WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — If you thought the “Florida Man” was taking a break this year, think again. From mascots in handcuffs to vigilantes in onesies, 2025 was peak Florida chaos. Here’s a look back at the wildest headlines that made us laugh, cry, and wonder why.
March: The Clown Show
Spring kicked off with a classic Florida Man moment: a Brevard County man in a full clown costume was arrested for trespassing. After a brief struggle, the “clown” was arrested for trespassing and resisting arrest. Bodycam video shows the moment officers told the man he “looks like a clown.”
April: Vodka Spritzer Diplomacy
In Highlands County, a high-speed chase ended with a Florida Man offering deputies a vodka spritzer mid-pursuit. Spoiler: they declined. Video shows that he was tased while puffing on a cigarette, proving that multitasking is not always a life skill.
August: Batman Saves the Day
A quick-thinking Florida resident in Batman pajamas turned hero when he apprehended a suspected burglar in the act, unveiling a string of vehicle break-ins in the neighborhood. (CCPD)
Not all heroes wear capes—some wear Batman onesies. A man in Palm Bay thwarted a burglary in his home while dressed as the Dark Knight. The burglar didn’t stand a chance against Florida’s own vigilante justice.
August (Again): Smokey Bear Sign Scandal
Simpson posted a photo of “Smokey Bear himself” helping collar the culprit — a nod to the bear’s longstanding role as America’s wildfire prevention icon and unofficial forest guardian.(Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson)
One man learned the hard way that stealing $1,900 worth of Smokey Bear signs is not a victimless crime. The Florida Agriculture Commissioner was not amused, and neither was the law. The man now faces charges and probably a lifetime ban from national parks.
September: Chuck E. Cheese Chaos
Tallahassee police arrested a Chuck E. Cheese mascot mid-shift after discovering the man behind the mouse had an outstanding warrant. Bodycam footage captured the surreal moment as kids watched their beloved character get cuffed. Childhood ruined.
September (Again): Peacock Revenge
According to the arrest affidavit filed by the Pasco Co. Sheriff’s Office, Craig John Vogt, 61, admitted to killing and cooking the birds to send a message to a neighbor who had been feeding them against his wishes. (PCSO)
In Pasco County, a neighborly feud escalated when a man allegedly cooked his pet peacocks “to spite” his neighbor. The arrest report reads like a dark comedy script. Florida Man strikes again.
October: License Suspended, Spirit Not
A second time proved to be the charm for this Florida man, recently caught driving without a license — again — despite his history of habitual suspensions. When Volusia County deputies finally caught him, he told them he had stopped running because he had become tired. (VSO)
Volusia County deputies chased down a man driving with a suspended license—for the second time. When asked why he ran, he reportedly said, “I didn’t want to go to jail.” Spoiler: He went to jail.
November: Forklift Joyride
Closing out the year, a Tallahassee man stole a forklift and an ATM, taking both on a joyride through city streets. Surveillance video shows him grinning like he just invented a new sport: Forklift Grand Theft.
From clowns to caped crusaders, 2025 proved that the “Florida Man” is still undefeated in the game of bizarre headlines. Here’s to 2026—because if history tells us anything, the Sunshine State will keep shining weirdly.
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