Florida is situated on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean and extends along the northern Gulf of Mexico. It is bordered on the north by the states of Georgia and Alabama and is near to several Caribbean islands, particularly the Bahamas and Cuba.
Seasons in Florida are determined more by precipitation than by temperature, with the hot, wet springs and summers making up the wet season, and mild to cool, and the relatively dry winters and autumns, making the dry season.
Warm weather and hundreds of miles of beaches means tourism makes up the largest sector of the state economy. Florida attracts about 60 million visitors every year, with amusement parks, especially in the Orlando area, making up the most significant portion of tourism. Many beach towns are also popular tourist destinations, particularly in the winter months.
Florida’s second largest industry is agriculture and in particular the production of Citrus fruit, especially oranges. Florida produces the majority of citrus fruit grown in the U.S. with around 95 percent of commercial orange production in the state destined for processing as orange juice, the official state beverage.
Advice for travellers to Florida
Passports & immigration
We strongly recommend that all members of your party travel with a passport with a validity date of at least six months past the date of your departure. For information on obtaining or renewing a passport please go to: www.ips.gov.uk/passport/index.asp. In current times, passports are the most expeditious and reliable form of identification when travelling domestically or internationally.
Climate
Florida's temperatures average from the mid-50s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (about 12 - 30 Celsius). Temperatures in the northern part of the state occasionally drop to freezing in winter, while South Florida's subtropical areas rarely see frosts or freezes. Summers are very warm and humid, though frequent, brief rain showers provide a refreshing break.
Clothing
Bring cool, comfortable clothing, shorts and casual shirts, sundresses and bathing suits, tops and sandals. Topless sunbathing and thong-backed bikinis are prohibited in most parts of Florida. For evenings, "resort casual" attire (trousers, collared shirts, cotton dresses) is acceptable in most places, though men might consider packing a sports coat for a more formal evening.
Time zone
Most of Florida is on Eastern Standard Time, which is five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time.
Currency
The US dollar is the unit of American currency. It is divided into 100 cents. Commonly used coins are the penny (1 cent), nickel (5 cents), dime (10 cents) and quarter (25 cents). Foreign currency is not accepted.
Using the telephone
To place a call from your hotel, you often must first dial an access code. Check the instructions on the phone, or ask the concierge or front desk clerk for assistance.
For calls within the United States and to Canada, dial 1 followed by the area code and the seven-digit number. For international calls, dial 0-1-1 followed by the country code, city code, and the telephone number of the person you are calling.
To reach the police, ambulance, or fire brigade in a true emergency, dial 9-1-1 from any phone.
Electricity
The U.S. uses 110-120 volts, 60 cycles is standard.
Gratuities and tipping
In the U.S., tipping is a customary reward for good service. In restaurants, bars and nightclubs, tip servers a gratuity of 15% of the total bill (before tax) for good service, or 20% for excellent service. Some restaurants include a gratuity in the amount of the bill so be sure to check or ask your server so you do not overpay.
Alcohol laws
To purchase or consume alcohol in the State of Florida you must be 21 years of age. Proof of age is often requested, so carry photo identification that gives your date of birth.
Marriage licenses
You can apply for a marriage licence at the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court in any Florida county. Both of you must have a valid passport. There is no waiting period to get married for non-Florida residents. The licence is valid for 60 days.
Shopping
Shopping malls are generally open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays; many large shopping complexes and department stores are open on Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. Smaller and privately owned shops typically open between 9 and 10 a.m. and close between 5 and 6 p.m. from Monday to Saturday.
