With a state as big as Florida, there’s a different vibe wherever you find yourself: North, Central, South, or the Panhandle.
Each region has its own twist on activities, thanks to geography, climate, and local culture. From recreation to sports and a little casino action, here’s the scoop on Floridian pastimes by region, with some solid statistics to back it up as of April 2025.
The Panhandle
Up in the Panhandle, say Pensacola to Tallahassee, fishing is king. With the Gulf of Mexico just sitting there and all those rivers like the Apalachicola, almost 30% of the residents here fish on a regular basis. Saltwater redfish or freshwater bass, whatever, they’re casting into the water.
Football being another reigning sport, there’s also the hobby of watching football. Friday night football packs the bleachers, and college teams such as Florida State attract enormous crowds. About 15% of Panhandle citizens are dedicated fans who would never think of missing a game, whether played live or on television. The slower pace of life here keeps such events uncomplicated and in the open air.
South Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, the Keys)
This is where things get glamorous, and casino entertainment is the main event.
The Seminole Tribe casinos, e.g., the Hard Rock in Hollywood, are very popular with poker, baccarat, slots, and sports books. 2025 figures report that 12-15% of South Floridians, a statewide number of 1.5 to 2 million, go to them at least once a year. With a number as significant as it is Florida could legalize online casinos in the future, in which case, like with the states that have already done it, the new users could utilize special offers like the betmgm casino new player offer with bonuses on the house and additional spins.
Poker rooms and slots rake in money, and they have a strong following, while the legally run sportsbook industry continues to expand despite court battles, considering the number of people who love sports.
Otherwise, there are water sports such as paddleboarding and jet skiing, which are enormous, with 20% of the locals here trying it. The warm Atlantic and city vibe. It’s a playground for those who like to test their luck and seek adrenaline rush from the unpredictable.
North Florida
In North Florida and the area around Jacksonville, Gainesville, gardening is the way to go, especially with the elder population.
The land is fertile, and the weather is ideal for crops like oranges or roses. A good 20% of residents here have gardens, either to eat from or simply to make their lawns beautiful.
Golfing is second close, with warm winters and flat land combining to render it a top choice. St. Augustine, in particular, boasts some of the nation’s oldest courses, and roughly 18% of North Floridians golf on a monthly basis.
It’s a combination of retirees and weekend warriors swinging away, keeping the region’s pastimes low-key but consistent.
Central Florida
Central Florida, the area around Orlando and Tampa more specifically, loves boating big time. The plenty of lakes and the vicinity of the Gulf play a huge role in that, so about 25% of residents here own or rent boats to fish, ski, or just cruise. Tampa Bay and Lake Eola are two of the favorites.
And not to forget the theme park phenomenon, Disney, Universal, you name it. An estimated 15-20% of Central Floridians are regularly spending time there, usually going for family outings. It’s a recreational pursuit for the younger demographics, merged with the area’s tourism engine, so it’s fun merged with hometown pride.
On a side note, and not strictly related to Central Florida, crafting is on the rise, too, with perhaps 10% making DIY projects, due to all the suburban sprawl.
Statistical Breakdown
Breaking it down, the Panhandle’s Panhandle’s country origins keep it connected to fishing (30%) and football (15%). North Florida’s more subdued atmosphere remains perfect for gardening (20%) and golf (18%), while Central Florida’s addicted to boating (25%) and theme parks (15-20%). South Florida combines casino games (12-15%) with water sports as a specialty (20%), with a segment that accounts for the state’s 22 million residents.
Statewide, fishing‘s the top dog overall, with some 25% of Floridians involved, followed by boating at 20%.
Casino gambling is a sure thing, particularly in the south, where it’s a cultural mainstay—those 12-15% of South Floridians account for a segment of the state’s 22 million residents.