Florida, When to Go and Some Rules

Most parts of Florida are warm and sunny year-round.

Evenings can get chilly in winter, so bring a sweater or jacket if you're visiting then.

You may want to avoid the summer months in the extreme south, which can be very hot and humid. Hurricane season runs from June through October and is carefully monitored by the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

AVERAGE HIGH/LOW TEMPERATURES (°F)

Miami
Jan 75/59May 85/72Sept 88/76
Feb 77/60June 88/75Oct 85/72
Mar 79/64July 89/76Nov 80/67
Apr 82/68Aug 89/77Dec 77/62

Parks and Recreation

Water-related activities, hiking, riding, various other sports, picnicking, and visitor centers, as well as camping, are available in many of Florida's parks and recreation areas. Approximately half of the state recreation areas have camping facilities: $8-$20 per site per night; $2 per day extra for waterfront sites.

Stay is limited to two weeks; no pets overnight. Most campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only; however, in 24 parks (26 in summer), reservations are taken by telephone only, no more than 60 days in advance.

Electricity fee is $2 per night. Camping groups of more than four people (limit eight) are charged $1 for each additional person. Notification is advised for parties arriving after closing hours. Some parks have vacation cabins, $20-$125 per night.

Boat ramp use costs $2-$4. The basic state park entrance fee per vehicle is $3.25; additional passenger fee (after the eighth person) $1.

Several parks charge additional fees for tours, etc. All parks are open daily, 8 am-sundown. Some parks, with camping, are open week-end preceding holidays and are open until 10 pm; other parks are open to 10 pm during busy season.

For further information and a free brochure, Florida State Parks Guide, contact the Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Recreation and Parks, MS 535, 3900 Commonwealth Blvd, Tallahassee 32399; phone 850/488-9872.

FISHING AND HUNTING
Florida has approximately 600 varieties of fish in its offshore waters and freshwater fish in more than 10,000 lakes. Freshwater fishing is most productive in the spring; sport fishing is good all year.

An annual nonresident saltwater fishing license is $31.50; a resident license costs $13.50; and a nonresident seven-day license is $16.50. An annual non-resident freshwater license is $31.50; a resident license costs $13.50; and a nonresident seven-day license is $16.50. There is no short-term resident license for freshwater fishing.

Anglers should obtain the proper license, freshwater or saltwater, that covers the species of fish they intend to keep.

Because of its climate and large forest areas, Florida has an abundance of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, small game, and game birds. Open seasons are established annually but usually fall between late September and mid-April. A nonresident (excluding Alabama) annual license is $151.50; an annual hunting license for Alabama residents is $101.50;
a resident annual license is $12.50; and a nonresident ten-day license is $26.50. An annual resident combination hunting/fishing license is $23.50. The following additional stamps are required: archery or muzzleloaders, $5; turkey, $5; state waterfowl, $3.

There is a $26.50 fee for both residents and nonresidents hunting in state management areas.

Hunting and fishing licenses are not required for persons younger than16. Residents older than 65 do not need to purchase a hunting or freshwater fishing license, but they must obtain a special permit (free). An additional charge of up to $3 may be added to the price of all hunting and fishing licenses and stamps. For further information about saltwater fishing, contact the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 3900 Commonwealth Blvd, Tallahassee 32399; phone 850/488-5757.

For information about hunting or freshwater fishing, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife conservation Commission, 620 5 Meridian St, Tallahassee 32399-1600; phone 888/HUNT-FLORIDA or 888/FISH-FLORIDA.

Driving Information
Safety belts are mandatory for all persons in the front seat of a vehicle.

Children under 5 years must be in an approved passenger restraint anywhere in a vehicle; children ages 4 and 5 may use a regulation safety belt; age 3 and under must use an approved child safety seat.

For more information, phone 850/488-5370.