Welcome to Florida!

🏝️ Discover Florida: A Travel Overview

🌎 Welcome to the Sunshine State

Florida is one of the most popular travel destinations in the United States, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, world-famous theme parks, and year-round sunshine. Whether you're planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or an adventure-filled escape, Florida has something for everyone.  To find out more abour about a specific area, scroll down to the end of this page.

✈️ Airports to Fly Into

Florida is well-connected with multiple international and domestic airports:

Orlando International Airport (MCO) – Best for Disney World, Universal, and central Florida

Miami International Airport (MIA) – Ideal for Miami Beach, the Florida Keys, and the Everglades

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) – Great for South Florida and cruise ports

Tampa International Airport (TPA) – Convenient for Tampa, Clearwater, and Gulf Coast

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) – Best for North Florida and Georgia border regions

📍 Most Popular Destinations

Here are Florida’s top vacation hotspots:

Orlando – Theme parks galore: Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld

Miami – Beaches, nightlife, Latin culture, and Art Deco architecture

Florida Keys – A chain of tropical islands known for diving, fishing, and relaxed vibes

Tampa Bay Area – Beautiful Gulf Coast beaches and family attractions like Busch Gardens

Naples & Fort Myers – Relaxing beach towns with great golf and luxury resorts

Everglades National Park – Explore unique wildlife and ecosystems by airboat

💵 Currency

The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD $).

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common.

🕒 Time Difference

Florida is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET).

GMT -5 in Standard Time (late autumn to early spring)

GMT -4 during Daylight Saving Time (March to early November)

💁‍♂️ Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S.:

Restaurants: 15–20% of the total bill before tax

Bars: $1–2 per drink or 15–20%

Taxis / Rideshare: 10–15%

Hotel staff: $1–2 per bag (bellhop), $3–5 per night (housekeeping)

Tour guides: $5–10 per person, depending on length and quality

🍽️ Approximate Costs

Here’s what you can expect to spend:

🥘 Eating Out:

Fast food meal: $8–$12

Casual restaurant: $15–$25 per person

Mid-range dinner: $30–$50 per person

Fine dining: $60+ per person

🛒 Grocery Shopping:

Loaf of bread: $3–4

Milk (1 gallon): $4–5

Dozen eggs: $2–4

Bottle of water: $1–2

Fruits/veggies: $1–4 per pound (varies)

📌 Travel Tips

Car rentals are common for getting around outside major cities.

Sales tax varies by city/county (typically 6–7.5%).

Weather can be hot and humid, especially from June to September—pack light and stay hydrated!

🧳 Ready to Explore?

Plan your Florida adventure with confidence using this handy guide. Whether you're here for the theme parks, beaches, or laid-back sunshine lifestyle, Florida is ready to welcome you!

🧭 Florida Airport Transfers: Time & Cost Guide

From Airport  -     To Destination  -   Time   -    Approx. Cost (USD)    -     Notes

Orlando (MCO)

Walt Disney World - 25–35 min - $35–$60 (Uber/Lyft) - Private shuttles: ~$40–$50 per person roundtrip

Universal Orlando - 20–30 min - $30–$50 - Taxi: ~$55–$65

International Drive -  - 20–25 min - $25–$45 - Budget-friendly area

LEGOLAND Florida - 60–75 min - $90–$130 - Rental car often best

Miami (MIA)

South Beach / Miami Beach - 20–30 min - $25–$45 - Taxi: ~$35–$50 

Downtown Miami - 15–20 min - $20–$35 - Metrorail option: ~$2.25

Key Largo - 1.5 hrs - $100–$160 - One-way, rideshare/rental only

Key West - 3.5–4 hrs - $250–$400 - Flights: ~$100–$200 one-way

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

Miami Beach- 45–60 min - $45–$70 - Shuttle: ~$25–$35 per person

Fort Lauderdale Beach - 15–20 min - $20–$35 - Very close; quick ride

Boca Raton - 35–45 min - $45–$60 - Uber preferred

Tampa (TPA)

Clearwater Beach - 30–40 min - $45–$70 - Traffic-dependent

St. Pete Beach - 35–45 min - $50–$75 - Taxi slightly more expensive

Busch Gardens Tampa - 20–25 min - $25–$40 - Close & affordable

Jacksonville (JAX)

Amelia Island - 45–60 min - $60–$85 - Shuttle limited

St. Augustine - 1 hr 15 min - $90–$120 - Rental car advised

💡 Tips:

Shared Shuttles: Usually cheaper for solo travelers, ~$20–$35 per person

Rideshare: More cost-effective for small groups

Taxis: More expensive than Uber/Lyft in most cases

Rental Cars: Daily rates ~$40–$70, plus gas and parking

Surge Pricing: Costs can rise significantly during peak times/events