Florida is a popular tourist destination, known for its comfortable winter weather, beach communities, and cultural attractions. The state has seen a population boom in recent years, with an influx of new residents from other states. While Florida offers a range of exciting vacation options, there are a few safety considerations to keep in mind when travelling within the state. In addition to the impact of natural disasters and the COVID-19 epidemic, travellers should be aware of issues such as pickpocketing, mugging, and the presence of alligators in certain areas. Overall, Florida is a relatively safe state to visit, but it is important to take common-sense precautions and stay informed about potential risks.
What You'll Learn
- Florida encourages domestic tourism to help the state's economy recover from COVID-19
- Floridians can reserve campsites at state parks 11 months in advance
- Florida is a member of the Non-Resident Violators Compact, which requires states to report serious traffic violations to the driver's home state
- Florida's Move Over law requires drivers to shift lanes for disabled vehicles or slow down to avoid fines
- Florida is prone to natural disasters like floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes
Florida encourages domestic tourism to help the state's economy recover from COVID-19
Florida's tourism industry has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the state has been encouraging domestic tourism to aid the industry's recovery. In September 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his support for VISIT FLORIDA's new in-state marketing campaign, which aimed to boost Florida's tourism industry and economy, still reeling from the effects of the pandemic.
Dan Rowe, Chairman of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and President and CEO of Visit Panama City Beach, praised Governor DeSantis' measured approach during the COVID-19 epidemic and his commitment to revitalizing Florida's economy. Rowe also encouraged Floridians to explore the diverse regions of their state, highlighting destinations like Panama City Beach and Northwest Florida.
Frank Belzer, SVP of Portfolio Sales at Universal Orlando, acknowledged the importance of in-state travel for the recovery of the Orlando area's businesses and jobs. He thanked Governor DeSantis and VISIT FLORIDA for their efforts in getting businesses up and running again, allowing Floridians to return to work.
Claire Bilby, SVP of Sales, Events, and Services at Disney Destinations, Walt Disney World Parks, and Resorts, recognized the crucial role of Florida's tourism businesses in the state's economy. She expressed gratitude for Governor DeSantis' and VISIT FLORIDA's dedication to reviving the tourism industry through this campaign.
Bobby Cornwell, Executive Director of the Florida Association of RVs and Campgrounds, echoed similar sentiments, stating that reminding Floridians of the memorable experiences within their state was a wise investment. He believed this strategy would effectively target those willing to travel immediately, marking a crucial step towards tourism recovery.
Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), emphasized the necessity of VISIT FLORIDA's in-state campaign for the revival of the tourism and hospitality industry. She invited Floridians to uncover the hidden gems within their state while also stimulating the economy and creating job opportunities.
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Floridians can reserve campsites at state parks 11 months in advance
Floridians can reserve campsites and cabins at state parks up to 11 months in advance. This is part of an effort to encourage Floridians to travel within the state and support the recovery of Florida's tourism industry, which was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ability to reserve campsites and cabins 11 months in advance is exclusive to Floridians, as non-residents can only make reservations up to 10 months in advance. This change came into effect on January 1, 2024, when Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 109, prioritizing Floridians for campsite reservations.
Reservations can be made by visiting the Florida State Parks reservations website or by calling 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern Time. It is important to note that reservations are made on a pay-in-advance basis and are subject to change without notice.
Florida state parks offer a range of outdoor activities and opportunities for visitors to enjoy wide-open spaces. The reservation system ensures fairness and provides Floridians with a convenient way to plan their trips and secure their preferred campsites or cabins.
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Florida is a member of the Non-Resident Violators Compact, which requires states to report serious traffic violations to the driver's home state
Florida is a member of the Non-Resident Violator Compact (NRVC), which is an interstate agreement used by 44 states and Washington, D.C. to process traffic citations across state borders. The NRVC standardizes the way states handle non-residents who receive moving traffic violations, such as speeding or running a red light, within their jurisdiction. This means that if a Florida driver is cited for a moving violation in another member state and does not respond (e.g., by not paying a ticket), the other state will notify Florida, and the driver's license will be suspended until they address the violation.
The NRVC was established in the 1970s and aims to ensure compliance with traffic citations and reduce the inconvenience and hardship for motorists who receive out-of-state citations. Under the compact, a motorist cited for a violation in a member state is released on their own recognizance, promising to appear in court or pay the fine. If they fail to do so, the issuing state reports this to the driver's home state, which then takes action, such as suspending their license.
Florida's participation in the NRVC is important for maintaining order and safety on the roads, especially with many people travelling out of state. It ensures that Florida drivers who commit traffic violations in other member states are held accountable for their actions and encourages compliance with traffic laws, making the roads safer for everyone.
It is worth noting that the NRVC is being superseded by the new Driver License Agreement (DLA), which will replace other similar agreements, such as the Driver License Compact. This new agreement will further streamline the process of handling traffic violations across state lines and ensure uniform procedures among member states.
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Florida's Move Over law requires drivers to shift lanes for disabled vehicles or slow down to avoid fines
Under the Move Over law, drivers must move over a lane when approaching a stopped vehicle on the side of the road, regardless of the type of vehicle. If drivers are unable to move over safely, they must slow down to a speed of 20 mph below the posted speed limit. On a two-lane roadway, drivers are required to slow down to 5 mph when the posted speed limit is 20 mph or less.
Violating the Move Over law is a serious offence that can result in fines, fees, and points on your driving record. In 2022, there were 170 crashes and over 14,000 citations issued for motorists failing to move over in Florida. The law is enforced by the Florida Highway Patrol, and officers have the discretion to warn or ticket drivers who violate the law.
The Move Over law is important for the safety of everyone on the road. By giving law enforcement, emergency responders, and other service vehicles adequate space to work, drivers can help to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Additionally, the law can provide peace of mind for those who find themselves in an emergency situation on the side of the road.
Florida residents and visitors are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Move Over law and abide by it to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
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Florida is prone to natural disasters like floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes
Florida is a peninsula in the southeasternmost part of the United States, bounded by the Gulf of Mexico to its west and the Atlantic Ocean to its east. This unique geography makes it particularly vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms. In fact, Florida is the US state most impacted by hurricanes. Since 1887, the state has experienced 173 hurricane-force storms, with 27 of these being Category-5 hurricanes, the most destructive and dangerous storms on Earth. Southeastern Florida, including Key West, the Florida Keys, and Southwest Florida, is considered the most likely place in the US to be hit by a major hurricane.
However, no part of Florida is completely safe from hurricanes. Even inland cities like Orlando, which has a lower risk of hurricanes, have experienced them. In 2022, Hurricane Ian caused $115 billion in damage and 150 deaths in Florida. Orlando's inland geography does offer some protection, as storms tend to weaken by the time they reach the city. Similarly, cities like Tampa and Jacksonville have experienced minimal hurricane impact for being Florida coastal cities.
In addition to hurricanes, Florida is also prone to tornadoes, which can be produced by tropical storms and hurricanes. The state also experiences flooding, which can be caused by heavy rains during hurricanes or tropical storms. Florida's low-lying geography makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding, with some areas, like Miami, sitting just a few feet above sea level.
Florida's vulnerability to natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding is due in part to its location in the path of subtropical and tropical storms that form in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, in particular, provide the energy needed for hurricanes to form and strengthen. While Florida's sunny weather and beaches are attractive to many, the state's frequent natural disasters are a significant concern for residents and visitors alike.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Floridians can travel out of state. In fact, in 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis encouraged Floridians to travel within the state to help the tourism industry recover from COVID-19.
No, a valid ID should suffice for US residents traveling interstate.
Yes, there are systems in place that allow states to share information about drivers with their home state. If you are convicted of a DUI in any state, Florida will be alerted and the penalties of the DUI will be upheld.