MydreamFlorida Florida and Orlando

While in Florida

Before Travelling

Accommodation

About Florida

Other

Mickey Mouse

Driving in Florida

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

Florida Highways have big Median Strips (Central Reservations), so you barely notice.

Driving in Florida:

Driving in Florida can be quite an enjoyable experience. The travel brochures 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 don't want to meet one.

Sad to say but... Over recent years there has been numerous "Wrong Way" driving accidents, causing many injuries and indeed deaths.

I have to say that this is usually by locals as well and NOT tourists. Please be vigilant as you would be at home.

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 you're on the wrong side" that I realised my error.

  • 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.
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: 471 miles (758 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: 382 miles (615 km) from the Georgia line near Jacksonville, down the east coast to Miami.
  • Florida Turnpike (Sunshine State Parkway): 309 miles (497 km) from its northern entrance at Wildwood to the Miami/Homestead area, this highway is sometime called Main Street Florida.