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Key facts for hiring a car in Florida
Car hire locations
There are over 22 cities where you can hire a car in Florida and the most popular city is Orlando.
Best time to visit
If you decide to visit December through to May, you’ll avoid the hurricane season.
Not to be missed
NASA Kennedy Space Centre
Average temperatures
Hottest month: June (28°C)
Coldest month: January (16°C)
Currency
US Dollar ($, USD)
Hire a car in Florida
Florida is a destination that entertains all ages.
The sunshine state and its magical kingdom have forever been spring break central and a winter retreat. But with its beaches, lagoons, and Latin American zeal, there is more to the state than its stereotypical sweaty weather.
The big cities
Which to choose?
Three of Florida’s biggest cities offer up an overwhelming number of sites to see. Each has their own distinct attitude, which will conjure up a different style of fantasy land.
Miami
Miami is Florida’s playground. This eccentric city has everything from wild parties, to beaches and bountiful cruises. It’s unlikely that Miami will ever be exactly what you’d expect.
Tampa
The fusion of Cuban and Spanish culture in Tampa makes it a vibrant place, bursting at the seams with stylish architecture, dining establishments and entertainment. The city’s modern riverwalk links the best of its downtown attractions and provides a great view of the city.
Orlando
It is a truly magical place. Built on the fame of its amusement parks, Orlando dazzles with hospitality, world-famous restaurants and epic concerts. It’s a kids wonderland and with fields of green, a golfer’s paradise.
An epic Florida road trip
Key West
Start your journey at the most southerly tip of Florida, and explore its string of islands.
Everglades National Park – 245km
A vast 1.5 million acres of wetland. Spy alligators, kayak through mangroves or walk along the Anhinga trail.
Fort Lauderdale – 90km
The Venice of America, gondola rides and shopping on Las Olas Boulevard are a part of Fort Lauderdale’s signature.
Orlando – 352km
The place where all your childhood dreams will come true.
Daytona – 90km
Famously home to university spring breakers and Daytona International Speedway.
Jacksonville – 143km
Florida’s youngest city is a hip metropolitan hub, boasting the largest urban park system in the USA and 22 miles of beaches.
Smaller favourites
Fort Myers
This gulf-side vacation stop is quieter than Florida’s east coast, making it a more family-friendly spot. It is surrounded by natural attractions and is true to its American roots as a heavy hitting baseball destination with two major league baseball teams.
Popular with the likes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, Fort Myers holds some fascinating and surprising pieces of history.
Sanford
Orlando’s little cousin, Sanford, is an alternative arrival city if you’re interested in Florida’s theme parks. Located halfway between the big city attractions and the east coast beaches, like Daytona, it’s a convenient place start off a Florida adventure.
A pristine waterfront with restaurants and collectable shops, Sanford is also home to one of Florida’s newest perform arts centres.
Key West
The most southerly tip of the United States, Key West is a lively hub of watersports and nightlife. Snorkeling, diving and fishing are just a handful of ways to enjoy the crystal waters and coral reef.
Find solace and inspiration while taking in a mix of historic landmarks and subtropical vibes. Once a famous hang-out of novelist Ernest Hemingway, Key West is a captivating oasis.
Get to know Florida
Driving tips
Tolls – interstate highways and coastal bridges frequently charge a fare. There are three different types of tolls: toll-by-plate, cash or ticket. Prices are dependent on the section of road you drive and the distance.
Children – for those bringing the kids along for a Disneyland visit, the law requires that children under the age of 4 or those less than 15kg must be in a child car seat. Ask your car hire company if they will supply one.
Air Conditioning – remember that AC will have a big impact on fuel consumption. Considering the state’s typical temperatures, you’ll want to keep your tank topped up and use the AC wisely.
Right on Red – you may turn right on a red light after completing a full stop, so long as there is no sign indicating that you cannot do so.
Parking on Ocean Drive – this South Beach Miami destination is busy and built up. Very few hotels on the strip, if any, have on site parking, only pricey valet parking. We recommend visiting the Miami Beach official website, where you can find a list of car parks in the area, alternatively, there is bestparking.com or parkme.com.
Weather
Hurricane Season – Florida’s hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November every year.The peak of the season, however, is from mid-August to late October.
Hot and Humid – from April to around October, Florida’s temperature range from 25°C to above 30°C, plus humidity. This heat can be uncomfortable and draining. Ensure that your hotel has working air conditioning and avoid outdoor activities at high noon.
Orlando’s Amusement Parks – if you want to avoid the theme park crowds, keep clear of vacationing here during summer or winter school holidays. Travelling in the shoulder seasons will guarantee shorter line-ups and help reduce accomodation costs.
Beaches – Florida Keys and Miami’s weather is best during spring, though it many college students take advantage of this for spring break. The Gulf coast also has ideal weather through the spring as well as October and November.
Rain – yes, the sunshine state does get rain. The rainiest month in the Florida Keys and south Florida is considered September. Rainfall in Orlando, however, is highest in June. Even if you travel during these time though, you will find that the rain seldom lasts for hours at a time.
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