Florida Travel Info
VISITOR INFORMATION
In each Florida destination you will find local visitor
information centers that will provide you with helpful
area information as well as maps and public transportation
information. For a list of Florida tourist bureaus click
here.
VISIT FLORIDA, the Official Tourism
Marketing Corporation for the State of Florida, has
a 24-hour tourist information hotline – (800)
656-8777 – with operators that speak
Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, French, and German.
You may also visit their official website at www.flausa.com.
If you’re planning a road trip, visit the “Worth
The Drive” section of VISIT FLORIDA’s
website, or stop at one of VISIT FLORIDA’s Official
Florida Welcome Centers at I-10 near Pensacola, U.S.
231, I-75, I-95, and the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee.
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WHEN TO VISIT FLORIDA
To avoid adverse crowds on your Florida vacation,
beware of peak seasons. During certain high-volume months
and especially on holidays – theme park, hotel
and restaurant capacity, as well as heavy traffic, can
delay you and your family’s activities.
In the southern region of the state, winter is peak
season. In the northern region, where temperatures are
less extreme, the summer is peak. Of course, holidays
are the most crowded in any tourist area, with theme
parks and beaches at full capacity.
The time to travel in Florida is the in-between months
– April and May, September through mid-November.
Temperatures tend to be more manageable, as well as
prices.
January to March is a good time to come when you
can expect the temperature highs to be in the mid-70s.
Remember that Florida is one of the country’s
most popular destinations so always book early no matter
what time of year. - TOP
DRIVING TIPS
• Due to year-round mild weather conditions
in Florida, oil deposits build up on all of our state's
roadways. When mixed with a little rain, a condition
known as "Florida Ice" is created. Please
be extremely cautious when driving in the rain.
• Right turns at red lights are legal in the
state of Florida unless otherwise posted. Florida law
requires low-beam headlights to be turned on when your
windshield wipers are in use.
• If you become lost, go to the nearest public
place to read your map or ask for directions.
• Always take your parking ticket with you.
Leaving it in the car allows a thief to exit the parking
lot.
• If your car contains an anti-theft device,
remember to activate it.
• Keep doors locked while driving. When parked,
remember to do the same
and take the keys with you.
• When traveling or leaving a parked vehicle,
lock any packages in the trunk.
• While driving, if you are bumped from behind
or flashed by headlights, or see someone who indicates
he/she needs help, do not stop. Drive to the nearest,
well-lighted public area and dial the police at 911.
• If someone suspicious approaches your vehicle
while stopped at a traffic light, blow the horn.
• Park in well-lighted areas and check the interior of the car and surrounding
areas before entering the car.
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EMERGENCIES
To reach the police, ambulance, or fire department,
dial 911 from any phone. If you are robbed, call the
local non-emergency number for the police. Insurance
claims require a police report.
Lost or Stolen Credit Cards or Travelers’
Checks – To report missing credit cards
or travelers’ checks call the corresponding toll
free numbers.
Credit Cards
American Express: (800) 528-4800
Diners Club: (800) 234-6377
Discover: (800) 347-2683
MasterCard: (800) 826-2181
Visa: (800) 336-8472
Travelers’ Checks
American Express: (800) 221-7282
MasterCard: (800) 223-9920
Thomas Cook: (800) 223-7373
Visa: (800) 227-6811
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GENERAL TIPS
Drinking Laws - To purchase or consume
alcohol in the State of Florida you must be 21 years
of age. Carry photo identification that gives your date
of birth.
Smoking Laws - Due to recently passed
laws, smoking is no longer allowed in establishments
that serve food. However, most have outdoor smoking
areas.
Taxes - The Florida state sales
tax of 6 - 7% is added to all prices in restaurants,
shops and attractions.
Florida Time Zones - West of the
Apalachicola River is on Central Standard Time, one
hour behind the rest of the state, which observes Eastern
Standard Time.
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