Car Rental Florida

Roads and Highways

Main roads in Florida

I-75: runs from Fort Lauderdale, across to Naples and up the west coast, continuing north into Georgia.

I-4: goes from east to west, passing through Orlando all the way to Tampa. It joins the I-95 in the east and the I-75 in the west.

I-10: arrives in Florida from the west where it starts all the way over in Palm Springs, California. Takes you across the north of the state, through Tallahassee to Jacksonville.

I-95: travels along the east coast, from Miami up to Jacksonville where it continues north all the way to New York state.

Main Routes in Florida

Key Largo to Key West: the Florida Keys Overseas Highway is 113 miles long and connects to the mainland in Florida City. It’s two and a half hours to drive the entire length of the US-1 or two hours to go from Key Largo to Key West in the lower Florida Keys.

Orlando to Miami: It’ll take three and a half hours to travel between two of the state’s biggest and most popular cities via a route known as Florida’s Turnpike. This route has tolls, although you can avoid these by travelling on the I-95 S if you make your journey slightly longer.

Rules of the road

Speed limits

• The speed limit is 70mph on Interstates in Florida.
• This goes down to 65mph on four-lane divided highways that are situated outside urban areas.
• On all other state highways, the speed limit is 60mph.
• In residential areas, it’s 30mph.

Traffic

This state was made for road trips and is easy to drive around, with wide and well-maintained roads. You may find some traffic around the main cities, especially Orlando and its theme parks. But this shouldn’t cause too much disruption to your journey.  

Orlando

Orlando is a magical place that is fun for kids and adults alike. It’s also America’s most-visited destination, attracting millions of tourists each year, the majority of which head straight for the thrilling rides.

There are 10 main theme parks including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. The water parks are the perfect way to cool down while Disney Springs is home to shops, restaurants and shows.

Don’t overlook the city itself – it has great theaters, shopping malls and golf courses.

Miami

Glamourous and vibrant, Miami is known for its pretty pastel-colored Art Deco buildings and palm tree-lined beaches.

Although not technically in the city, you can’t miss the world-famous Miami Beach, situated on an island just off the coastline.

Wind the windows down and cruise along the famous Ocean Drive in your rental car, with views of both the beach and the city’s unique architecture. Then head to Little Havana for a taste of Cuban culture.

Tampa

Not all of Florida’s theme parks are in Orlando.

In Tampa you’ll find Busch Gardens, an African-themed amusement park that is home to the likes of elephants and giraffes as well as great rides.

Nearby you’ll find Adventure Island water park, the perfect way to cool off from the heat, while you’ll be able to go canoeing at Hillsborough River State Park.

Fort Lauderdale and the Everglades

You’ll be treated to a gorgeous backdrop in this city, which is ideally situated just a short distance from the Everglades.

There are a number of ways to explore the 1.5 million acres of tropical wetlands here – including by gondola, air boat and riverboat.

Back in Fort Lauderdale itself, you can explore 23 miles of coastline and picturesque canals and many water-based activities. Head to Las Olas Boulevard for shopping and art galleries.

Fort Myers

Fort Myers is best-known for golf and fishing, but it’s also got some spectacular beaches and is a great place to see wildlife.

Drive your Florida rental car over to Sanibel Island, just off the coastline, to see the state’s most famous animal – the alligator – among the mangrove forest at J.N ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

Rent a kayak, head to an amphitheater and make friends with gentle giant manatees at Manatee Park.   

Sarasota

Sarasota is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Gulf Coast. Here you’ll find Siesta Key Beach, rated as one of the best beaches in the whole of America.

Fancy a spot of retail therapy? Then head to St Armand’s Circle. You can also visit the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art to find out more about America’s most famous circus, which was once based right here.

Key West

Key West, on the lower Florida Keys, is the southernmost city in the USA. It’s known for its stretches of sugar-white sand and emerald-green water, with the two-mile-long Smathers Beach being one of the most popular.

This city was once home to Ernest Hemingway – and you can visit his home where six-toed cats still roam as well as Sloppy Joe’s, his favorite bar on Duval Street. Head to Mallory Square for lively atmosphere and to see the famous sunset.