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Orlando HowTo

Driving in Orlando

Driving in Los Angeles

When planning your trip to Orlando, figuring out how to get around is just one detail that makes you nervous. Don't worry. There are several ways to get around Orlando and and get you to the attractions you want to see.

Getting around Orlando by car can be cumbersome but the key to a stress-free Orlando driving is planning ahead. Alleviate some of the hassle of driving in Orlando by getting driving directions before getting on the road.

Whether you're visiting Orlando for the first time or are a frequent traveler to the area, make sure you're aware of these important driving rules and laws that govern Orlando and most parts of the Sunshine State

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to drive.

1. Visitors who drive in Florida must have a valid license from another U.S. state or territory or from their country of residence.

2. The new law requiring foreign visitors to have an international driving permit to drive in Florida will not be enforced because it violates an international treaty.

3. Florida requires proof of financial responsibility in order to drive legally. Most rental car companies in Orlando will offer car insurance coverage for foreign visitors, however if you decide to use such an insurance, always read the fine print and make sure you understand what's covered. Also check with your Auto insurance back home to see if they will cover your Orlando car rental.

For visitors from the UK, you should note that many car insurance companies in the UK do cover foreign driving, but some also have a restriction of only covering foreign driving in EU countries.

Check to make sure your current car insurance in your country will cover you in the US.

4. Buckle up or get cited. All drivers and passengers are required to wear a seatbelt when the vehicle is in motion. Child seats are also a requirement for children under the age of 3 years old. Children 4 through 5 must be secured by either a federally approved child restraint seat or safety belt. Florida's seat-belt fine is $30. For a child that is not properly restrained the violation is $60.

5. Florida law mandates that all drivers turn on their headlights and windshield wipers when it's raining. Orlando gets sudden downpours that last for a few minutes, then disappears mostly from late June through early September.

6. If you need help with a roadside emergency when you're on the highway, Florida Highway Patrol is available to help you. Use the blue call box on the side of the road to track down a Florida Highway Patrol If you can't find one, you can also dial *FHP from your cell phone.

7. The speed limit is 70 miles per hour on the highway. Business and residential roads around Orlando will have a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour. Speeding fines double in construction and school zones and in Disney territory.

8. Driving while intoxicated is illegal and anyone caught driving with a blood alcohol level of .08% or greater will be immediately arrested.

Orlando Toll Roads

The best way to get around and avoid the Orlando traffic is to use the toll roads. The Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority (OOCEA) operates an electronic toll collection system known as E-PASS

East-West Expressway
(SR 408)

SR 408 Spessard Lindsay Holland East-West Expressway.

SR 408 Spessard Lindsay Holland East-West Expressway

John Land Apopka Expressway
(SR 414)

John Land Apopka Expressway also referred to as "Apopka Bypass"

Eastern BeltwayEastern Beltway
(SR 417)
Western Beltway

Western Beltway
(SR 429)

429 known as the Wekiva Parkway™

Beachline ExpresswayBeachline Expressway
(SR 528)

SR 528 Martin B. Andersen Beachline Expressway (formerly Bee Line Expressway)

 
Directions
From To Directions
Orlando International Airport
Orlando International Airport
Walt Disney World
Take the south exit from Orlando International Airport to State Road 417. Take State Road 417 south to Osceola Parkway (Exit 3). Turn right on Osceola Parkway heading west to Walt Disney World.
Orlando International Airport
Kissimmee Resort Area
Take the south exit from Orlando International Airport to State Road 417. Take State Road 417 south to Celebration Avenue (Exit 2). Turn right on Celebration Avenue heading north to U.S. 192.
Orlando International Airport
Downtown Orlando
Take the north exit from Orlando International Airport to State Road 528. Take State Road 528 east to State Road 417 (Exit 16). Take State Road 417 north to State Road 408 (Exit 33B). Take State Road 408 west into downtown Orlando.
Orlando International Airport
Oviedo, Winter Springs,
Lake Mary, Sanford
Take the north exit from Orlando International Airport to State Road 528. Take State Road 528 east to State Road 417. Take State Road 417 north to Exit 41 (Oviedo), Exit 44 (Winter Springs), Exit 48 (Sanford-Lake Mary).
Orlando International Airport
International Drive, Convention Center, Sea World,
Universal Studios
Take the north exit from Orlando International Airport to State Road 528. Take State Road 528 west to Exit 1(International Drive). Turn left on International Drive for Sea World. Turn right on International Drive for Convention Center/Universal Studios.
Orlando International Airport
University of Central Florida
Take the north exit from Orlando International Airport to State Road 528. Take State Road 528 east to State Road 417 (Exit 16). Take State Road 417 north to University Boulevard (Exit 37). Take University Blvd east to the University of Central Florida.
Orlando International Airport
Brevard County, Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach
Take the north exit from Orlando International Airport to State Road 528. Take State Road 528 east to Brevard County.
Orlando International Airport
Florida's Turnpike
Take the north exit from Orlando International Airport to State Road 528. Take State Road 528 west to Exit 4 (Florida's Turnpike/U.S. 441).

Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority (OOCEA)Note: When traveling in Central Florida, you should know that the Beachline Expressway was formally known as the Beeline Expressway. You might still come across some old road signs. So be aware that these two names are actually the same highway.

Universal Studios Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando
Walt Disney World Resort
Orange County Convention Center

Florida Cell Phone Law

Driving and talking on a cell phone in Florida is legal.

Driving Distance from Orlando FL. to

Destination Miles Approx. Drive Time
Cape Canaveral 54 55 minutes
Tampa 85 1 hour and 45 mins
St. Petersburg 100 2 hours
St. Augustine 106 1 hour and 45 mins
Clearwater 105  
Jacksonville 140 2 hours and 10 mins
Fort Myers 155  
Naples 190  
Fort Lauderdale 210  
Miami 237

3 hours and 45 mins

Tallahassee 255 4 hours and 25 mins
Everglades 270 4 hours and 20 mins
Key West 398 7 hours

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