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Florida Information

To help you plan your Golden Florida holiday we have put together some information that we hope will help answer any questions you may have. If you do not find the answer to your questions here, try our "Frequently Asked Questions" page, contact our experienced reservations team on 0845 085 8080 or Click Here to email us.



    Time zone

    Most of Florida is on Eastern Standard Time, which is five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time; the exception being part of Northwest Florida, from just east of Panama City Beach to Pensacola. This part of Florida is in the Central Standard Time zone (one hour earlier). Daylight savings time is in effect from the first Sunday in April through the last Sunday in October. During this period, clocks are set one hour later to maximise daylight hours.

    What to pack

    Bring cool, comfortable clothing, shorts and casual shirts, sundresses and, of course, bathing suits, tops and sandals. Keep in mind that topless sunbathing and thong-backed bikinis are prohibited in most parts of Florida. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and visors to protect you from the sun. For evening outings, "resort casual" attire (trousers, collared shirts, cotton dresses) is acceptable most places, though gentlemen might consider packing a light sports coat if a more formal evening is planned. While Florida's climate is generally warm all year round, it's a good idea to bring a light jacket if you are travelling here in December through February. Pack insect repellent and an umbrella or a light mackintosh during the rainy season. Don't worry if you forget anything - Florida stores can outfit you with anything you need.

    Climate

    Florida's temperatures generally average from the mid-50s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (about 12 30 Celsius). Temperatures in the northern part of the state occasionally drop to freezing in winter, while South Florida's subtropical areas rarely see frosts or freezes. Summers are very warm and humid, though frequent, brief rain showers provide a refreshing break. The "rainy season" lasts from May through October. Hurricanes occasionally make landfall in Florida during this period; communities within the state have effective emergency plans to assist residents and visitors alike. Though some rainfall does occur at other times of year, late fall, winter and spring are usually sunny, dry and temperate.

    Currency

    The dollar is the basic unit of American currency. It is divided into 100 cents. The most common bills are $1, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. All bills are green and look very similar - look for the dollar amount and the picture of a different president on each one. Commonly used coins are the penny (1 cent), nickel (5 cents), dime (10 cents) and quarter (25 cents). Foreign currency is not accepted.

    You can exchange currency at most major airports, banks, at private exchange offices such as American Express or Thomas Cook, and at some hotels. Foreign currency exchange offices at international airports are usually open until the last international flight comes in, Monday through Saturday. Most banks are open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and some are also open on Saturday mornings.

    Travellers cheques are still the safest way to travel with large amounts of money and they are accepted at most locations. Credit cards are widely accepted by hotels, shops, restaurants and car hire companies. Be aware that sales tax (usually 6 to 7 per cent) will be added to most prices at shops, restaurants and attractions.

    ATMs

    You'll find Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) in banks, grocery stores, in shopping malls and at many petrol stations.

    Electricity

    The U.S. uses 110-120 volts, 60 cycles is standard. If your small appliances use 220-240 volts, you'll need to bring a voltage converter and a plug adapter with two flat parallel pins.

    Weights and measures

    The U.S. uses a partial metric and English system of weights and measures. Metric equivalents are:
    1 inch = 2.5 centimetres
    1 foot (12 inches) = 0.3 meter
    1 yard (3 feet) = 0.9 meter
    1 mile (5280 feet) = 1.6 kilometres
    60 miles per hour = 100 kilometre per hour
    1 ounce = 28 grams
    1 pound (16 ounces) = 0.45 kilogram
    1 quart (liquid) = 0.9 litre.

    Holidays

    Banks, government offices and post offices are closed on the national Holidays listed below. In addition, some attractions and many stores, restaurants and museums may be closed or have limited hours (call ahead to check).

    January 1 (New Year's Day)
    the third Monday in January (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
    the third Monday in February (Presidents' Day)
    the last Monday in May (Memorial Day)
    July 4 (Independence Day)
    the first Monday in September (Labour Day)
    the second Monday in October (Columbus Day)
    November 11 (Veterans' Day)
    the fourth Thursday in November (Thanksgiving Day)
    December 25 (Christmas)

    Dining out/tipping

    Some restaurants stop serving dinner as early as 9 or 10 p.m. Call first if you are planning to dine at this time or later.

    In the U.S., tipping is a customary reward for good service. In restaurants, bars and nightclubs, tip servers a gratuity of 15% of the total bill (before tax) for good service, or 20% for excellent service. Some restaurants include a gratuity in the amount of the bill so be sure to check or ask your server so you do not overpay.

    Tipping is also appropriate at a beauty salon or spa (haircut, manicure, massage, etc., at 15% of total bill).

    Smoking policy

    Smoking is illegal in buses and coaches, trains, taxis and in most public buildings in Florida, including establishments that serve food; however, many restaurants have outdoor smoking areas. All of our Florida accommodation is strictly non-smoking inside the accommodation.

    Alcohol Laws

    To purchase or consume alcohol in the State of Florida you must be 21 years of age. Proof of age is often requested, so carry photo identification that gives your date of birth. Some grocery stores sell beer and wine (and will also request a photo ID). It is illegal to carry open containers of alcohol in your car or any public area that isn't zoned for alcohol consumption, and it is illegal to drive while intoxicated. Choose a "designated driver" in your group (someone who will abstain from drinking alcohol) who will be responsible for driving you home.

    Shopping

    Shopping malls are generally open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays; many large shopping complexes and department stores are open on Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. Smaller, privately owned stores typically open between 9 and 10 a.m. and close between 5 and 6 p.m. from Monday through Saturday.

    Health tips

    *Protect yourself from the rays of the sun by wearing sunglasses and by applying sunscreen at least 30 minutes before exposure. Use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of at least SPF 15; SPF 45 for children. Remember to reapply several times during the day, especially after swimming or exercise.

    *Dehydration, as well as sunburn, can occur with prolonged exposure to the heat and sun, even in Florida's winter months. Try to arrange most of your outdoor activities before 10 a.m. and after 2 p.m. If you plan to be out all day, carry bottled water. (All drinking water is drinkable, including tap water.)

    *Avoid direct contact with wild animals. When walking in wilderness areas, stay on paths. Be cautious near lakes and ponds since they are prime habitats for alligators. Never feed an alligator or other wild animal.

    *Use insect repellent in woody areas and parks.

    Safety tips

    *Always lock your car. Never leave purses, wallets, luggage or other valuables in sight. Lock them in the boot if you won't be carrying them with you. At night, try to park under a streetlight. Do not leave the car keys inside the car.

    *Carry credit cards and travellers cheques instead of large amounts of cash.

    *At public beaches, look for the beach flag system which alerts you to unsafe surf conditions. (Coloured flags on Florida beaches are designed to promote safety by warning beachgoers of water conditions. Blue or green represents calm waters and safe swimming; yellow means mild hazards, including light surf or currents; red warns of highly hazardous conditions; a double-red flag indicates the waters are closed to the public; and purple means marine pests present, which might include jellyfish, stingrays or dangerous fish. The absence of a flag does not necessarily mean the water is safe. Check with a lifeguard to be sure.)





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