ABOUT FLORIDA

Florida, situated in the southeastern United States, enchants visitors with its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and abundant sunshine. Known as the "Sunshine State," Florida boasts an average of over 230 sunny days a year, drawing tourists and residents alike to its warm climate. Its pristine beaches stretch along both the Gulf Coast and the Atlantic Ocean, offering sugary sands and azure waters perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.

The state's interior is home to the Everglades National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, where visitors can explore unique ecosystems filled with alligators, manatees, and a variety of bird species.

Florida's cities pulse with energy and culture, from the Latin flair of Miami to the historic charm of St. Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the United States. Orlando, often called the "Theme Park Capital of the World," hosts world-renowned attractions such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando, making it a top destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. Florida's rich history is evident in its architecture, with landmarks ranging from the Spanish colonial buildings of St. Augustine to the art deco gems of Miami Beach.

The state's culinary scene reflects its diverse influences, with Cuban, Caribbean, Latin American, and Southern cuisines all contributing to its vibrant gastronomy. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Florida's numerous state parks, hiking trails, and scenic waterways, including the Florida Keys, a string of tropical islands renowned for their coral reefs and marine life. With its vibrant culture, natural beauty, and endless recreational opportunities, Florida invites visitors to experience the best of sun-soaked paradise.

Quick facts

Land Area:  Florida ranks as the 22nd largest state in the U.S. in terms of land area, encompassing around 65,758 square miles (170,312 square kilometres).

Capital: Tallahassee serves as the capital city of Florida, positioned in the northern part of the state.

Population Center: Jacksonville holds the title of Florida's most populous city, spanning an area of roughly 747 square miles (1,934 square kilometres).

The Everglades: Spanning about 1.5 million acres (6,070 square kilometres) in southern Florida, the Florida Everglades represent the largest tropical wilderness in the U.S., featuring a distinctive ecosystem of marshes, mangroves, and wetlands.

Island Diversity: Florida is home to a myriad of islands, among them the Florida Keys, a chain of coral islands stretching southwest from the southern tip of the Florida peninsula. Key West, the westernmost island in the Florida Keys, is renowned for its relaxed ambience and vibrant architecture.

Entry into USA

As a state of the United States, the conditions of entry for visitors to Texas vary depending on factors such as the visitor's country of citizenship and the purpose of the visit.

Here are some general guidelines. However, it is essential to check the current entry requirements and regulations as they are subject to change.

Visa requirements
Citizens of certain countries may be eligible for short-term entry to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows visa-free travel for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. Citizens of other countries may need to obtain a visitor visa (B-1/B-2 visa) before travelling to the United States.

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
Travellers from countries eligible for the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorization through ESTA before travelling to the United States. ESTA determines the eligibility of travellers for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.

Where to apply for ESTA: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

Valid Passport
All visitors to the United States, regardless of visa requirements, must have a valid passport that remains valid for the duration of their stay

Currency

The currency in the United States is the US dollar (USD), which is the world's main reserve currency. It is denoted by the symbol "$" and is subdivided into 100 smaller units called cents.

The US dollar is issued and regulated by the Federal Reserve, the central banking system of the United States. It is widely accepted as a medium of exchange in international trade and finance, making it one of the most influential currencies in the world. The U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates depending on a variety of factors, including economic indicators, geopolitical events and market sentiment.

Approximate exchange rates for United States Dollar (USD) against some major currencies:

Euro (EUR): approximately 1 USD = 0.85 to 0.90 EUR.
British Pound Sterling (GBP): approximately 1 USD = 0,70 to 0,75 GBP.
Japanese Yen (JPY): approximately USD 1 = JPY 110 to JPY 115.
Canadian dollar (CAD): approximately USD 1 = CAD 1,25 to CAD 1,30.
Australian dollar (AUD): approximately USD 1 = AUD 1,25 to AUD 1,30.

Electricity

In Texas, as in the rest of the United States, the standard electrical outlet and plug type is the NEMA 5-15 configuration. It has three grooves, two vertical grooves for the live and neutral pins and a semicircular groove for the ground pin.

Mobile services

Mobile services in the US are provided by several large operators, several smaller regional operators and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs).

AT&T
AT&T is one of the largest mobile operators in the US and offers a wide range of tariffs for individuals, families and businesses. It provides nationwide coverage and offers postpaid and prepaid options.

Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is the largest prepaid provider: Verizon Wireless is another major player in the US mobile market, known for its extensive coverage and reliable network. It offers a variety of plans, including unlimited data options, for consumers and businesses.

T-Mobile
T-Mobile offers mobile plans that are only available to customers who can make calls from a cell phone: T-Mobile is known for its competitive pricing and innovative offerings, such as its "Un-carrier" initiatives. It provides nationwide coverage and offers plans with features such as international roaming and data porting.

MVNO
There are also a number of MVNOs in the US that lease network infrastructure from the major operators and offer their own branded tariffs. Examples include Cricket Wireless (which operates on AT&T's network), Boost Mobile (which operates on T-Mobile's network) and Visible (which operates on Verizon's network).

However, if you're not local and need mobile data, we recommend apps like Airalo.

Important telephone numbers

There are several important phone numbers in Miami that residents and visitors should know for emergencies and basic services. Here are some of the most important ones:

Emergency Service
Police, Fire, Medical Emergencies: 911

Non-Emergency Services
Miami-Dade Police Department Non-Emergency: 305-4-POLICE (305-476-5423)
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Non-Emergency: 305-468-5900

Health Services
Jackson Memorial Hospital (Main Public Hospital): 305-585-1111
Mount Sinai Medical Center (Private Hospital): 305-674-2121

Tourist Information
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau: 305-539-3000
Miami Beach Visitor Center: 305-672-1270

Interesting facts about Florida

There are several interesting facts about Florida, here are some of them:

Sunshine State Moniker
Florida is affectionately known as "The Sunshine State" owing to its copious sunshine throughout the year, boasting an average of around 230 sunlit days annually.

Symbolic State Flower
The orange blossom holds the prestigious title of Florida's state flower, emblematic of the state's thriving citrus industry and renowned for its delightful fragrance.

Everglades Wonder
Florida proudly hosts the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, the Everglades National Park, safeguarding an extraordinary expense of marshes, mangroves, and wetlands.

Space Exploration Hub
Cape Canaveral, positioned on Florida's eastern coast, serves as the principal launch site for NASA, witnessing the commencement of numerous historic space missions, including the monumental Apollo moon landings.

Sport in Florida
Florida boasts a vibrant professional sports scene with teams across all major American leagues. In the NFL, the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Jacksonville Jaguars represent the state. The NBA features the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic. MLB includes the Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays, while the NHL showcases the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning. MLS is represented by Inter Miami CF and Orlando City SC.

Other notable teams include the Orlando Pride in the NWSL, and the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Miami FC in the USL Championship. Florida also hosts significant sporting events such as the Daytona 500 (premier NASCAR race), Miami Open, The Players Championship, and the Orange Bowl, highlighting the state's dynamic and diverse sports culture.

Entertainment Oasis
Florida stands as a beacon for theme park enthusiasts, boasting attractions like Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando, which annually captivate millions of eager visitors.

Population Surge
Fueled by its balmy climate and diverse economic opportunities, Florida stands among the fastest-growing states in the U.S., experiencing substantial population escalation over recent decades.

Ecological Abundance
Florida boasts a diverse array of wildlife, from majestic alligators to serene manatees, playful dolphins, and a plethora of bird species. Its extensive coastline and wetlands serve as vital habitats for numerous wildlife populations.

Island Paradise
The Florida Keys, an archipelago of tropical islands extending southwest from the state's southern tip, allure with their vibrant coral reefs, bountiful fishing grounds, and relaxed ambience. Key West, the westernmost island, is celebrated for its colourful architecture and lively cultural scene.

Rich Spanish Heritage
Florida's vibrant Spanish heritage traces back to the 16th century, with Spanish explorers first setting foot in the region. This legacy is palpable in cities like St. Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the U.S., characterised by its enduring Spanish architecture and cultural influence.

Environmental Concerns
Florida confronts environmental adversities such as hurricanes, rising sea levels, and coastal erosion due to its low-lying terrain and proximity to the ocean. Ongoing initiatives strive to tackle these challenges and safeguard Florida's natural treasures for generations to come.