Car Hire Florida

Do I need an IDP to drive in Florida?

On 1 January 2013, a law was introduced in the state of Florida requiring anyone driving a car (aimed at car rental) to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their national driving licence. However the law was revoked on 2 April 2013 by the Governor of Florida as it caused mayhem in the car rental industry. Whilst no longer law, some rental agents will still require and IDP, we recommend you check with the supplier prior to travel. Customers with a driving licence not in the roman alphabet will always require an IDP when hiring a car in Florida.

Mini Guide to Florida:

What Should I Know About Florida?
Florida’s wonderful weather earns it the title of ‘The Sunshine State’ and for many years before the rise of mass tourism, wealthy Americans would venture south in winter to escape the cold northern climes and enjoy the warmth from their condos. Today Florida is America’s winter playground still but all year round it attracts tourists from all over the world who flock to see its sights or enjoy the thrills and spills of its world class theme parks including the daddy of them all, Walt Disney World Resort. Florida isn’t just about beaches and theme parks though. It has great national parks including one of the world’s best known; the Everglades.

How do I get Into Florida?
As Florida is firmly on the tourist map there are plenty of flights from all the major European airports, usually crammed full of children in holiday times as they head out to see Mickey and Co at Disney World. Most theme park flights land at Orlando and with a special Disney Magic Kingdom transfer bus to take you to your hotel but for those for whom a photo with Goofy isn’t a priority; there are also flights into Miami, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale. Each of these destinations will let you see a different side to the state.

What is There to See and Do in Florida?
Ignoring the main attraction; Walt Disney World Resort, you have several other great things to see and do. The whole family will love speeding along over the swamps of the Florida Everglades on an air boat or seeing the alligators that live there, up close and personal at Gatorland. Just driving along the Florida Keys is a great experience with a dramatic bridge linking most of the islands.

The Kennedy Space Centre with its associated museums is also a fascinating visit, especially when you get to see a rocket blast off, which happens at least monthly for satellite launching. For a taste of Cuba spend some time in Tampa’s Ybor City where many Cuban refugees set up home and which today is thought of as Florida’s party city.

What’s the Food Like in Florida?
Florida grows billions of oranges so if you like the fruit you’ll be happy. It’s also hot on seafood being surrounded by tropical waters. Spicy creole, Hispanic and Caribbean flavours abound with lots of colour making a culinary mix sometimes known as Florribean- whatever you call it though, it’s piquant and delicious!