Driving in Florida and the USA

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Much is said about driving on the "wrong" Side of the road, but the reality is its not that difficult.

In fact its quite an enjoyable experience. The travel brocures tell you to obey all the traffic laws of Florida and I strongly agree, however when you get there you feel the odd one out because you will be doing the speed limit while everybody else is not.

A good rule of thumb is drive like they do... but watch out for State Troopers, you really dont want to meet one.		Driving in Florida


Florida Licence Plate The idea is not to panic you will soon get used to it. In fact my biggest problem these days is when I get back to good old blighty, I find it difficult to get back into the UK way of driving.

On one of my trips I got back to Manchester Airport and called where I park my car to pick me up, when he came and dropped us off I got into my car and proceeded to start driving on the wrong side of the road. It wasn't until my daughter screamed "Daddy your on the wrong side" that I realised my error.


Interstate 4
  • Keep a local/state map handy to make your trip more relaxing; visit a Welcome Center for maps and assistance.
  • You must make a complete stop at all stop signs and stop lights.
  • It is legal to turn right on a red light after stopping unless a sign forbids it. A Yield sign (yellow triangular sign) means oncoming traffic has the right of way. Be prepared to slow and proceed with caution.
  • The driver, front seat passenger and children under five must wear seat belts. Children under four must be restrained in a car seat.
  • Observe the speed limit; it is radar enforced.
  • Parking meters are strictly enforced. Be aware of the time available and time remaining before the meter expires. Do not back into parking spaces; enter nose first.


Distance Chart


Major Highways
  • Interstate 4: 132 miles (211 km) connecting the Tampa Bay area on the west coast through Orlando to the Daytona Beach area on the east coast.
  • Interstate 10: 362 (579 km) miles connecting Jacksonville on the east coast with the Alabama state line, west of Pensacola.
  • Interstate 75: 417 miles (754 km) entering Florida from Georgia through Lake City to the Tampa Bay area on the west coast, south through Fort Myers and Naples where it crosses the state to Fort Lauderdale (the Naples-Fort Lauderdale segment is commonly called Alligator Alley).
  • Interstate 95: 347 miles (555 km) from the Georgia line near Jacksonville, down the east coast to Miami.
  • Florida Turnpike (Sunshine State Parkway): 265 miles (424 km) from its northern entrance at Wildwood to the Miami/Homestead area, this highway is sometime called Main Street Florida.