CLIMATE
|
Florida experiences warm or hot temperatures for most of the year. The state can be divided into two climatic zones, warm and temperate in the north, and subtropical in the south. The main tourist seasons are determined by these climatic zones. The southern zone has very mild winters, which is why the period between November and April is the main tourist season. Because of the lower temperatures this is also the best time to visit the swamps and national reserves. During summer, daily rainstorms are not uncommon and temperatures feel hotter than they actually are because of the high humidity. In the northern zone, summer (May to October) is the peak tourist season. During this period temperatures can rise up to 27°C (80°F). Although warm temperatures are the norm, winters in the northern zone can be very cold, with snowfall in regions such as the Panhandle.
|
In the past Florida has been hit by several hurricanes. Hurricane activity occurs during the summer months, specifically from June to November and only about once in every seven years near or in Florida.
|
Orlando is situated in the centre of Florida’s two climatic zones, and has mild winters with temperatures of about 17°C (63°F), and warm, humid summers during which temperatures can rise to 28°C (82°F) - and sometimes much hotter.
|
|
|
|
PEAK TOURIST SEASONS
|
The southern zone has very mild winters, which is why the period between November and April is the main tourist season. In the northern zone, summer (May to October) is the peak tourist season.
|
|
|
|
GEOGRAPHY
|
Florida measures 151,670km² (58,560 miles²); and is 640km (398 miles) long and 200km (124 miles) wide. The coastline measures 2,170km (1,350 miles), and is complemented by a chain of offshore islands. Florida’s highest point lies 105m (345ft) above sea level. The state capital is Tallahassee.
|
|
|
|
TIME ZONE
|
Most of Florida is on Eastern Standard Time, which is five hours behind GMT. With the adoption of Daylight Saving Time between April and October, the clock moves one hour ahead.
|
|
|
|
TOURIST OFFICES
|
Florida has numerous tourist information offices, both at home and abroad. The United States Travel and Tourism Administration (USTTA) has offices all over the world, generally located in the United States Embassies and Consulates. Information is freely dispensed from welcome stations generally situated at the main entry points to the state and in hotels. The chief source of tourist information for any town in the United States is the local chamber of commerce.
|
|
|
|
VISAS & PASSPORTS
|
In terms of the Visa Waiver Scheme, British citizens travelling to the United States for a period of less than 90 days need only a British passport and a visa waiver form which will be provided either by a travel agent, the airline or on the plane. The waiver form must be presented to immigration when arriving in the United States. Citizens of most other European countries are also obligated to complete the waiver forms. The waiver form covers travel across the Canadian and Mexican borders by land and air. Canadians often need only a form of identification, but for longer stays a passport is necessary and for stays that will exceed 90 days, a visa is necessary too.
|
Valid passports, onward passage tickets and non-immigration visitor’s visas are essential for visitors from Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and other countries. Some nationals need proof that they possess USD500.00 or more. Check with your travel agent if there is any doubt.
|
United States Embassies in other countries can provide further information.
|
|
|
|
CUSTOMS
|
It is obligatory on entering the United States to pass through customs. Certain regulations must be observed.
|
Duty-free allowances for visitors include personal effects and sporting or recreational equipment, as well as 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 2kg of smoking tobacco (if you are over 17 years old), a litre of spirits or wine (if you are over 21 years old) and USD100.00 worth of gifts. There is no limit on the amount of currency imported or exported from the country but anything over USD10,000.00 must be declared.
|
Food, agricultural products, drugs, any articles from Vietnam, North Korea, Kampuchea or Cuba, illegal publications, lottery tickets, chocolate liqueurs or artefacts from pre-Columbia may not be brought into the United States. Some items may require a license or permit before import. These include biological materials; certain fruits, plants or their products; certain trademarked items such as watches, perfumes, or jewellery; meats, poultry and their products; narcotics and dangerous drugs; pets, wildlife and endangered species (including parts or products). Questions on the import of any of these items should be addressed before departure.
|
The dollar amount travellers are permitted to spend before taxes and duties are imposed changes from country to country. Answers to specific questions regarding duty free allowances can be found at the duty free shop at the point of departure.
|
|
|
|
FLORIDA AREA CODES
|
Miami 305: Orlando 407: Northern Florida 904: West Coast 941
|
|
|
|
ELECTRICITY
|
The standard power supply system is 115-120 volts AC at 60 cycles per second. You will need an adapter plug and a voltage converter that fits the standardised plug outlets (plugs have two flat prongs). Adapters are available in the United States.
|
It can in fact be dangerous to connect anything more powerful. If you bring along more sophisticated appliances, like a notebook computer for instance, be certain to bring a battery pack as well. Remember that you will need an adapter to recharge your batteries.
|
