Visas & entry
Florida follows U.S. federal entry rules; there is no state-specific visa. Visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries, including the UK, most of Western Europe, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, can generally visit for up to 90 days with an approved ESTA obtained before boarding; other nationalities generally need a U.S. visitor visa. Verify current ESTA, visa and passport rules before travel.
Getting in
- Orlando International Airport: The main gateway for Walt Disney World, Universal and Central Florida; it is the obvious arrival airport for park-focused trips and also works for Tampa Bay or the Space Coast with a car.
- Miami International Airport: Best for Miami, the Everglades and the Keys, with the strongest international network and useful Brightline access toward Orlando and South Florida.
- Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport: Often a competitive South Florida alternative, particularly for Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach and cruise or beach trips; Miami is reachable but traffic can erase any fare saving.
- Tampa International Airport: The sensible gateway for Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota and the central Gulf Coast; it avoids backtracking through Orlando or Miami.
- Key West International Airport: Useful for an open-jaw Keys itinerary after driving the Overseas Highway south. Flights are limited and often pricier than Miami, but it saves a long return drive.
Getting around
Renting a car is the default outside Miami, central Orlando resort areas and a few compact historic districts; Florida is spread out, transit is patchy and beach towns are rarely walkable beyond their cores. Brightline is useful between Orlando, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami, but it does not solve the Keys, Gulf Coast, Panhandle or most national-park access. Expect toll roads, traffic around Miami and Tampa Bay, and slow single-road driving through the Keys.
Money
The U.S. dollar is the currency. Cards and contactless payment work almost everywhere, but carry a little cash for small tips and occasional parking or beach-town purchases; tipping is expected, commonly 18–22% in full-service restaurants.
Book before you land
Yankee Freedom ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park, especially popular day trips and all camping ferry space · Kennedy Space Center launch-viewing packages or transport tickets when a launch date is confirmed · Shark Valley Tram Tour in Everglades National Park during the November–April busy season
- Do not swim in freshwater canals, ponds or lakes unless a site is explicitly designated for swimming; assume alligators may be present.
- Treat afternoon summer thunderstorms seriously: lightning is routine, and outdoor activities, beaches and pools can close quickly.
- Use reef-safe sun protection, drink more water than you think you need, and plan outdoor sightseeing for morning in hot months.
- Miami Beach, Orlando parks, the Keys and major Gulf resorts can be dramatically more expensive during school breaks and holiday weeks.
- A Miami–Key West drive is not a casual day trip; the Overseas Highway is scenic but slow, and one crash can cause long delays.
- For the Everglades, choose the entrance that fits your route: Shark Valley, Homestead/Flamingo and Everglades City/Gulf Coast do not connect internally by road.
Entry rules change — verify visa requirements for your passport before booking this region.