Many of my long-distance friends express sympathy for my Florida residence. Their reactions range from casual comments like, “No seasons — that’s a bummer” to dramatic exclamations such as, “Ew, no way! I’d rather live in a dumpster than that Trump-loving mess called Florida!” The infamous “Florida Man” meme encapsulates this perception, conjuring images of a half-drunk, Confederate-flag-waving individual yelling about patriotism while riding an alligator in a contaminated drainage ditch.
Florida is often the epicenter of outrageous anti-mask and anti-vaccine stories. Just this year, Governor Ron DeSantis enacted anti-trans legislation right at the start of Pride Month. It’s hard to fathom being associated with such despicable figures. More recently, the state introduced a copycat abortion bill modeled after Texas’s restrictive law.
While Florida boasts attractions like Mickey Mouse, the Kennedy Space Center, and stunning beaches, it also struggles with underfunded schools and low teacher salaries. In the 2019-2020 school year, the average teacher salary was $49,102 — ranking as the third lowest in the nation. With Florida sitting at 42nd in school spending and 43rd in funding, the situation is dire.
Consider my friend who is battling brain cancer alongside his wife, who suffers from autoimmune disorders. They feel disposable here, particularly after witnessing callous social media comments questioning the worth of individuals who succumb to illness. “Just stay home!” they say, as if skipping cancer treatments is feasible.
A friend who has a transgender child was forced to leave Florida due to extreme bullying at school, with local authorities and school administrations failing to take action. It often feels like the state is teeming with selfish, hateful individuals.
However, despite the noise from these extremists, the number of progressives in Florida may surprise you. I’m part of various progressive organizations and Facebook groups that show a different side of the state.
We Are Fliberals, and We Are Many
The term “Fliberal,” first introduced by TikTok creator @fl.edition in October 2020, has gained traction, and the community is growing rapidly. There are likely far more of us than anyone realizes.
While Florida tends to lean conservative, it remains a swing state, with elections often decided by narrow margins. Of the last seven presidential elections, four went Republican and three Democrat. Our voting history is increasingly leaning blue, and party identification is nearly evenly split between Democrats and Republicans. Unfortunately, Florida has had a Republican governor since 1998.
People outside of Florida often assume the state is filled with nothing but bigotry and ignorance. Based on my experiences in various private groups and observing the political landscape, I can understand why it’s difficult to see the true number of Fliberals.
Conservatives Are Often Loud and Aggressive
Many conservatives here are excessively vocal and unafraid to use intimidation tactics. Take, for instance, a recent school board meeting where a man named Mark Thompson, adorned with an American flag painted on his beard, was arrested for disorderly conduct after calling for a “fight” on Facebook Live. Another regular attendee, Lisa Green, often disrupts meetings despite having no children in the school system.
Their loud and aggressive antics create the illusion that they outnumber progressives. However, the school board passed a mask mandate not once, but twice, due to overwhelming support from parents, educators, and experts. Many “Fliberals,” like myself, may not have been present at the meeting making a scene but were actively voicing support through emails and discussions.
Dirty Politics
Another reason Florida appears extremely conservative is the dirty nature of its politics. With the population divided almost equally, our leadership tends to skew rightward. It discourages liberals from running for office, as they risk facing public ridicule, threats, and even violence from aggressive extremists.
The most openly liberal school board member has faced numerous threats, including right-wing protests at her home, despite being a mother of a preschooler. These far-right individuals are not only loud but also volatile, often flaunting their firearms and openly displaying their political affiliations.
Nevertheless, countless Fliberals exist — likely more than anyone would expect. We quietly work behind the scenes, supporting one another in various initiatives while educating newcomers about our mission. Each day, frustrated former conservatives join our ranks as they disassociate from increasingly unacceptable behaviors exhibited by those they once identified with.
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