Sure, Floridians are a different breed.
(As a native, I say this in the most loving way possible.)
Live here and youll never be bored, writes Craig Pittman in Oh, Florida!
- Jenna Augsburger of Orlando, Fla., practices her technique with her personal mermaid tail in the 72.4-degree natural spring after trying out to become a mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park on Saturday, January 13, 2018. Sharon Steinmann/The Penny Hoarder
How Americas Weirdest State Influences the Rest of the Country.
I can attest: Florida isnt boring.
But its not just the headlines we take to another level; its the way we make money.
Or the Florida man who attacked an ATM with a hatchet.
(Were really into hatchets down here, apparently.)
These are real legal ways Floridians make money.
No Interest Til Almost 2027?
Invest in Real Estate Without Leaving Your Couch
Real estate is hotter than a beach right now.
Although he makes it sound easy, jumping into real estate is still daunting.
you’re able to get started with a minimum investment of just $500.
A company called Fundrise does all the heavy lifting for you.
This isnt an obscure investment, though.
Cash flow typically comes from interest payments and property income (e.g.
(But remember: Investments come with risk.
Youll pay a 0.85% annual asset management fee and a 0.15% annual investment advisory fee.
Interested?Get started with Fundrise here.
Channel Your Childhood and Become a Mermaid
Yall.
you’re free to get paid to liveunda da seaas a mermaid.
We spent a day with professional mermaidsat Weeki Wachee State Park in Florida.
We even visiteda mermaid-hiring event.
Youve got to be a strong swimmer.
Youve also got to be willing to make at most $12 an hour as a Florida state worker.
But, hey, for some, living out a lifelong dream is worth it.
But if youre not ready to go all-in, dont worry.
ZipRecruiter automatically geo-targets your search, meaning it pulls up opportunities available in your area.
(Yes, evenwork-from-home jobs have state restrictions.)
Spend some time perusing the listings.
If you want even more options, scroll through our list ofwork-from-home job-search sites.
Get Paid to Lose Weight
Listen.
Losing weight and getting fit are easier said than done.
Its motivating Florida resident Marcie Hagner, who has placed a bet on her weight loss goals through HealthyWage.
If she can lose the 50 pounds she bet she could, shell pocket $862.
Read shes finding motivation to lose weight through HealthyWage.
It kept us from living on Ramen, she admitted.
Since 2013, Rice has banked more than $300 through Ibotta.
Plus, when you complete your first cash-back offer, youll earn a $10 bonus.
Readour full Ibotta review thenget signed up.
Rent Your Extra Space or Couch
Have a spare room?
Might as welluse Airbnbto make some money listing it for rent.
And theres no reason you cant be creative.
In Florida, we found The Ritz, a tiny home in Orlando.
At the time we wrote this, it was listed for $106 a night.
A few simple steps can make the difference between a great experience and a less-than-satisfactory one.
Here are some tips:
Heres the link to sign up as an Airbnb host.
(Hosting laws vary from city to city.
yo understand the rules and regulations applicable to your city and listing.)
Get Paid to Drink Beer
Ever heard of mystery shopping?
(Clever, right?)
One Penny Hoardergave the gig a try.
He paid $16 on his visit to a local brewery.
Secret Hopper paid him $20 via PayPal within a few days.
All you have to do is sign up, then itll contact you when youre needed.
Bonus:Want to get paid more than that?
Waiting for you to come play lost-and-found.
In 2017, one South Carolina man hit the jackpot.
Thats, like, 63 years of rent.
We advise you to be careful of calls like this; they could be scams.
Check with the theFlorida Treasure Huntwebsite to see what you might be missing.
Penny Hoarder reader Kelli Howell heeded our advice and performed a quick search.
Unfortunately, she didnt have any unclaimed money but her husband did.
As I was scrolling through, I saw his name and his middle initial, she says.
She asked him to confirm his old Florida address; he grew up in Tampa.
Sure enough, Mark Howell was entitled to $56 from a matured insurance policy.
Kelli immediately searched her other family members names.
Her husband was the only who had any money to claim.
And, sure, its $56, but thats not bad for an unexpected check, right?
Capitalize on Floridas (Ahem, Weird) Reputation
Yeah, Floridas got a reputation.
It only costs about $10,000 plus youll get a lifetime supply of Chick-n-Minis.
Now, we sayonlybecause it costs about $2 million to open a Taco Bell.
Or consider the cost of your college degree.
Even in-state, thats probably not anywhere near $10,000.
Read up a Chick-fil-A franchise.
Ready to Make Money in Florida?
Memes aside, Florida is a pretty wonderful state and so are itsmoney-making opportunities.
And hey, if none of the above ideas inspired you, try goingpython hunting.
Carson Kohler ([email protected]) is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.
Shes a proud Florida native.
It sounds appealing right?
Check it out here!