ABOUT FLORIDA

Florida is famous for its sunny weather, lively culture, and diverse natural scenery. Situated in the southeastern corner of the United States, the state features more than 1,300 miles of coastline, making it a dream destination for beachgoers. From the energetic city life of Miami to the relaxed atmosphere of Key West, Florida has something to suit every kind of traveller.

It’s also a global hub for family fun, thanks to world-renowned attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, which welcome millions of visitors each year. With its warm, tropical climate, Florida is a popular spot year-round, offering hot summers and pleasant, mild winters.

Nature lovers can explore the vast Everglades National Park, home to an abundance of wildlife including manatees, crocodiles, and exotic birds. The Florida Keys – a chain of islands stretching into the Gulf – are famous for crystal-clear waters and incredible diving and snorkelling spots. Beyond its natural attractions, Florida has a rich and varied history, from the Spanish colonial roots of St. Augustine to the pioneering spirit of space exploration at Cape Canaveral.

Sports fans have plenty to cheer for, too, with professional teams in the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL providing entertainment throughout the year. Cities like Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville offer a thriving cultural scene, packed with museums, art spaces, theatres, and music events. Food lovers won’t be disappointed either – Florida is known for its fresh seafood, iconic key lime pie, and regional favourites like stone crab and grouper.

Whether you're chasing thrills, enjoying nature, diving into culture, or just soaking up the sunshine, Florida delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn.

Quick Snapshot

• Population: With around 22.6 million residents (2023), Florida ranks as the third most populous state in the United States, behind only California and Texas.
• Geographic Size: Spanning roughly 65,758 square miles (170,312 km²), Florida is the 22nd largest U.S. state by area, known more for its long coastline than landmass.
• State Capital: Tallahassee, located in the northern part of the state (Florida Panhandle), serves as the political centre of Florida.

Entry into the USA

As a U.S. state, Florida follows the country’s entry requirements, which depend on citizenship and the purpose of travel. Below are general guidelines:

• Visa Requirements: travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries can enter for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business. Others may require a B-1/B-2 visitor visa.
• ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization): VWP travelers must apply online for ESTA authorization before traveling. Visit the ESTA website.
• Valid Passport: All visitors need a valid passport for the entire duration of their stay.

Currency

The official currency of Florida, like all other U.S. states, is the U.S. Dollar (USD), symbolized by "$" and divided into 100 cents. It is issued by the Federal Reserve and is one of the most widely used currencies in global trade and finance. While exchange rates can vary, they generally include:

• 1 USD ≈ 0.90 – 0.95 EUR
• 1 USD ≈ 0.70 – 0.75 GBP
• 1 USD ≈ 110 – 115 JPY
• 1 USD ≈ 1.25 – 1.30 CAD

Electricity

Florida follows U.S. electrical standards, using NEMA 5-15 outlets (two vertical slots and a ground pin). The standard voltage is 120V at 60Hz.

Mobile services

Major mobile networks in Florida
Staying connected while exploring Florida is easy thanks to the wide coverage of major U.S. mobile carriers. Whether you're enjoying the beaches, visiting theme parks, or attending the Coke Zero Sugar 400 NASCAR race, these providers offer strong network reliability across the state:

AT&T
With broad national coverage, AT&T performs well throughout Florida, from major cities like Miami and Orlando to remote areas like the Everglades or the Florida Keys. Offering both prepaid and postpaid plans, AT&T’s expanding 5G network brings fast, dependable service–whether you're sunbathing in Key West or exploring Daytona Beach.

Verizon Wireless
Renowned for having one of the most reliable networks in the U.S., Verizon is a favourite among both locals and travellers. The carrier delivers strong coverage in cities and rural zones alike, with rapidly growing 5G Ultra Wideband service in key Florida locations like Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando. Plans include flexible and unlimited data options.

T-Mobile
T-Mobile has become increasingly popular for its competitive pricing and excellent international features, making it a smart choice for visitors from abroad. It offers solid coverage across much of Florida, particularly in Miami, Jacksonville, and Tallahassee. T-Mobile is also quickly expanding its 5G services across the state.

For short-term visitors, eSIM apps like Airalo offer a convenient way to access mobile data without needing a physical SIM card.

Key Contact Numbers

When calling from outside the U.S., remember to dial +1 before the number. Here are some essential contact numbers relevant to visitors attending the Coke Zero Sugar 400 and staying in the Daytona Beach area:

• Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Medical): 911
• Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau: +1 386-255-0415
• Emergency – Daytona International Speedway: +1 386-681-3333
• Daytona International Speedway (General Info): +1 800-748-7467
• Daytona Beach International Airport: +1 386-248-8030

Fun and fascinating facts about Florida

Florida is more than sunshine and beaches–it’s a state full of surprises. Here are 12 interesting facts that showcase what makes Florida truly unique:

• “The Sunshine State” – Florida’s nickname comes from its sunny, warm climate that draws visitors year-round.
• Sports Central – With teams in every major league (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL), and as the home of NASCAR’s Daytona 500 and Coke Zero Sugar 400, Florida is a dream for sports fans.
• Everglades National Park – The largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. and the only place where alligators and crocodiles coexist.
• Longest U.S. Coastline – Boasting over 1,350 miles of coastline, Florida offers endless beach options from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean.
• NASA’s Launchpad – Cape Canaveral’s Kennedy Space Center was the site of the historic Apollo 11 moon mission launch.
• Island Adventure – The Florida Keys include 1,700+ islands linked by scenic bridges, ending at the iconic Key West.
• Theme Park Capital – Home to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and more, Florida has the highest concentration of theme parks in the U.S.
• Alligator Central – Over 1.3 million alligators live in Florida–more than in any other state.
• Oldest City in the U.S. – St. Augustine, founded in 1565, holds the title of the oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the continental U.S.
• Home of Natural Springs – Florida features more than 700 freshwater springs, including the beautiful Silver Springs.
• Swamps & Wetlands – Big Cypress National Preserve is one of the country’s most expansive wetland ecosystems.
• Rare Wildlife – Florida’s diverse habitats support unique species such as the Florida panther and gentle manatees found in its springs and coastal waters.