Unwritten rules of Lakeland

Tell us you’re from Lakeland without telling us you’re from Lakeland.

Add a heading (46)

Grab your notebook — you’re going to want to jot these down.

Photo via @coolhandneal

Whether you’re a tried-and-true Swan City citizen, a long-time snowbird, or new to the flock, here are some unofficial rules of engagement that every Lakelander needs to know.

We asked our readers + followers to share Lakeland’s unwritten rules, from common city knowledge to relatable trends and local lingo. You won’t find these rules in a handbook, but they are undoubtedly absorbed by the community — and if you’re not in the 863, these might be a little difficult to explain.

Shop local

  • “Weekly if not monthly trips to Lakeland curb market are a must!” — @scoutandtag
  • “Always shop small when able, especially when it comes to eating local.” — Reader Carole C.
  • “You must shop local! Coffee shops, the Saturday Market, etc!” — Lakeland South Rotary
  • “Saturdays are for the Downtown Lakeland Farmers Market” — @terrkreamer
Add a heading (43)

“Directions are often given using proximity to a lake (it’s over near Lake ___).” — Carla C.

Photo via @ordinary.moments_

Putting the lakes in Lakeland

  • “Don’t feed the swans or other birds any bread! It’s not good for them!” — @Tonyafayesanchez
  • “You will find Lakeland Rocks. You will hide Lakeland Rocks.” — @orangeblossompoems
  • “When we say “I’m going to walk the lake” 99.9% of the time it is Lake Hollingsworth.” — @sharronk1020

Roads, roads, roads

  • “Avoid 98 at 👏 all 👏 cost 👏” — @notheories
  • “Avoid South Florida Avenue if you can between 4-5:30pm” — Reader Peyton B.
  • “Get to the top of the parking garage (lake mirror) before the gate closes at 8.” — @vashtiajay
  • “Drive slow around lake Morton” — @jjflrealtor
  • “Always be cautious as really any body of water can and probably does have a gator 🐊 in it.” — @joshbell100
  • “Do not let the art distract you while driving downtown — some lights are stop signs.” — Lakeland Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Department
Add a heading (45)

“Must eat at Palace once a month minimum.” — @thecrab_53

Photo by LALtoday

Just Lakeland things

  • “You and your friends as teens call Lakeland a black hole and then you go off for a few years after you graduate and you come back only to realize it’s literally one of your favorite places on earth. We also all brought back ideas for businesses, restaurants and more to make Lakeland as amazing as it has become!” — @rituals_by_chelsea
  • “You are either team northside or southside and both think the other doesn’t have everything their side has.” — @theactingmom
  • “You must, and I mean you must, go to @bornandbreadfl.” — @stilleaglesfan
  • “Go see @moxielefemme, snack at @sabrinasdelicacies, Saturday mornings are for @lkldcurbmarket, @publix subs, slow down for ducks/swans at Lake Morton, read a book at @lakelandpubliclibrary” — @achils327
  • “Confirm or dispel any Lakeland legends with help from the team at the Lakeland History Culture Center in Lakeland Public Library on Lake Morton. Bonus tip, [there is] no cost to visit.” — Lakeland Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Department

Holiday hacks

  • “Get your chairs set up early for the Xmas parade.” — @ryler75
  • “Park a ways away from downtown and walk to the parade if you want to get out in a reasonable hour.” — @curlsandcrinolines

What did we miss? If you know an unofficial rule that’s not on the list, let us know.

More from LALtoday
Ring in the season with a trip to one of these fall-exclusive spots for the whole family.
Halloween lovers and scaredy-cats alike will find something to enjoy at this popular Plant City attraction.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Hit the courts and grab a bite at this development, helmed by local entrepreneurs and pickleball fanatics.
The City of Lakeland has finalized its 2026 budget before the next fiscal year begins — let’s take a look at the $815 million bottom line.
From guilty pleasures to unexpected favorites, the “unfortunately do love” social media trend is taking over the internet — and we want your input.
From coffee to baked goods to cocktails, there’s a pumpkin spice or fall-flavored treat for everyone in Lakeland to enjoy this fall.
Directly north, east, south, and west of LAL, cities across the world await.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or the next Tiger Woods, these 13 golf courses in Lakeland are sure to make for a good round.
Polk Vision published the assessment in June 2025 after 18 months of data collection.