Florida: From beaches to theme parks, the sun shines for everyone in the "Sunny State".

When should you go to Florida?

Florida is renowned for its subtropical climate, where the sun shines and the weather is warm all year round. The best time to go is from March to August.

• In summer, expect hot humid weather, especially in the south.
• In autumn, the cyclone season presents a risk (August-October).
• Winter is pleasant, cool in the north and mild in the south, and you can still go swimming.
• Spring is warm and sunny, a pleasant season throughout Florida.

Formalities for entering the United States

The conditions for entering the United States are strict. Make sure you take all the necessary steps well in advance, and that you have the right papers:

• A valid biometric or electronic passport is compulsory.
• An ESTA electronic travel authorisation, which must be completed online before departure (approx. $15, valid for 2 years).

Money

The currency is the US dollar (USD, $), which can fluctuate quite widely (small denominations are preferable).

There are plenty of exchange offices, but rates are higher at airports than in town. There is no problem withdrawing cash from ATMs and 24-hour banking machines, which allow you to withdraw cash anywhere with any international credit card. Payment by bank card is widespread.

Time difference Florida:

There is a 6-hour time difference between Florida and France. When it is 12pm in Paris, it is 6am in Miami.

Transport: how do you get around in Florida?

The most popular means of transport is obviously the car, as is the case everywhere in the USA. All the major car hire companies are present in Florida, and prices are reasonable. Minimum age: 21, with a national and international driving licence. Make sure you have adequate insurance.

Beware of speed limits (55 mph most of the time, up to 75 mph on some motorways), as the police are very strict about this.

If you're pressed for time, use the domestic air links, which are faster than the bus and relatively inexpensive.

Florida: what to eat

Breakfast is still one of the highlights of an American's day. On the menu: orange juice, pancakes (thick pancakes drizzled with maple syrup), eggs, scrambled or fried, accompanied by bacon and grated and grilled potatoes, fresh fruit and cereals on a cloud of cold milk. The American coffee, often all you can drink, is rarely worth the diversions...

For other meals, take advantage of Florida for aseafood cure with fresh and delicious lobsters and crabs at affordable prices. And don't forget a host of fish such asmullet, served smoked or grilled with a squeeze of lemon.

More unusual, try alligator meat, which is quite similar to chicken. Enjoy grilled meats such as the traditional T-Bone steak, accompanied by a host of sauces.

For those who prefer a lighter meal, many restaurants offer all-you-can-eat salad buffets, again with a variety ofdressings. Go from the garlic and Parmesan flavoured"Caesar" to the"Blue Cheese", not forgetting the very exotic"1,000 (thousand) Islands". For quick meals, hamburgers or sandwiches are often a must.

For dessert, try the Floridian speciality of Key Lime Pie. Enjoy the original flavours of cheese cakes and ice-creams.

Culinary influences in Florida:

Apart from the classic American restaurants, enjoy Cuban cuisine with grilled pork or chicken, accompanied by black beans or manioc. You can also enjoy the aroma of a good Cuban espresso. Discover the flavours of Haitian and Latin American cuisine in general. There are also French, Italian, Mexican, Vietnamese and Jewish restaurants.

Health

No specific vaccinations are required, but very good insurance/assistance is strongly recommended (care and repatriation costs), in the event of illness or accident, given the very high cost of medical care in the United States.

Safety

As in all major American cities, Miami is at risk of muggings. Avoid deserted and dark areas.

Hitchhiking is not recommended, especially for girls travelling alone. Be aware that there are police brigades specifically responsible for looking after tourists.

Laws and customs

The no-smoking law is strictly enforced. It is forbidden to smoke in all public places, official or private, such as government offices, airports, offices, waiting rooms, etc. Any offender must pay a fine.

Naturism and toplessness are prohibited, with some exceptions. Proper clothing, shirt and shoes are required everywhere, except on the beach, of course. Bermuda shorts are not frowned upon. People easily call each other by their first name.

Electricity

The current standard in the United States is 110 V 60 Hz. Sockets have 2 or 3 flat pins, which means they cannot be used for French appliances. An adaptor is essential.

Tips

The prices of products displayed in shops are always exclusive of tax. State tax must be added. An additional local tax may be applied to hotels in certain towns, for a total that may vary from 11% to 14%.

Tipping is very common in the United States. Prices quoted in the service sector (restaurants, taxis) always exclude a tip: it is customary to add a 15% tip to the price quoted. If you pay by credit card, you should add the tip yourself and make up the final bill before signing.

Telephone

To call Florida from France: 00 + 1 + city code (Miami and Key West: 305; Orlando: 812; Palm Beach: 561; Daytona Beach, Tallahassee and Pansacola: 904), + number of the correspondent.

From Florida to France: 011 + 33 number of the correspondent, without the initial 0.