The state of Florida, also known as ‘FL’ or ‘The Sunshine State’, stands at the south-eastern tip of USA. It forms a long peninsular dividing the Gulf of Mexico from the Atlantic Ocean. Florida is one of USA’s most populated states and contains major cities like Jacksonville, Miami and Tallahassee, the state capital. The state’s coastline is 1,350 miles long and includes many popular beach resorts. Hire a car in Florida and visit the state’s major attractions include the Everglades National Park, Orlando’s theme parks and the Kennedy Space Centre.
Hire a car in Florida and it’s easy to combine visits to the fabulous sandy beaches on either side of the peninsular with sightseeing inland. Florida’s main attraction is the group of theme parks around Orlando, which include the Universal Resort, Busch Gardens and Walt Disney World Resort, the most visited in the world. In contrast, there are impressive natural attractions too, like the protected mangrove swamps of the Everglades National Park and the spectacular Florida Keys chain of islands. Miami’s palm-fringed art deco South Beach area of hotels, bars and restaurants is a much-photographed scene, while the Kennedy Space Centre is the awe-inspiring launch site for America’s space programme.
Driving in Florida is generally safe and easy but there are certain unusual rules it’s wise to know about. At a ‘STOP’ sign you must stop and give right-of-way to all other traffic and even pedestrians. You can only proceed when the road is clear. At roundabouts, however, you don’t need to stop unless indicated. The maximum speed limit is 70mph on interstate motorways and on most stretches there’s a minimum speed limit of 50mph too. If you are using your windscreen wipers, you must put your headlights on. And you must carry your license, registration document and insurance details in your vehicle.
