Florida, United States - Travel Guide

Florida offers diverse attractions from theme parks in Orlando to beautiful beaches along its coasts, vibrant nightlife in Miami, and natural wonders like the Everglades, appealing to families, adventure seekers, and those looking for relaxation and sunshine.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days

Budget$70/day

Mid-range$200/day

Luxury$1000/day

Known For

MiamiOrlandoTampaKey WestFort Lauderdale

🇺🇸 Country Information: United States

CapitalWashington

CurrencyUnited States dollar ($)

LanguageEnglish , Spanish,Chinese,French,Tagalog,Vietnamese,Korean,German,Arabic,Russian

Phone Code+1

Electricity120V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is customary for services (restaurants, bars, taxis, hair salons, etc
)
Restaurant waitstaff: 15
20% of the bill
Bar staff: $1
2 per drink or 15
20% of the bill
Taxi drivers: 15
20% of the fare
Hotel housekeepers: $2
5 per day

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available
Credit cards are widely accepted
Bringing cash is a personal preference, but credit/debit cards are sufficient for most transactions
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Casual dress is common, but smart casual is appreciated in upscale settings
Politeness and direct communication are generally valued
Punctuality for appointments is expected
Personal space is generally respected
Shaking hands is a common greeting
Eating customs are diverse, but typically involve using forks, knives, and spoons
It is common to make small talk with strangers
"Bless you" is said when someone sneezes

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights vary by state, but federal protections are in place for marriage equality and some anti-discrimination laws. Public opinion is increasingly supportive.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 21
Marijuana laws vary by state (some states allow recreational or medicinal use, others do not)
Federal law prohibits marijuana use
Drug laws are strict, particularly for illicit substances

Special Laws

It is illegal to jaywalk in many areas
Open container laws for alcohol vary by state and city
Driving laws vary by state

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)

YesYes (YES)

HelloHello (huh-LOH)

PleasePlease (PLEEZ)

Excuse meExcuse me (eks-KYOOS mee)

Thank youThank you (THANk yoo)

Climate

General climate classification for the state of Florida.

Climate Zone: Humid Subtropical

Best Time to Visit

Hot Season: May
Oct
Hurricane Season: Jun
Nov
Flood risk due to heavy rains: Jun
Sep

Getting There

Fly into major airports like Orlando (MCO), Miami (MIA), or Fort Lauderdale (FLL) from most major cities worldwide (costs and times vary widely)
Drive via interstate highways from neighboring states

Getting Around

Rental cars are highly recommended for flexibility
Ride
sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are widely available in cities and tourist areas
Taxis are available but less common than ride
sharing
Public transportation varies by city but is often limited to buses

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, Varicella) are recommended
No specific unusual health requirements for most travelers
Consider motion sickness remedies if planning boat trips or cruises

Staying Connected

eSIMs are widely available
Major US carriers like AT\&T, Verizon, and T
Mobile support eSIM
Airalo, Nomad, and other global eSIM providers work well

Local Cuisine

Key lime pie regional_speciality

This iconic Florida dessert is made with key lime juice, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk in a pie crust. It is tangy, sweet, and often served

Orange juice non_alcoholic_beverage

Florida is a major producer of oranges, making fresh orange juice a classic state beverage. It is known for its sweet and slightly tart flavor, often

Florida Spiny Lobster Tails must_try

Unlike their northern counterparts, Florida's spiny lobsters have no claws, with all the meat located in the tail. They are typically harvested during

Strawberry shortcake dessert

A popular dessert, especially tied to the seasonal strawberry harvests in regions like Plant City. It features fresh strawberries layered with whipped

Florida Avocado Crostini snack

Using Florida avocados, which are typically larger and have lower fat content than Hass avocados, this dish features sliced avocado served on toasted

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Florida State Park Campsite/Cabin Reservations Accommodation

Book up to 10 months in advance for non-residents

Popular campsites and cabins, especially in cooler months (winter/spring) and near the coast, sell out quickly when the 10-month window opens for non-residents.

Everglades National Park Wilderness Camping Permit permit_or_pass

Book 2–3 months in advance

Wilderness permits are required for all overnight camping in the backcountry, and popular sites book out rapidly when the 3-month rolling reservation window opens.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Michelin-Starred Dining Reservations Dining

Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

High-demand and newly starred restaurants (especially those with limited seating, like Chef's Counter at MAASS or Konro) often require reservations well in advance, particularly for prime weekend slots.

Fun Facts

1. The state's highest natural point, Britton Hill, is only 345 feet above sea level, making it the lowest high point of any state in the United States.
2. Jacksonville, in square miles, is the largest city in the contiguous United States.
3. Florida's Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is the only state park certified by the International Dark-Sky Association.
4. The St. John’s River is one of the few rivers in the country that flows north instead of south because its origin in Central Florida has a higher elevation than Jacksonville.

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