Florida is the number-one long-haul destination from the UK. In 2019, Florida welcomed more than 1.5 million British holidaymakers. Home to the best theme parks on the planet, award-winning beaches and more than 175 national and state parks, it’s not hard to see why.
Florida isn’t just a state, it’s a state of mind. It’s where you go to be more relaxed, carefree and ready for fun, creating a mindset you can carry with you every day afterwards.
Can British travellers visit Florida?
The US is open to fully vaccinated visitors only, unless they carry a valid exemption.
All passengers, regardless of vaccination status, must show proof of a negative Covid-19 test, taken no more than one day before travelling.
Fully vaccinated travellers can enter the US without having to quarantine, and it is recommended that they take another Covid-19 test three to five days after arriving.
Those aged 17 and under are exempt from the vaccination requirement, but will need to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken no more than one day before travelling, and must take another test three to five days after arriving. Those under the age of 2 do not need to take a pre-departure test.
As of January 9, fully vaccinated travellers returning to the UK must take a Covid-19 test, which can be a lateral flow test, on or before day two, and fill out a passenger locator form.
Travellers returning to the UK who aren’t fully vaccinated must fill out a passenger locator form and take a Covid-19 test before arriving, as well as PCR tests on day two and day eight, and quarantine for 10 days.
The most up-to-date information on US border controls for UK citizens can be found here.
How is Florida planning to reopen to travellers?
Currently, there are no travel safety advisories in effect.
For the most up-to-date information regarding theme parks, beaches, attractions, state parks, restaurants and all other tourist establishments, please refer to Visit Florida’s Covid-19 website hub here, which is updated daily.
When will flights resume from the UK to Florida?
Airlines including British Airways, Virgin/Delta and Tui operate regular services from UK airports to Orlando and Miami.
Check with the airlines for the latest schedules on when services are due to resume.
Can you cruise from Florida?
Cruising in the US has now resumed. Travellers and agents should contact their cruise line directly for further information and continue to monitor the US Department of State and CDC for updates.
What is the latest advice for tourist attractions across Florida?
Theme parks and attractions
For the latest information on major theme parks and other attractions, please refer to these links:
- Walt Disney World
- Universal Orlando Resort
- Legoland Florida
- Busch Gardens Florida
- SeaWorld Orlando
- Florida Attractions Association
The Florida Keys
Monroe County reopened the Florida Keys to visitors in June 2020.
State and national parks
The Florida State Parks system is reviewing operations on a daily basis. At parks where camping is offered, there may also be measures in place to reduce density while honouring current reservations. Florida’s national parks are increasing access and services in a phased approach across all units of the National Park System. Before visiting a park, please check the park website to determine its operating status.
What measures are in place for Florida’s individual counties?
Florida has 67 counties with separate guidelines and Covid-19 updates. Below is a list of the counties which are most visited by UK tourists, their major towns and cities and the current situation with beaches in that county. Click a county name to be linked to the most updated information.
Bay
(Panama City, Panama City Beach, Mexico Beach)
Beaches open
Brevard
(Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne)
Beaches open
Broward
(Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach)
Beaches open
Citrus
(Crystal River, Homosassa, Inverness)
Beaches open
Collier
(Naples, Marco Island, Everglades City)
Beaches open with restricted hours
Duval
(Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach)
Beaches open
Escambia
(Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key)
Beaches open
Flagler
(Flagler Beach, Palm Coast, Marineland)
Beaches open
Hillsborough
(Tampa, Brandon, Plant City)
Most beaches open
Indian River
(Vero Beach, Fellsmere, Sebastian)
Beaches open
Lee
(Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, Cape Coral)
Beaches open
Manatee
(Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Palmetto)
Beaches open
Martin
(Stuart, Indiantown, Port Mayaca)
Beaches open
Miami-Dade
(Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables)
Beaches open
Monroe
(Key West, Islamorada, Key Largo)
Beaches open
Nassau
(Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island)
Beaches open
Okaloosa
(Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Santa Rosa Island)
Beaches open
Orange
(Orlando, Winter Park, Winter Garden)
Osceola
(Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Yeehaw Junction)
Palm Beach
(Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton)
Beaches open
Pasco
(New Port Richey, Dade City, Zephyrhills)
Most beaches open, with restrictions
Pinellas
(Clearwater, St Petersburg)
Beaches open
Sarasota
(Sarasota, Venice, Siesta Key)
Beaches open
St Johns
(St Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beach)
Beaches open
Volusia
(New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach)
Beaches open
Walton
(Seaside, Sandestin, Grayton Beach)
Most beaches open
Florida webinars
To watch the first of two webinars with Visit Florida, Daytona Beach and St Pete/Clearwater, click here.
To watch the second webinar with Visit Florida, The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel and Discover Crystal River, click here.
PICTURES: Peter W Cross
Last updated January 7, 2022