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.

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.

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.

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

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.