Florida

Coastal Beaches

Best Season to Visit: Winter

Best Off-Peak Month to Visit: September

Famous For: Beaches, Everglades wetlands, Coral reefs and diving, Theme parks

Train Access: Yes (amtrak, brightline, tri-rail, sunrail, very safe)

Bus Service: Yes (Greyhound, Megabus, RedCoach, relatively safe)

Tourist Visa: Most Western passport holders (US, UK, Canada, EU citizens) enter Florida visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program for up to 90 days; an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) costs $14 and requires online approval before arrival. Non-visa-waiver nationals must apply for a B-2 tourist visa at a US embassy.

Florida spans 500+ miles from the Georgia border to Key West, featuring Atlantic beaches, Gulf Coast white-sand shores, and subtropical inland ecosystems. Visitors swim in the Atlantic near Miami and Fort Lauderdale, kayak through the Everglades' mangrove channels, dive coral reefs in the Florida Keys, and explore spring-fed rivers like the Crystal River. The state's interior contains natural springs, cypress swamps, and wildlife reserves. Coastal cities like Tampa, Jacksonville, and Pensacola offer urban beaches and waterfront dining. Regional cuisine includes fresh grouper, stone crab, key lime pie, and Cuban sandwiches in Miami. Theme parks cluster near Orlando, while the Panhandle's Gulf Shores provide quieter beach experiences.

Podcasts

Episode 6: Jake Barber - Expat Finance Expert and Lifelong Expat

Jake Barber is an expat finance expert and the founder and principal of SJB Global. A lifelong expat currently living in Marbella, Spain, Jake has vast experience helping expats from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries manage their finances while living abroad. Get a primer on what you need to know both before and after you move abroad!

Episode 8: Jake Barber - The Expat Finance Expert Returns

Jake Barber, the Founder and CEO of SJB Global, is a life-long expat and an expert in expat finance. Over the course of Expat Exchange's nearly 30 years online, there are few people we have met with as much lived experience and professional acumen as Jake. We were thrilled to welcome him back to the show and look forward to having him on again!

Planning Your Trip to Florida

Weather: Florida experiences a subtropical to tropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The state receives significant rainfall, particularly during the summer months and hurricane season (June through November). Winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing in most areas, though northern Florida can experience occasional cold snaps. Seasonal variation is minimal compared to northern U.S. states, with summer being notably hotter and more humid than winter.

Festivals: Vizcaya Museum of Arts & Design Winter Festival, Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Miami Art Basel, Sunfest Music Festival

Best Destinations for Kids: Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando and Kennedy Space Center on the Space Coast provide full-day experiences. The Miami Seaquarium and Gatorland near Orlando offer wildlife encounters.

Hidden Gem: The Nature Coast between Crystal River and Cedar Key features undeveloped Gulf shoreline, freshwater springs, and minimal tourism infrastructure compared to central Florida's crowded beaches. Visitors encounter manatees, kayak pristine waterways, and access small fishing villages without resort crowds.

Budget-Friendly Advice: Budget accommodations range from $60-100/night in hostels and budget motels outside major tourist zones; mid-range hotels cost $100-180/night. Meals at casual restaurants run $12-18 per person; groceries and food trucks offer cheaper options at $6-10. Regional bus systems like Greyhound and local transit exist, but a rental car ($35-50/day) is practical for exploring beyond urban centers. Camping in state parks costs $20-35/night.

Accessibility: Major cities and theme parks meet ADA accessibility standards with wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms, and adapted transportation. Beach access varies; some Gulf and Atlantic beaches have boardwalks and beach wheelchairs, while natural areas like the Everglades have limited wheelchair-accessible trails. Public transit in Miami and Tampa includes accessible buses and rail systems.

For the Solo Traveler: Solo travelers find Florida generally safe in populated tourist areas and major cities; Miami, Tampa, and Key West have established solo traveler communities and nightlife. Public transportation exists in urban centers, though a rental car provides independence for exploring regional attractions. The Keys' linear geography makes solo navigation straightforward. Women travelers should exercise standard urban precautions in downtown Miami and isolated rural areas.

Planning a 1 Week Stay: Spend 2-3 days in Miami or the Keys for beaches and diving, 2 days exploring the Everglades via airboat tours or kayaking, and 2-3 days in the Tampa Bay or Gulf Coast region. This covers Atlantic and Gulf experiences plus the state's signature wetland ecosystem without requiring inland theme park time.

Planning a 1 Month Stay: Allocate 10 days to the Keys and Miami, 8 days to Gulf Coast regions (Panhandle, Tampa Bay, Nature Coast), 7 days to the Everglades and inland springs, and 5 days to the Space Coast or lesser-visited areas like the Suwannee River region. This pacing avoids theme parks while covering coastal diversity, natural ecosystems, and regional variations across the state's 500-mile length.