**Q: What is the capital of Florida?** **A:** Tallahassee, located in the northern Florida Panhandle.
**Q: When is the best time to visit?** **A:** The dry season, from November to mid-April, offers the most comfortable temperatures and lowest humidity.
**Q: When is hurricane season?** **A:** The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity typically in August and September.
**Q: What is the state sales tax?** **A:** The general state sales tax is 6%, though county surtaxes usually bring the total to between 6.5% and 7.5%.
**Q: Do I need a car to get around?** **A:** Yes, outside of dense urban cores like downtown Miami, public transit is limited, and a vehicle is highly recommended.
**Q: What is the state bird?** **A:** The Northern Mockingbird.
**Q: What is the state flower?** **A:** The Orange Blossom.
**Q: What is a SunPass?** **A:** SunPass is the state's electronic toll collection system, used on most Florida toll roads and bridges.
**Q: Are there alligators in every lake?** **A:** It is a general rule in Florida to assume any body of freshwater (lakes, ponds, rivers, canals) contains alligators.
**Q: Which are the busiest airports in Florida?** **A:** Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Miami International Airport (MIA).
**Q: Can you swim with manatees?** **A:** Yes, primarily in Crystal River on the Gulf Coast, though it must be done passively and legally with certified guides.
**Q: Is recreational marijuana legal in Florida?** **A:** No. As of current regulations, only medical marijuana is legal for registered patients.
**Q: What is the "Space Coast"?** **A:** The region surrounding the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral in Brevard County.
**Q: What is "Red Tide"?** **A:** A harmful algal bloom that occasionally occurs off the coast, turning the water red/brown and causing respiratory irritation and fish kills.
**Q: Does Florida have a state income tax?** **A:** No, Florida has no personal state income tax.
**Q: Can I turn right on a red light?** **A:** Yes, making a right turn on red after a complete stop is legal in Florida unless a sign specifically prohibits it.
**Q: What is the highest point in Florida?** **A:** Britton Hill, located in the Panhandle, standing at just 345 feet above sea level.
**Q: Is Florida humid year-round?** **A:** Humidity is highest from May through October. The winter months are generally much drier and more comfortable.
**Q: Can I drink alcohol on the beach?** **A:** It varies by county and city. Many popular public beaches prohibit open containers, though places like Key West are exceptions.
**Q: What time zone is Florida in?** **A:** Most of the state is in the Eastern Time Zone (EST). However, a portion of the western Panhandle operates on Central Time (CST).