5 More weird Florida facts you didn't know about

Who doesn't love a little gossip? I know I do, especially when it's about the state I call home--and that's why I absolutely love doing these kinds of posts. Literally every day I am learning something new, sometimes even bizarre tidbits about Florida, and I take a mental note of them until I have enough to make a list out of. So, I'm back at it again with several more weird facts about Florida you didn't know about!

If you like this list, be sure to check out this list of 10 things you didn't want to know about Florida and crazy things found on Florida beaches recently. 

1. Florida is the third state with the most serial killers

As a crime-podcast junkie who knows just about everything there is to know about Ted Bundy (and yes, the Florida sorority he broke into is still standing), I'm a little surprised to hear that Florida only ranks third in producing the most serial killers--behind Nevada and Alaska of all places! According to CrimeCapsule.com, Florida has a rate of 9.92 serial murders per million inhabitants. 

2. We have a small population of native crocodiles 

Florida is synonymous with alligators, but most people don't know a small population of wild American crocodiles call the state home too! According to the Federal Wildlife Commission, American crocs (not the shoes) can be found in areas of South Florida's brackish or saltwater ponds, coves, and creeks in mangrove swamps. While their numbers are far fewer than their broader-nosed cousins, these equally-as-terrifying and usually larger river monsters can be found as far north as Central Florida regions like Tampa. Thankfully, they aren't often found in springs. 

3. We have some really weird laws

Most states have their share of outdated laws that we now find to be strange, to say the least--and if you thought Florida's drone laws were weird, they don't even come close to some of these bizarre laws shared on Florida Smart:

• In Destin, it's illegal to lean a bike on a cemetery's tree.
• It's illegal to skateboard without a license (seriously, who's giving out skateboard licenses these days?)
• Put down the Groupon, ladies. Unmarried women parachuting on Sundays could risk jail time.
• You must pay for the parking meter if you tie an elephant, goat, or alligator to it... I guess crocodiles are fair game, though! 

4. You can whale watch here

Most vacationers look to the north to fulfill their whale-watching dreams, but don't freeze your butt off just yet! It's estimated that around 100-150 Northern right whales will take a trip south to Florida's Atlantic Coast each year. With numbers that small it's unlikely that most people will get a chance to see them during their lifetime--but for those lucky enough, it's an exceptionally wonderful treat. 

5. We have ticks that can make you allergic to meat

For any of you readers who love steak and dairy, you might want to skip this arguably not-fun fact. Florida is home to a lot of harmful creatures, but one type of tick called a Lone star tick, identifiable by the spot on their back, could be considered one of the worst. As if Lyme Disease wasn't bad enough, this human-feasting arachnid can transmit a disease known as Alpha-gal syndrome that literally makes some people develop an allergy to mammal meat (red meat) proteins including dairy. Currently there is no cure for it--so wear your damn bug spray.