Florida

Climate
Known as the Sunshine State, the climate in Florida is sub-tropical in the north and truly tropical in the south around Florida Keys. In the summer, temperatures can get as high as 38C and in the winter it can feel chilly, especially in the north where temperatures can dip to below freezing. However, the seasons in the south are more marked by changes in rainfall rather than in temperature where heavy rain showers are prevalent in the spring and summer.



Language
English is the official language although Spanish is frequently spoken in the south of the State.


Telephone
There are comprehensive landline, broadband and wireless networks.

Customs / Culture
The Seminole Native Americans were mostly driven out of Florida by the white settlers in the 19th Century although a few remained in the Everglades where their descendants still live. Former black slaves moved en-masse out of the State and so, today, the customs and cultures are principally white-American with a strong Cuban influence in the south around Miami.

Traditions
Playing golf, avoiding the alligators when chipping near a lake or pond, eating outside in the yard under mosquito-proof mesh fencing at sunset, and swimming in the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean are just a few of the traditions in Florida.

Religion
Christianity is the principal religion practised in Florida.

Airports / Car rental
Miami, Orlando, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale airports are the main points of entry into Florida from where it is easy and advisable to rent a car.


Public Transport
Apart from planes and driving, there is a train service that begins and terminates in Orlando and links Florida to the southern United States. Greyhound buses operate up and down the State but driving a rental is far and away the easiest method of getting around.

Culinary Specialities
Seafood is without doubt the culinary specialty of the area and one of the principal industries. Eating out is relatively inexpensive especially when compared to the quantity of food delivered onto the plate.

Lifestyle
Life is good in Florida, which is why it is one of the most popular States in which to spend retirement years. The weather can be a little humid, but most people have homes that are air-conditioned and proofed against mosquitoes.

Sights
The most important industry in Florida is tourism and millions from all over the world are attracted by golden beaches and Florida’s amusement parks such as Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. There are also many golf courses as playing golf in Florida is big pastime for both residents and visitors.