Visiting Florida

Visiting Florida For Home Buyers

It is highly advisable to visit Florida before you consider buying property. Getting a "feel" for the area in a relaxed environment will allow you to focus with laser precision when dealing with the legal and financial hazards that will surround you when your time comes to buy Florida property.

For most this may seem common sense, but many investors purchase property without ever ever seeing it!. Use our quick summary of vital visitor info that will be useful to you for the lifetime of your Florida home purchase, not just for visiting as a tourist!

Arriving in Florida (Visiting Florida For Home Buyers)

In each Florida destination you will find local visitor information centers that will provide you with helpful area information as well as maps and public transportation information. For a list of Florida tourist bureaus please visit here.

The Official Tourism Marketing Corporation for the State of Florida, has a 24-hour tourist information hot-line (800) 656-8777
with operators that speak Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, French, and German. You may also visit their official Florida web site.

There are also Official Florida Welcome Centers at I-10 near Pensacola, 231, I-75, I-95, and the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee, if you are coming by road.

WHEN TO VISIT FLORIDA

To avoid "crowds" on a Florida vacation for your priority inspection trip, beware of peak seasons. During certain high-volume months and especially on holidays - theme park, hotel and restaurant capacity, as well as heavy traffic, can hamper you and your family's activities.

In the southern region of the state, winter is peak season. In the northern region, where temperatures are less extreme, the summer is peak. Of course, holidays are the most crowded in any tourist area, with theme parks and beaches at full capacity.

The prime time to travel in Florida is between April and May and September through mid-November. Temperatures tend to be more bearable, as well as prices!

January to March is also a good time to come when you can expect the temperature to be in the mid-70s. Bear in mind that Florida is one of the country's most popular destinations so always book early no matter what time of year.

Flights To Visit Florida Property
We have a page with flight info to visit Florida property

Driving in Florida
Due to year-round mild weather conditions in Florida, oil deposits build up on all of the state's roadways. When mixed with a little rain, this can be hazardous! Please be extremely cautious when driving in the rain.

1. Right turns at red lights are illegal in the state of Florida unless otherwise posted. Florida law requires low-beam lights to be turned on when your windshield wipers are in use.

2. If you get lost, go to a public place to read your map and/or ask for directions.

3. Always take your parking ticket with you! Leaving it in the car allows a thief to exit the parking lot with your car!.

4. If your car has an anti-theft device, please use it.

5. Keep doors locked while driving. When parked, remember to do the same and take the keys with you.

6. When traveling or leaving a parked vehicle, lock any packages in the trunk.

7. While driving, if you are bumped from behind or flashed by
headlights, or are aware of someone indicating he/she needs help, do not stop. Drive to the nearest, well-lit public area and dial the police on 911.

8.If someone suspicious approaches your vehicle while stopped at a traffic light, hoot your horn.

9.Park in well-lit areas and check the interior of the car and
surrounding areas before entering the car.

Florida Emergencies

To reach the police, ambulance, or fire department, dial 911 from any phone. If you are robbed, call the local non-emergency number for the Florida police. Remember Insurance claims require a police report.

Lost or Stolen Credit Cards or Travelers' Checks - To report missing credit cards or travelers' checks call the corresponding toll free numbers here

General Tips

Alcohol in Florida - To purchase or consume alcohol in the State of
Florida you must be 21 years of age. Carry photo id
that provides your date of birth.

Smoking in Florida - Due to recently passed laws, smoking is no longer
allowed in establishments that serve food. However, most have
outdoor smoking areas.

Taxes - The Florida state sales tax of 6 - 7% is added to all
prices in restaurants, shops and attractions.

Florida Time Zones - West of the Apalachicola River is on Central
Standard Time, one hour behind the rest of the state, which
follows Eastern Standard Time.

For more detailed info on buying property in Florida why not
consider our Buying Property in Florida Guide. It is available in
e-book format and shortly paperback, in outlets such as Waterstones
and Amazon.

Any questions on the visiting Florida page...Contact Us