Local area information

The Hamlet at West Haven

	Children's play area
Community swimming pool	Community tennis court
There is a Publix supermarket within a short drive, and the shops and restaurants on the 192 can be reached within 5 minutes.

Close to Publix, there is a pharmacy and public library which offers a free half hour internet access to send and retrieve emails.

Weather
America’s tropical climate and rarely gets really cold although a sweater or light jacket will be useful during the winter months after sun down. The rainy season is during the summer when the heat and humidity cause thunderstorms generally experienced in the afternoons or early evenings. They’re usually all over in about an hour and certainly lower the humidity.

Want to know the current weather conditions? Orlando weather

The sun
Remember that in Florida you’ll be much nearer to the Equator than at home, the sun is higher and much stronger and there is a real risk of sunburn even on cloudy days. Use high factor sun creams for the first few days and limit the number of hours you spend in the sun until dren should wear sun hats and T-shirts particularly when in the water (which intensifies the sun’s rays) until they become acclimatised.

Driving

When you are driving, you must have with you in the car your driving licence, passport and the car hire insurance papers.

Seat Belts
As in the UK, seatbelts are required for all passengers. Children under 5 years must use a special child restraint seat, available from the car hire company and should be pre-booked.

Driving licence
A full British licence is required by most rental companies and should be carried at all times, international licences are also accepted but are NOT preferred.

Speed limits
They are often very low and are rigorously enforced, spot fines for speeding are high. Speed limits on the Freeways (motorways) have recently been increased to 70 so travelling times have improved.

Alcohol
There is an “open container” law in Florida which prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages in any vehicle, even by passengers. Store wine and beers in the boot. Drink driving laws are very strict and a first offence will carry a fine of $500 so as in Britain - “think before you drink and drive”