10 things you might not know about the Flora-Bama

This is an updated version of an articled published in 2017.

When it comes to famous bars with Alabama ties, the Flora-Bama Lounge likely tops the list on many minds after making a name for itself throughout the past 60 years for good food, good drinks and good times. While its address may be in Pensacola, Fla., the Flora-Bama lies right on the line between the two states, and there’s plenty of Alabamians that think of the beloved restaurant, bar and more as a home away from home. Even if you’ve never been to the Flora-Bama, you’ve likely heard about its many wild events and specials. Want to find out more?

Here are 10 things you might not know about the Flora-Bama.

The 35th annual Mullet Toss at the Flora-Bama at the Alabama-Florida state line in 2020. (John Sharp/[email protected]).

Flora-Bama Fun Fact #1

Theodore and Ellen Tampary opened the Flora-Bama after Alabama gained two miles of Florida’s beaches during the Perdido Pass Bridge exchange in 1964. Joe Gilchrist bought the bar from the Tampary family in 1978 and ran it, alongside co-owners Pat McClellan, John McInnis and Cameron Price, until his passing in 2022.

Flora-Bama Fun Fact #2

The Flora-Bama and its mullet toss was once the inspiration for a $600 question on an episode of “Jeopardy”. The question was “In an annual competition, you toss a fish west over the state line from Florida to this state.” (The answer was Alabama, by the way.)

TAKING THE NEW YEAR'S DAY PLUNGE — “Polar Bears” rush in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico on Jan. 1, 2004 during the 19th annual Polar Bear Dip at the Flora Bama Lounge & Package on The Alabama/Florida state line. (Mobile Register, Bill Starling)

Flora-Bama Fun Fact #3

Every year in January, Flora-Bama’s Polar Bear Dip draws thousands of patrons who take the plunge into the cold waters of the Gulf. During the 2025 event held on New Year’s Day, participants who fully submerged themselves got a free draft beer and lunch of ham, black-eyed peas, greens and cornbread.

Flora-Bama Fun Fact #4

The Flora-Bama has served as the inspiration behind or gotten a shout-out in many songs over the years, including “Bama Breeze” by Jimmy Buffett; “Flora-Bama” by Kenny Chesney; “Good Ole Boys” by Blake Shelton; “Lighters In the Air” by Chris Young and more.

Flora-Bama 35th annual Mullet Toss — The 35th annual Mullet Toss at the Flora-Bama at the Alabama-Florida state line on Saturday, October 24, 2020. (John Sharp/[email protected]).

Flora-Bama Fun Fact #5

Flora-Bama’s now famous Interstate Mullet Toss, in which participants toss a dead mullet over the state line of Florida and Alabama to see who gets the farthest, began in 1986 when musician Jimmy Louis came up with the idea based on a cow chip throwing event he witnessed in Oklahoma. Each year, the Mullet Toss attracts more than 30,000 people and raises funding for local charities.

Flora-Bama Fun Fact #6

In addition to being a bar, restaurant and liquor store, the Flora-Bama also became a church in 2011. The Flora-Bama Church offers services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. every Sunday, and it’s Easter celebration, which take place on the beach behind the bar, often draw thousands.

Scenes from the 2024 Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival, Nov. 7 at the Flora-Bama. — Songwriters perform in a round in the Main Room of the Flora-Bama during the 2024 Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival. Lawrence Specker | [email protected]

Flora-Bama Fun Fact #7

When he took over, owner Joe Gilchrist introduced live music as a daily offering, which the Flora-Bama has become known for. It now even hosts the Frank Brown Songwriter’s Festival — named after a beloved night watchman, Frank Brown, who worked at the Flora-Bama for 28 years until he retired at the age of 91 — that brings in hundreds of songwriters from all over the country each year.

Flora-Bama Fun Fact #8

In 2004 after Hurricane Ivan all but destroyed the famous bar, the Flora-Bama operated out of tents and trailers until being completely rebuilt and renovated into the large space it is today, which includes multiple stages, bars and 40 indoor bathrooms.

Bushwacker at the Flora-Bama — If you haven’t had a bushwacker at the Flora-Bama, have you really even been to the beach? (Photo courtesy Flora-Bama Lounge and Package)

Flora-Bama Fun Fact #9

Flora-Bama’s now-famous bushwacker is the official adult beverage of the bar after it was first introduced in the 1970s. The recipe is top secret, but one thing to know is that the milk-based drink is rumored to contain five types of liquor.

Flora-Bama Fun Fact #10

Other annual events known to draw crowds to the Flora-Bama throughout the year are the Boozy Bee Spelling Bee, an adult spelling contest with plenty of alcohol involved, Bulls on the Beach, a 3-night rodeo on the beach, and the Super Chili Bowl Cook-Off, which raises funds for the American Cancer Society.