Travel Guides: All Countries / North America / USA / Florida
 |  | Fact File : Florida |
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| | | Florida | | Did you know?
Florida has more than 8,000 miles of coastline.
Language
English
Visas
All British passport holders, including children, travelling to the USA under the visa waiver programme will need their own machine-readable passports (MRP). Anyone without an MRP, including children who are currently on a parent's passport, will need a visa to travel to the USA.
Getting there
Fly direct to Miami, Orlando and nearby Sanford airports.
Flying time from London
Eight to 10 hours
Getting around
Internal flights, and some trains up the east coast, but in general, you'll need a car.
Currency
US dollars
Costs
Bottle of beer £1.50, £2-£3 in a bar; roll of film £3-£4; moderate meal £8-10 per head; litre of petrol 30p; four-mile taxi ride £6. All prices will fluctuate.
Weather
Florida is sub-tropical and enjoys warm weather all year, though it can plumb 10C/50F in the depths of winter. Temperatures take off in July and August (up to 32C/90F) and the high humidity can make it feel much hotter and very uncomfortable. June to November is hurricane season but warnings are given well in advance. June is the rainiest month with short, intense - but warm - downpours.
Time difference
Five hours behind GMT
International dialling code from the UK
Miami 00 1 305; Orlando 00 1 407; Tampa (Inner) 00 1 813; Tampa (Outer) 00 1 941.
Voltage
110 volts 60Hz. Check your appliances have a switch that works on this voltage and you'll need an adaptor.
Opening hours
Shops usually open 9am-6pm, or later in malls. Many supermarkets open 24 hours but if you're not near one try a farm store or "Seven Eleven" for basic food items. Banks generally open 9am-4pm and some for a few hours Saturday.
Health - Before you go
No jabs needed but you will need good travel insurance - medical costs in the States are very high.
Health - When you are there
The heat is fierce so wear a hat and sunscreen. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance - take insect repellent. Pay heed to any warning signs on the beaches regarding local bugs.
Warnings
Lock your car when you drive and avoid displays of money or jewellery. Don't pull over in a residential area to read your map - it might not be a good area and you may get robbed. Best to plan your route before you start and have your navigator check the map as you go. If you must pull over, use a garage or shopping mall carpark. Don't exceed the speed limit - traffic cops are ruthless. The legal drinking age is 21.
Emergency
Police, fire, ambulance, Tel. 911. British Embassy, 1001 South Bayshore Drive, Suite 2110, Miami. Tel: (305) 374 1522
Customs
"Have a nice day" may sound insincere but at least it raises a smile and, on the whole, Floridians are sincere in their hospitality. In southern Florida there's a high Hispanic population so expect to hear Spanish spoken.
Pets
You can take your canine friend under the Pets travel scheme. Talk to your vet for more details and be prepared as it can take a few months to set up.
Tipping
It's part of the American psyche and the average is 15% to 20%. If you don't tip they'll remind you!
Tourist office
Visit Florida Tourism, 01737 644882 for a free information pack (normal call rate) or 0900 1600555 for information hotline (recorded message, call rate 60p per minute).
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| | Available rental properties in Florida |
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| |  | | MC Villa at Liberty Village Kissimmee FL
A Beautiful Lake Fronted Home.
Accommodation: Villa
*5 Bedrooms - 2 King, 1 Queen, 4 Single, 1 Sofabed (Sleeps 12)
*3 Baths
Kissimmee, Central Florida (FL), USA
Near Disney
|  | | Liberty Village
Liberty Village is only 10-15 Minutes drive from the main Disney theme parks, just off the 192 where there is an abundance of Shops. Bars. Restaurants. and the Old Town.
|  | | Liberty Village 2
Liberty Village is Located only 10-15 Minutes from
Disney World Also perfectly Situated
for all other Major attactions.And is well placed for Shops. Bars. Resaurants. and the Old Town.
|  | | Regal Palms Resort & Spa
A perfect choice for families wanting to relax in a resort atmosphere, while still being close to Orlando's great attractions.
|  | | Lake Berkley Resort Villa
Relax at this luxury 7 bedroom villa, Pool,Spa,Games Room Gated Community,Pool Bar and ideally located within 10 min to Disney close to Theme Parks
| | Click here for more properties... |
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