches, fish fries and folks who know how to ride out a storm. Florida Rednecks is a friendly, practical guide to that Florida, written with pride and respect for the people, places and wildlife that make it special.
Get out there: our guides
Best Florida Fishing Spots: Freshwater and Saltwater Favorites
Bass lakes, big rivers, redfish flats, tarpon passes and Gulf and Atlantic piers, with what bites where and when.
Read the guide →Airboats and Florida Swamp Culture: A Guide to the River of Grass
How airboats work, Everglades history, swamp buggies and Cracker heritage, plus rules and safety for riding and wildlife.
Read the guide →Boiled Peanuts and Florida Southern Food: Recipes and Traditions
A real boiled peanut recipe, plain and Cajun, plus smoked mullet, swamp cabbage, gator tail and other Florida country classics.
Read the guide →Florida Hunting and Fishing Licenses: What You Need and Who's Exempt
Freshwater vs. saltwater licenses, hunting permits, exemptions, hunter safety and where to buy, straight from FWC sources.
Read the guide →Hurricane Prep for Rural Floridians: Wells, Generators, Livestock and More
Supplies, generators, wells and septic, livestock, mobile homes and insurance: hurricane prep when help is farther away.
Read the guide →
What we mean by "redneck"
Here, "redneck" means a love of the outdoors, hard work, good food and helping your neighbors, not a stereotype. Florida's country folks include cattle ranchers, commercial fishermen, hunters, farmers, airboat captains and plenty of people who just like a cold drink on the tailgate after a day on the water. Everybody's welcome.
Old Florida at a glance
| Topic | The basics |
|---|---|
| Biggest lake | Lake Okeechobee, roughly 730 square miles |
| Longest river entirely in Florida | The St. Johns, flowing north for about 300 miles |
| Fish and wildlife agency | Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) |
| Official state pie | Key lime pie |
| State tree | Sabal palm (cabbage palm), the source of swamp cabbage |
| Hurricane season | June 1 to November 30 |
Frequently asked questions
Where's the best fishing in Florida?
For freshwater bass, try Lake Okeechobee, the Kissimmee Chain and Rodman Reservoir. For saltwater, Mosquito Lagoon for redfish, Boca Grande for tarpon, the Keys for bonefish and permit, and the Panhandle for snapper.
Where do I buy a Florida fishing or hunting license?
Through FWC at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, the Fish|Hunt Florida app, county tax collector offices or authorized retailers. Check FWC for current fees.
Are boiled peanuts a Florida thing?
They're a Southern thing that Florida loves. You'll find them in roadside kettles across north and central Florida, and they're easy to make at home with raw peanuts, salt and time.
Is it safe to ride an airboat?
Commercial airboat tours are generally safe when you follow the operator's rules: stay seated, wear hearing protection and secure loose items. Florida requires commercial operators to complete approved training.
How should rural Floridians prepare for hurricanes?
Plan for longer outages: store at least seven days of water and supplies, run generators at least 20 feet from the house, protect your well, make a livestock plan and buy flood insurance early.
Is this site affiliated with FWC?
No. Florida Rednecks is an independent site. For official regulations, seasons and fees, always go straight to FWC.