Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Road Rules
If you're new to Florida or US roads, here are some basics:
The maximum speed limit on interstates is 75mph, but that drops to 65mph and 55mph in
urban areas. Pay attention to the posted signs. City-street speed limits vary between
15mph and 45mph.
Florida police officers are strict with speed-limit enforcement, and speeding tickets are
expensive. If caught going over the speed limit by 10mph, the fine is $155. Conversely,
you may be fined if you're driving too slowly on an interstate.
All passengers in a car must wear seat belts; the fine for not wearing a seat belt is $30.
All children under three must be in a child safety seat.
As in the rest of the US, drive on the right-hand side of the road. On highways, pass in
the left-hand lane (but anxious drivers often pass wherever space allows).
Right turns on a red light are permitted after a full stop. At four-way stop signs, the car
that reaches the intersection first has right of way. In a tie, the car on the right has right of
way.
Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is never entirely safe in any country, and we don't recommend it. Travelers who
decide to hitch should understand that they are taking a small but potentially serious risk.
People who do choose to hitch will be safer if they go in pairs and if they let someone know
where they are planning to go. Be sure to ask the driver where he or she is going rather
than telling the person where you want to go.
Local Transportation
Bus
Local bus services are available in most cities; along the coasts, service typically connects
downtown to at least one or two beach communities. Some cities (such as Tampa and
Jacksonsville) have high-frequency trolleys circling downtown, while some coastal
stretches are linked by seasonal trolleys that ferry beach-goers between towns (such as
between St Pete Beach and Clearwater).
Fares generally cost between $1 and $2. Exact change upon boarding is usually re-
quired, though some buses take $1 bills. Transfers - slips of paper that will allow you to
