If you were born on December 11, you probably already know the ritual. You wake up, grab your phone, and type four specific words into Google: Florida Man Dec 11. It’s the "Florida Man Birthday Challenge," a weirdly persistent internet tradition where you find out which bizarre headline from the Sunshine State matches your day of birth.
Most people expect something harmless, like a guy trying to walk a pet alligator on a leash. But the December 11 headlines? They are a special breed of chaos. We’re talking about everything from Waffle House tattoos to men throwing alligators onto roofs. It’s wild.
Honestly, it’s not just about the laughs. There’s a reason Florida produces these stories at a rate that puts other states to shame. It isn’t just that the people are "crazier"—it’s actually a quirk of the law. Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Act makes arrest records and police reports incredibly easy for journalists to access. While a guy in Ohio might do something equally strange, you’ll never hear about it because the records stay locked in a drawer. In Florida? It’s front-page news by noon.
The Waffle House Tattoo Incident
One of the most famous stories associated with Florida Man Dec 11 happened in St. Petersburg. A man named Max Krejckant decided he wanted to immortalize his love for a breakfast icon. He went to a local shop called Ink Godz and got a "Waffle House" tattoo.
It cost $250.
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The problem? When the artist finished, Krejckant reportedly didn't have the money. According to the police affidavit, he claimed he didn't have his debit card and couldn't prove he had the funds in his account. After being offered multiple ways to settle the bill, he still didn't pay. When deputies searched his bag, they found exactly six dollars.
He ended up in the Pinellas County jail. It’s a classic Florida Man move: committing to the bit (the tattoo) but forgetting the logistics (the payment).
The Alligator on the Roof
If the tattoo story wasn't enough, another December 11 classic involves a man, an alligator, and a very strange "lesson."
In this incident, a man allegedly stole an alligator from a golf course. Now, usually, that’s where the story ends—with someone getting bitten. But this guy decided he needed to teach the reptile a lesson. How? By throwing it onto the roof of a local bar.
It sounds like a Mad Libs gone wrong.
Why the roof? Why that alligator? We may never truly understand the logic, but it’s these specific, high-strung details that make Florida Man Dec 11 a goldmine for the birthday challenge.
Why December 11 Always Goes Viral
You might wonder if December is just a peak month for Florida shenanigans.
Maybe it’s the weather. While the rest of the country is shivering, Florida is still hovering around a beautiful 75 degrees. That’s prime time for being outdoors and, apparently, making questionable life choices.
But there’s more to it. The December 11 stories often involve a mix of holiday stress and standard Florida "creativity."
- Intoxication: Alcohol frequently plays a supporting role in these police reports.
- Public Places: Notice how many stories happen at Burger King, Olive Garden, or Waffle House? These are the stages where the drama unfolds.
- Animals: If there isn’t a reptile or a bear involved, is it even a Florida story? (In 2009, a Florida man actually scuffled with a bear on Dec 11 in Longwood).
Beyond the Meme: The Real Impact
While it’s easy to laugh at a guy elbowing someone at a Burger King or shooting a water tower (yes, that happened on Dec 11 in Dunedin too), there’s a darker side.
The Columbia Journalism Review has actually criticized the Florida Man meme. They argue it often mocks people struggling with mental health issues or addiction. When we search for Florida Man Dec 11, we’re usually looking for a punchline, but behind the headline is often a person having the worst day of their life.
It’s a weird tension. We love the absurdity, but the absurdity is often born from real struggle.
How to Play the Florida Man Challenge Correctly
If you’re going to participate in the tradition, here is how you do it without getting lost in the weeds.
- Use a Private Browser: Unless you want your targeted ads to be very, very weird for the next month, use Incognito mode.
- Check the Source: Not every "Florida Man" headline is real. Stick to reputable news outlets like the Tampa Bay Times, Miami Herald, or local Fox/ABC affiliates.
- Read the Whole Story: The headline is usually the funniest part, but the details—like the guy who only had $6 in his bag for a $250 tattoo—are where the real comedy (and tragedy) lives.
The Florida Man Dec 11 phenomenon isn't slowing down. As long as Florida keeps its records open and its residents keep being "unique," we’ll have a new batch of headlines every year.
Next Steps for You:
If you've already looked up your December 11 headline, take a second to look up the actual court records if they're available. Often, the resolution of these cases—like whether the Waffle House guy ever paid for that tattoo—is just as interesting as the arrest itself. You can also check the "Florida Woman" variations for the same date, which often yield equally bizarre results involving public disturbances and "expressive" behavior in retail stores.