When driving in Florida, please remember the following:
- Of course, remember to drive on the right side of the road.
- Carry your driving license, car rental papers and insurance with you at all times in the car, as this is required by law.
- Legal speed limits are posted on the right side of the road. Watch your speed; the police are very strict in Florida and frequently use radar to catch speeders.
- If you are fined, you must pay the fine before your departure. If you do not, you WILL be stopped and arrested on your next trip.
- You may turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign indicating “no right on red” is posted at the intersection.
- Headlights must be on from dusk to dawn, as well as in fog or rain. Turn off windscreen wipers when stopping at toll booths.
- When law enforcement vehicles are in one of the “break-down” lanes, either assisting a motorist or pulling over a speeding vehicle, you must move to the far lane, away from the police or slow to 20 miles per hour below the speed limit.
- Law requires wearing your seat belt. In addition, children under age 4 or less than 40 pounds (15 kg) must be in a child car seat, usually available from your car hire company.
- Driving while drinking alcohol or while under the influence of alcohol is illegal. Appoint a “designated driver” in your group who will drink only non-alcoholic beverages and drive home safely.
- Drivers may dial *FHP on Florida interstates and highways in an emergency to reach the Florida Highway Patrol (state police).
- Some interstate highways have tolls – for example, the Florida Turnpike (Ocala to Homestead), Alligator Alley (1-75 between Miami and Naples) and the Bee Line Expressway (Orlando to Cape Canaveral). Many coastal islands have bridges, at which a fare is also charged.
- Motorists who travel Florida’s Turnpike in Miami-Dade County will pay tolls via an all-electronic collection system. Officials caution motorists that under no circumstances should they attempt to stop in high-speed electronic tolling lanes.
- Watch out for cars overtaking on either side of you in Florida. Generally, slow traffic should keep to the right.
- It is against Florida law to wave somebody on in Florida as it is believed to cause accidents. Simply indicate when changing lanes.
- If you see a School bus stopping with red flashing lights, you must stop even if you are on the other side of the road. This does not apply if you are coming the other way on a dual carriageway.
- Electricity
- Emergencies
- Laundry
- Water
- Pests and Animals
- Postal Services
- Sunbathing
- Supermarkets
- Swimming Pools
- Tipping
- Toilets
- TV
So what are you waiting for? Book early, book often, book local and stay in a vacation rental!
Other useful resources
If you’re thinking of booking an Orlando vacation and you need advice on where to stay then contact us today. Additionally, our dedicated concierge team can arrange any added extras you need such as great value car hire and attraction tickets.
You can see all of our Orlando villas HERE.