Answers to frequently asked questions about our state, its beaches, cities, weather, attractions and theme parks.
- How expensive is it to vacation in Florida?
- How hot does it get in the summer?
- How cold does it get in the winter?
- How warm / cold are seas during the summer and winter?
- How much does it rain?
- How sunny is here?
- How safe are the beaches from sharks?
- Are jellyfish a problem?
- Will stingrays attack?
- What is red tide and why should I care?
- Will I see alligators?
- Which beaches are good for surfing?
- When is hurricane season?
- Will I see Dolphins?
- Will I see whales?
- When is the busy tourist season?
- What are Manatees?
- What's the difference between a Dolphin and a Porpoise?
- Is there much lightning?
- How many kinds of poisonous snakes are there?
- How much of a problem are the mosquitoes?
- What's the state bird, flower, state capital, etc?
How expensive is it to vacation
in Florida?
Like many places in the US, it depends on location. Places
like Naples and areas in Miami and Fort Lauderdale can be moderate to
quite expensive. However, even in popular tourist locations like
Orlando there are often moderate to low cost accommodations and activities. For
value-conscious visitors, look for the discount, coupon booklets typically
found in fast-food restaurants and convenience stores. Also be
very aware of the peak tourist seasons when rates are the highest in
most locations.
How hot does it get in the
summer?
High temperatures average around 91°F/33°C during
the day, and drop to an average of 70°F/22°C during the night. See
our Florida Weather page for more
information.
How cold does it get in the
winter?
With nearly 500 miles distance from north to south,
the winter temperatures vary more by location. High
temperatures in the northern part of the state average around 60°F/16°C
during the day, and drop to an average of 40°F/4°C during the
night. High temperatures in the southern part average
around 75°F/24°C during the day, and drop to an average of
59°F/15°C during the night. See our Florida
Weather page for more information.
How warm / cold are seas during
the summer and winter?
Sea temperatures along our beaches range from 56°F/13°C
in the winter to 86°F/30°C in the summer! The sea temperatures
along the Atlantic beaches several degrees cooler in the summer than
those along the Gulf coast. See our Florida
Weather page for more information.
How much does it rain?
Rainfall varies widely by location but there is generally more rainfall
in the summer months than during the winter months. See
our Florida Weather page for
more information.
How sunny is Florida?
Florida averages 300 days of sunshine per year.
How safe are the beaches from
sharks?
Florida had 18 unprovoked shark attacks with one fatality
in 2005 according to the International Shark Attack File, Florida Museum
of Natural History, University of Florida. Considering the millions
of people that visit our beaches every year, this is a very low statistical
rate (of course not for those that were bit!).
Are jellyfish a problem?
Jellyfish are common to all ocean waters, but are not everywhere
all of the time and most are harmless. Some visitors and locals
have never seen a jellyfish in our waters. Check with
local lifeguards or officials to be sure.
Will stingrays attack?
There are many kinds of rays along our coasts and most pose no
threat. None will actually "attack", however, they
do have a very painful barb that will be deployed if stepped on. If
stingrays are known to be in the area, or if in doubt, simply shuffle the
feet while walking through the water.
What is red tide and why should
I care?
Red tide is an overgrowth or bloom of algae in seawater. The
algae produces a toxin that can kill marine animals and cause respiratory
irritation to humans. Severe outbreaks make it very unpleasant
to be in or near the water.
Will I see alligators?
This is much more probable today than it was a few decades
ago. Alligators have made an amazing recovery and can now be
found in every part of state, including many suburban lakes and ponds!
Which beaches are good for
surfing?
Generally all beaches along the Atlantic coast have potential for surfers. Surf in the Florida keys and along
the west coast is low to almost non-existent, however.
When is hurricane season?
June 1st to November 30th. Historically, the majority
of hurricane activity occurs in August, September and into October.
Will I see Dolphins?
Assuming this question is in reference to the marine mammal
and not the Miami Dolphins football team!, dolphins are quite numerous
and often seen from the shore and while boating. The probability
of seeing dolphins is much higher than that of seeing sharks, manatees
or whales. In tourist popular areas along the coasts, dolphin
watch boating tours are often available.
Will I see whales?
Whale sightings around Florida are very rare.
When is the busy tourist season?
November through April are the peak tourist seasons in central
to south area. The Orlando area is busy year-round. Northern
Florida sees its peak in summer.
What are Manatees?
Manatees are large, gray aquatic mammals, often called "sea
cows" that live in warm, shallow waters near the coast. They
have rounded bodies that taper to a horizontal, paddle-shaped tail. Manatees
feed on sea vegetation.
What's the difference between
a Dolphin and a Porpoise?
Porpoises are generally smaller, have more rounded noses,
spade shaped teeth and triangular dorsal fins. Dolphins have more pointed
(bottle nose) snouts, curved dorsal fins and cone shaped teeth and
are generally larger than porpoises.
Does Florida have much lightning?
Storms anywhere in Florida may bring lightning, but the west-central
to east-central areas of Florida receive more lightning than any other
area in the United States on an annual basis. Most of this lightning
occurs during the summer months.
How many kinds of poisonous
snakes are in Florida?
Of nearly 45 species of snakes in Florida, only 6 are venomous
including the diamondback rattlesnake, the canebrake rattlesnake, pygmy
rattlesnake, cottonmouth, copperhead and coral snake.
How much of a problem are
the mosquitoes?
Problems with mosquitoes range from nearly non-existent in
populous areas and during the cool months, to quite severe in moist
to wet woodland areas, hammocks and saw grass prairies, particularly
in the southern region and during the summer months.