Florida Driving:
Driving in Florida is relatively easy and almost essential as it provides you with the freedom to travel and visit all the major attractions in your own time and at your own pace. All American cars are automatic and air-conditioned making driving conditions much more comfortable.
You must be 21 years old and hold a full UK/European License to drive a hire car in Florida. There is a large surcharge for any drivers under 25, so unless it is absolutely essential that they drive, it is advised that you save your money for something more enjoyable. Most car rental companies also place a surcharge on any additional drivers. Please remember to take your license with you, (faxes and photocopies are not acceptable) as you will not be able to pick your car up without it. If you have any queries or need directions before leaving the airport the car rental staff will assist you.
It's a good idea if it's your first time driving in Florida, to take time and familiarize yourself with the car (i.e. Left-hand drive, automatic, lights, wipers and air-conditioning etc.), and have a short drive round the car park before leaving. Also make sure that you have your car rental contract ready to show on exiting.
Infant seats are required by law for children under the age of 4 years or 40 lbs and seat belts must be worn by the driver and all passengers.
Some roads such as the Bee-Line Expressway, the 417 Greenway and the Florida Turnpike are Toll Roads, so it is a good idea to have some coins and small denomination notes handy when traveling along them, to pay the Toll charges.
The speed limit in Florida is 55mph, with just a few stretches having a 65mph limit. These speed limits are strictly enforced and the penalties for exceeding them can be high and are payable on the spot! (This could make a large hole in your day's spending!) You can come across roads with only a 25mph limit, so do take care. On the spot speeding fines are harsh, so keep strictly to the speed limits. Once you get away from the centers of population, the 3 lane highways become almost deserted
At traffic lights you may turn right on a red light, once having come to a complete stop, checking the coast is clear from the left, and ensuring there are no signs stating 'No Right Turn on Red'. You may turn left ONLY when a green arrow gives you the right of way - but ALWAYS check for oncoming traffic before turning. A normal green light means you must watch out and yield to all oncoming traffic when turning left.
Traffic lights seem to change a lot quicker than in the UK and are suspended on wires above eye level. When you are crossing a junction, the suspended road name sign is the name of the road you are crossing, not the road you are on.
Heavy showers are commonplace in Florida. It can rain so hard that the wipers fail to work and you cannot see more than 2 feet in front. Please use common sense, and slow down, or pull off of the road. After heavy showers the roads are inclined to be very slippery (known as Florida Ice) so again ,please drive carefully. When raining you must put your wipers and headlights on. (sounds like common sense but you would be surprised)
Most roads in Florida are 2 or more lanes wide. The lanes closest to the middle are the fast/overtaking lanes, however, overtaking on the inside is common practice.
Should you have the misfortune to be involved in an accident whilst on your vacation, you must inform the police and your car rental company immediately. Do not leave the scene of the accident until the police have arrived and made a formal documented accident report. Failure to obtain this report will void the LDW and any other coverage and will make you liable for all loss, damages and claims. You must then go to the Car Rental office with your contract and the accident report.
You will automatically lose your license, be jailed, receive a court date and stiff penalties if you are caught for drinking and driving. It is illegal in Florida to have any open container of alcohol in the vehicle.