Driving in Florida

Driving in Florida is generally straightforward if you're used to driving in the UK. The biggest differences are driving on the right-hand side, different junction rules, and wider roads with faster traffic.

✅ DO 

• Drive on the RIGHT. Keep right on ordinary roads and overtake on the left. Take extra care when turning onto a road, particularly after leaving a petrol station or car park.
• Carry your driving licence. UK visitors should carry their valid full UK licence and hire-car documents. Check your rental company's requirements before travelling.
• Stop at red lights. In Florida, you can usually turn right on red after a complete stop, provided there is no sign prohibiting it and the way is clear. Give way to pedestrians and other traffic.
• Understand four-way stops. At a junction where all approaches have STOP signs, vehicles generally proceed in the order they arrive. If you arrive together, the vehicle on the right generally goes first.
• Use your indicators. Signal early when turning or changing lanes, and check your blind spots.
• Give school buses space. Flashing red lights and an extended stop arm mean you must stop. On a two-way road, traffic in both directions generally stops. On a divided highway with a physical median, opposite-direction traffic may proceed cautiously.
• Give emergency vehicles room. Move over when safe for emergency vehicles with flashing lights. If you cannot safely move over, slow down as Florida law requires.

❌ DON'T 

• Don't stop in the middle of a junction because you aren't sure where to go. Follow your sat-nav and pull over safely if you need to check it.
• Don't use your phone while driving. Set up your sat-nav before moving; handheld phone use is prohibited in designated school and work zones, and hands-free is the safer choice everywhere.
• Don't ignore pedestrians at crossings or assume they will wait for you.
• Don't panic if you miss an exit. Continue to the next exit and reroute; never reverse on a motorway or cross solid markings dangerously.
• Don't underestimate Florida weather. Heavy rain can reduce visibility dramatically. Slow down, increase your following distance and never drive through floodwater.

Before you set off

• Take a few minutes to familirise yourself with the car.
• Adjust mirrors and seat before leaving the rental depot.
• Remember the driver sits on the left side of the car, but drives on the right side of the road.
• Keep a safe distance: American roads can be wide and traffic moves quickly.
• Watch for vehicles joining from slip roads and be prepared for multi-lane junctions.
• Take your time and stay in the right hand or middle lane.Turnings can quickly approach so you will always be ready to pull off.