Photo: Ocean Drive, Miami Beach · chensiyuan · CC BY-SA 4.0
🌴Florida: What to Know Before You Go
Destination Intel / United States / Florida
Culture, Food and Etiquette
- Cuban sandwiches and Latin American influence (Miami)
- Fresh seafood: grouper, stone crab, conch fritters
- Key lime pie (official state pie)
- Southern BBQ and soul food
- Theme park foods (Disney, Universal)
- Theme parks (Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld)
- Beach and water sports culture
- Spring Break destination
- Art Deco architecture in Miami Beach
- Retirement destination and golf culture
English is primary. Spanish widely spoken especially in Miami (70%+ bilingual).
Creole in some areas.
- Floridians are friendly and casual
- Beach culture - respect wildlife and "Leave No Trace"
- Theme park etiquette - plan ahead, arrive early
- Tipping: 18-20% in restaurants
- Air conditioning everywhere - bring layers
- Driving is essential - public transit limited outside cities
- Miami & the Gold Coast: South Beach, Wynwood murals, Little Havana, Art Basel
- Orlando & Central Florida: Walt Disney World, Universal, space coast, springs
- Florida Keys: Key West Hemingway house, coral reef diving, Overseas Highway
- Tampa Bay & Gulf Coast: Busch Gardens, St. Pete art scene, white-sand Clearwater
Best Time to Visit
Florida is warm year round; winters are dry and pleasant and draw the peak season, while summers are hot and humid with afternoon storms and the Atlantic hurricane risk.
- Peak: December to April
- Shoulder: May, November
- Off season: June to October, the hot stormy months and hurricane season
Source: ncei.noaa.gov
Getting Around
- A
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What moves the cost: Orlando, Miami and Tampa are the main hubs.
Common Questions
When is the best time to visit Florida?+
Trains link parts of the east coast.
Source: ncei.noaa.gov
The dry winter high season costs the most, while the hot, stormy summer is cheaper.+
Winter and spring are dry and warm and are the peak season; summers are hot and humid with frequent storms and hurricane risk.