Florida travels almost exclusively by car — significant distances, limited public transport, no Acela-style high-speed train.
Car rental is essential from arrival at Miami International (MIA), Fort Lauderdale (FLL) or Orlando International (MCO) — $40-80/day for economy, $60-120 for SUV. All agencies (Hertz, Sixt, Enterprise, Alamo, Budget, National, Dollar, Thrifty) operate at airports. Book via Auto Europe, RentalCars.com or directly (Sixt often competitive). Choose full LDW/CDW insurance (+$50-80 for peace of mind). French licence valid 3 months, mandatory credit card for deposit ($200-500 blocked). Drive from minimum 21 (under-25 surcharge $25/day for 21-24).
Useful distances: Miami-Fort Lauderdale 45 km (45 min), Miami-Orlando 380 km (3h45), Miami-Key West 270 km (4h via Overseas Highway), Miami-Tampa 450 km (4h30), Miami-Naples 200 km (2h15), Miami-Cape Canaveral 380 km (4h), Orlando-Cape Canaveral 100 km (1h), Orlando-Tampa 130 km (1h30), Orlando-Miami 380 km. Highway speed limit: 70 mph (113 km/h). Florida road tolls: numerous (Florida's Turnpike, SunPass, E-Pass), include Toll Pass option in your car rental (+$5-10/day) to avoid fines.
Domestic flights: Silver Airways Miami-Key West ($180-350 return, 1h, but Key West Airport very small, variable prices). Delta, American, JetBlue, Southwest for Miami-Tampa, Miami-Orlando, Miami-Jacksonville ($80-200 return, 1h flight but 2x1h30 transfers = uninteresting vs car).
In Miami, limited public transport: Metromover (free downtown), Metrorail (centre to suburbs, little tourist use), Metrobus. Miami Beach Trolley (free in South Beach). Uber/Lyft available ($3-15 for most trips), taxis expensive ($25-50 typical trip). Brightline fast train Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach-Orlando (launched 2023, $80-130 Miami-Orlando, 3h30) — interesting car alternative if combining both cities.
In Orlando, car nearly mandatory to reach parks. Disney offers free shuttles (Disney's Magical Express replaced in 2022 by paid Mears Connect $39/person return) from MCO airport and between Disney hotels and parks (free, every 20 min). Lyft/Uber airport-Disney hotel $50-90. If staying at Disney and not leaving, no car needed. If combining Disney + Universal + city, car hire recommended.
In the Keys, essential car (single axis, the Overseas Highway US-1). No regular tourist bus. Key West bike rental $15-25/day (very walkable and bikeable city, limited parking).
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