Your Visit Florida Selling Guide
Is your client travelling to Florida for the first time or in need of some fast facts? Here’s need-to-know information for the Sunshine State.
Florida Essentials
Visas: To enter or transit through the USA, those carrying a British or Irish passport must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or a visa. Apply for an ESTA here. You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you travelled to or were in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021. If you are not eligible for an ESTA, you must instead apply for a US visa.
Flights
Visitors from the UK can choose to fly direct to one of Florida’s four international airports:
- Orlando (MCO)
- Melbourne Orlando (MLB)
- Tampa (TPA)
- Miami (MIA)
Please see the table right for the current schedules.*
| Gatwick | Heathrow | Manchester | |
| Orlando | British Airways; Norse Atlantic | British Airways; Virgin Atlantic; Aer Lingus | Virgin Atlantic |
| Tampa | British Airways; American Airlines | British Airways; Virgin Atlantic | |
| Miami | British Airways | British Airways; Virgin Atlantic; American Airlines | |
| Melbourne Orlando | TUI | TUI |
*This information is subject to change and correct as of February 2026.
Best time to go
Florida is an all-year-round destination for all visitor types. Families and multi-generational families from the UK would typically travel during school holidays such as Easter, Summer and the October half-term.
Temperatures in the northern part of the state occasionally drop to freezing in winter (December-February), while South Florida’s subtropical areas rarely see a dip in temperature. Summers (June-September) are very warm and humid, though frequent, brief rain showers provide a refreshing break.
The “rainy season” lasts from May through October. Hurricanes occasionally make landfall in Florida during this period; communities within the state have effective emergency plans to assist residents and visitors alike. Though some rainfall does occur at other times of year, autumn, winter and spring are usually sunny, dry and temperate.
What's on?
Want to know when Florida’s best holiday destinations come alive during seasonal celebrations or festivities favoured by the locals? Check out some of the Sunshine State’s highlight events below or click the button for our month-by-month event guide.
Where? Downtown Crystal River
When? January
What? Celebrate Florida’s beloved gentle giant with arts and crafts, live music, a beer garden and live manatee viewing at the nearby Three Sisters Spring. The event is a favourite among locals as it grows and adds attractions each year.
Where? Various locations in Fort Myers
When? February
What? Thomas Edison wintered in Fort Myers from 1885 until his death in 1931, and this almost month-long fest pays homage to the great inventor. Highlights include the Thomas Alva Edison Science & Inventors Fair, Strolling Flower Show, Antique Car Show, Thomas Edison Birthday Party, Crafts on the River & Vintage Market, Grand Parade, Classic Car Show and the don’t-miss-it Mutt Strutt.
Where? Museum of Discovery & Science and the beach, Fort Lauderdale
When? June/July
What? Enjoy an evening of sea turtle exploration and identification while uncovering the natural history and myths of turtles. With a little luck and weather permitting, visitors might just see a 300-pound loggerhead venture out of the ocean to lay her eggs.
Where? Various restaurants in Pensacola
When? August
What? Visitors can delight their tastebuds on this fixed-price culinary adventure through Pensacola’s top restaurants. Each chef has geared their menus toward local and seasonal ingredients.
Where? Various locations across Key West
When? August
What? Celebrate the spirit of community and togetherness at Key West Rum Fest. Come for the music, stay for the food, and enjoy the company of fellow festival-goers. With a diverse lineup of artists, there's something for everyone.
Where? Universal Orlando Resort
When? Select nights in September through November
What? For more than 20 years, Universal Orlando Resort has brought to life guests' most horrifying fears in a way no one else can. At Halloween Horror Nights, visitors will encounter hundreds of “scareactors” roaming throughout eight haunted houses, scare zones and shows that are sure to create nightmares for years to come. Be sure to check out the on-site resort vacation packages. This favourite taking place on select nights in the autumn is popular with the adult crowd and is not recommended for children.
Where? Various locations in Miami Beach and Miami
When? December
What? Art Basel is the centrepiece for what has to be the most amazing, eclectic week for great art anywhere. Leading galleries from around the world will show historical work from masters of modern and contemporary art. Painting, sculptures, drawings, photographs and films will be on display, and don’t let visitors miss the ever-growing and eclectic satellite art fairs that take place before, during and after Art Basel.
Destination training
Missed the Visit Florida Showcase? Don't worry – you can catch up on every session on demand now! From expert training sessions and insider updates to destination deep dives, watch the recordings below to start turning your client's Florida holiday dreams into bookings!
The future of Floridays
Daytona Beach
Florida Keys & Key West
Visit Central Florida
Visit St. Pete-Clearwater
What's new in the unknown?
Discover Crystal River
Rentyl Resorts
Visit Florida
TTG on tour in Panhandle
How to jump the holiday hurdle
Discover Martin County
Tampa Bay
Visit Orlando
Destination showcase
Marketing
Florida is an all-year-round destination for all audience types. Multi-generational families and families in general typically travel during school holidays such as Easter, Summer and October half-term. Other audience types such as DINKs, couples and solo travellers would travel in the same year they book and quite often during non-peak terms.
The best time to promote Florida to the UK market is during peak booking months such as January and February, and September and October, but Florida is an “always on” destination and can be marketed throughout the year. Other top or peak-like months for bookings are May and June, while the best time to complete online training or refresh your knowledge of Florida is November and December.
The high season for Florida, in particular for Gulf Coast destinations, is between January and March where availability, inventory and pricing can fluctuate or increase significantly.
Florida selling tips
Florida news
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