About Florida

The State: Florida is a state of America, which lies in its southern eastern corner. Its position, close to the Caribbean, means that the state enjoys year round sunshine with warm summers and mild winters. The weather means its a perfect place for visitors seeking the sun, and/or palm fringed sandy white beaches. Whilst being 2-3 driving hours in width and around 6 driving hours in length from Orlando to Miami, the whole of the state and the features it has to offer is easily accessible to everyone.

• Orlando/Disney/Kissimee/Davenport: Whilst this isn't the true capital of Florida, this is the main hub for tourists visiting Florida. Ideally located in the center of the state, between the east and west coast attractions, and is home to the vast majority of short term rental villas. Orlando, features two main airports, Orlando International (MCO) and Sanford (SFB). Orlando is further south, and closer to the villas and attractions. Orlando is the preferred airport, and handles most of the international flights. Sanford, is further north than Orlando International, and handles most of the US domestic flights. Orlando is home to the Walt Disney World, and Universal Studios and Sea World theme parks.
• Tampa [1 hour drive from Orlando]: Tampa, situated on the Gulf Of Mexico, on the West coast. Tampa's main claim to fame, is that it has the Busch Gardens, home of the Montu, Kumba rollercoasters, and the Budweiser Drinking School.
• Daytona Beach [1 hour drive from Orlando]: The world famous Daytona Beach is situated on the east (Atlantic) coast. Daytona Beach contains miles of sandy white beaches, and is the home of the famous Nascar 500 car race.
• Miami [5 hours drive from Orlando]: Miami is considered Florida's second city. Miami contains Miami International Airport (MIA). Home to the infamous Miami Beach, including the popular "South Beach" section.

Climate: Florida is a semi-tropical climate, which can experience extremely hot and humid conditions in the mid-late summer months, with temperatures and humidity in the high 90's. The winter months however, are much more mild and temperate. Temperatures are comfortable, and are slightly below room temperate, with humidity at much more tolerable levels.

Month	Average High		Average Low		Rainfall
	(F)	(C)	(F)	(C)	(in)	(mm)
Jan	72	22	49	9	2	51
Feb	73	22	50	10	3	76
Mar	78	25	55	12	3	76
Apr	84	28	60	15	2	51
May	88	31	66	18	4	102
Jun	91	32	71	21	7	178
Jul	92	33	73	22	8	203
Aug	92	33	73	22	6	152
Sep	90	32	3	22	6	152
Oct	84	28	65	18	3	76
Nov	78	25	57	13	2	51
Dec	73	22	51	10	2	51

Passport and Entry: All travellers to Florida normally require a passport that has at least 6 months left to run, after the traveller's planned return date. Also, from 1st October 2003, there are two new changes. Firstly, ALL travellers, regardless of age, will need an individual passport in their own name. ALL passports will need to be "Machine Readable". For UK passport holders, this means they to be 10 year or 5 year for children, new-style small, red passports. To check your passport is machine readable, check that the picture page of your passport has digits followed by a series of ">>>>>>" characters. If you do not own a "Machine Readable" passport, you will need a visa prior to arrival. There are certain exclusions and restrictions. If you have been refused a visa, or hold a criminal record, please check with your local US embassy before travelling.

UK passport holders are eligible for the "Visa Waiver" program. Not all countries qualify, so you should check here well in advance to see if you need a US visa prior to travel. If you are travelling under the visa waiver program, you will need to fill out two forms, that your airline will provide. These are the green I-94W, entry/departure record, and the white customs form, that all travellers are required to fill out.

Visitors travelling under the Visa Waiver program, are eligble to reside in the US for upto 90 days in any given trip. All travellers must have a valid exit ticket on arrival, that is less than 90 days from their arrival date. There are no restrictions on the number of times a year you can enter the US under the Visa Waiver program, but the traveller must be able to prove to the immigration official that he/she is financially solvent and intends to leave within 90 days.

*** While we try and be as helpful as possible, all countries have their own sets of rules, regulations and restrictions and are liable to change at any time. We strongly suggest you contact the local US Embassy in your country about passport, immigration and innoculations before you travel. We are offering this advice as guide only and allows no legal redress if proved to be inaccurate or misleading ***

Useful advice:

• Traffic lights: In the US, you are allowed to turn right on a red light, unless there is a specific "No Turn On Red" sign.
• Gas Stations: Some gas stations require you to pre-pay, or use a credit card before you start pumping.
• Use travellers cheques rather than cash; Virtually everywhere accepts them with ID, and they can be replaced when lost, and not used when stolen.
• To get from Orlando Internation Airport to the villas, requires the use of the toll road. Ensure you have either small denomination bills, or quarters for the tolls (75c and 50c), before the leaving the airport.
• Ensure you have adequate medical and travel insurance, as medical bills can be very high. It is worth checking to see if your insurance coverage includes air ambulance coverage, so the injured could be flown home if need be.
• All the prices displayed in shops in Florida are shown exclusive of sales tax. This is added at the checkout, so products can cost more than you first think.
• Make sure you keep at least one credit card separate, preferably in the safe in the villa, if applicable. So, if you do lose your wallet/purse, you have a backup.
• Always keep your passport and travellers cheques in separate bags. Travellers Cheques cannot be cashed without a passport ID.

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