Florida delivers at least one wild, motorized news story every week. In 2025, three incidents in particular captured the imagination of MotorBiscuit readers.

[3] Florida woman steals Publix motorized shopping cart for road trip

Our first “Florida Man” story is actually about a Florida woman. In October, a Punta Gorda woman brainstormed ways to get to a doctor’s appointment. Her solution was to “borrow” a Publix mobility scooter and drive it several miles down the road.

The store contacted the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, and an epically slow pursuit followed.

Police cornered 42-year-old Robin Zick about a mile away, outside a Circle K gas station. Before deputies could say much, an ambulance arrived. Zick had already called 911 to request medical assistance before law enforcement showed up.

See the article on the Publix scooter scoot gone wrong.

[2] Florida man stops 11-foot alligator attack with car

Yes, Florida man can absolutely be a hero.

In January, a man in Collier County named Walter Rudd spotted an 11-foot alligator clamped onto a neighbor who had been walking his two Labradors. The victim later said, “I was kicking, poking its eyes and nose—anything to get free.” Nothing worked.

Then Rudd drove by. “I got out of the car and saw the gator had him by the leg.” Faced with few options, Rudd got back into his vehicle and ran over the alligator. The victim survived and later told his story.

Learn more about a true Florida hero.

When Florida Man stories go fully off the rails

[1] Florida man destroys BMW dealership after credit check kills his $129K M4 test-drive dreams

Let’s be honest. Most of us read “Florida Man” stories for unhinged debauchery. Someone steals a locomotive for a joyride. Another dons scuba gear to rob Disney World. Someone else throws an alligator through a Wendy’s drive-thru window.

Thankfully, 2025 delivered. According to MotorBiscuit readers, one incident topped them all. Kevin Alexander Leiman arrived at a Gainesville BMW dealership dreaming big. He requested a test drive in a specific BMW M4 coupe.

Sales staff hesitated. They declined to hand over the keys to a 543-horsepower car without a credit check. When the 20-year-old failed the check, he reacted badly.

Leiman got into his Hyundai SUV and drove it straight through the dealership’s windows.

Read all about the man-child’s BMW tantrum.