Question 1

What is Florida famous for?

Accepted Answer

Beaches and sunshine on two coasts, the Orlando theme parks (Walt Disney World and Universal), Miami's Latin energy and Art Deco, the Everglades, the Florida Keys and Key West, the Kennedy Space Center, spring-training baseball, and wildlife you won't see elsewhere in the US — manatees, alligators and dolphins. It's the warmest mainland state and a winter escape for the whole country.

Question 2

When is the best time to visit Florida?

Accepted Answer

Roughly November–April: warm, sunny, low humidity and little rain — peak season (and peak prices, especially Dec–March). May and October are pleasant shoulder months. June–September is hot, very humid, with near-daily afternoon thunderstorms and Atlantic hurricane season (which officially runs June 1–Nov 30, peaking August–October). Beaches are emptiest and cheapest in late summer — just watch the forecast.

Question 3

Do I need to worry about hurricane season in Florida?

Accepted Answer

It's worth planning around, not fearing. Hurricane season runs June 1–November 30, with the real risk window August through October. Most days are simply hot and stormy in the afternoon. If you travel then, buy travel insurance, keep an eye on the National Hurricane Center forecast, and know that named storms usually come with days of warning. Direct hits on any one spot are rare in a given week.

Question 4

Do I need a car in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes. Florida is big and spread out, and outside a few walkable cores (Miami Beach, Key West, downtown areas) transit is thin. Exceptions: Brightline's fast train links Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando; Miami has Metrorail/Metromover; and Key West is walkable once you're there. For beach-hopping, the Everglades or the Keys, rent a car.

Question 5

Is Florida safe to visit?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the tourist areas of Miami, Orlando, Tampa, the Keys and the beach towns are well-policed and welcoming. Use normal city awareness in parts of Miami and downtown cores at night, and don't leave valuables visible in parked cars. The bigger dangers are natural: strong rip currents (check beach flags), summer lightning, heat, sunburn, and respecting alligators and wildlife. Emergency number: 911.

Question 6

Which Florida coast is better — Atlantic or Gulf?

Accepted Answer

Depends what you want. The Atlantic (east) side — Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Daytona — has bigger waves, more surf and Latin big-city energy. The Gulf (west) side — Tampa/St. Pete, Naples, Sarasota — has calmer, warmer, clearer water, whiter powdery sand and famous sunsets over the water. Families and swimmers often prefer the Gulf; nightlife and surf lovers, the Atlantic.

Question 7

Are there really alligators everywhere in Florida?

Accepted Answer

There are an estimated 1.3 million wild alligators, and they can turn up in any fresh or brackish water — lakes, canals, golf-course ponds, even the odd swimming pool. Attacks are very rare if you use sense: never feed them (it's illegal and makes them dangerous), keep pets and kids away from water's edge, don't swim in fresh water at dawn or dusk, and give any gator a wide berth. Beaches and salt water are fine.

Question 8

Where can I see manatees in Florida?

Accepted Answer

In winter (roughly November–March) manatees gather in warm springs and power-plant outflows. The best spots: Crystal River / Three Sisters Springs on the Gulf coast (the only place you can legally swim with them), Blue Spring State Park near Orlando, Manatee Lagoon in West Palm Beach, and the TECO viewing center in Tampa. Look but keep your distance — they're a protected species.

Question 9

Do I have to pay sales tax and what about tipping in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Florida has no state income tax, but sales tax is about 6% plus up to ~1.5% county surtax, added at the register (prices are shown pre-tax). Hotels add a "tourist development tax" on top. Tipping is standard US practice: 18–20% in restaurants, $1–2 per drink, 15–20% for taxis/rideshares and tour guides, and a few dollars a day for hotel housekeeping.

Question 10

Is it worth visiting the Everglades and how?

Accepted Answer

Yes — it's the only place on Earth where alligators and crocodiles coexist, and a genuinely unique ecosystem. Easiest access is Everglades National Park via Homestead (south of Miami) or Shark Valley on Tamiami Trail (US-41) west of Miami, where a tram loop and airboat operators run. Go in the dry season (Dec–April) for the most wildlife and fewest mosquitoes, and always bring bug spray.

Question 11

What is the capital of Florida?

Accepted Answer

Tallahassee is the capital of Florida, United States.

Question 12

How many cities in Florida does lodomap cover?

Accepted Answer

lodomap currently covers 9 cities and towns in Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Key West. See the full list in the Cities & Towns sidebar.

Question 13

What is Florida known for?

Accepted Answer

Florida is known as Beaches, sunshine and warm water on two coasts, Orlando theme parks (Disney World & Universal), Miami and the Latin scene, the Everglades, the Florida Keys, manatees, alligators and spring-training baseball.

Question 14

What is the national capital of United States?

Accepted Answer

Washington, D.C. is the national capital of United States.

Florida

Florida at a Glance

Info about Florida

Know Before You Go — United States

Nature & Wildlife

The Best Hike in Florida: Juniper Prairie Wilderness on the Florida Trail

Alligators and Adventures: The Complete Wildlife Travel Guide to Tampa