• The sun here is intense. You will need sun block, sunglasses and probably a hat. Kids (and adults), can burn very quickly.
• Sleeping Bags. Our linen supply is limited, so if there is more than 3 of you bring sleeping bags. We do have two large air mattresses that we keep in our Hurricane Kit.
• Swimming Gear, Suits, masks, fins, surf boards etc. We live less than an hour from the ocean and there is a community pool a block from the house, so swimming is big.
• Bring binoculars and cameras. There is lots to see. Check the Kennedy Space Center launch schedule and the News 13 Space page for launch information. There is plenty of wildlife to see. We have gator's in the pond behind the house and lots of shore birds
• It's Florida... if it's summer bring cool clothing but in winter months it can get downright cold so don't forget a jacket or heavy sweater.
• Rain gear, when it rains it pours here so be prepared. In the summer it often rains every afternoon. Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30. Check the Central Florida Hurricane Center and the News 13 Hurricane Center for up to date information.
• LOTs of $$$, nothing's cheap down here.
• Patience... the street lights are longer, the lines are longer the traffic is slower. You are on vacation, take your time.

• Call First, make sure we are going to be here. We do not rent out a condo, we love guests but only if we are home.
• Bring your own or rent a car. We need our cars for work.
• Pets are cool. We have a small backyard and will make special allowances for pets.
• If you mess it up, clean it up. We are happy to have you in our home, but remember it's not the Holiday Inn, there is NO room service.
• Keep in mind YOU are on vacation, NOT us. Unless we made special arrangements we will probably be at work all day. Don't worry, you'll have a key and gate pass and can come and go as you please, but don't expect us to show you around. We can make recommendations but for the most part you are on your own.
• Keep an eye on the kids. As kidless adults, our home may have things in it that are dangerous, especially for young children. In addition we live in a 55 and over retirement community. There are pools and lots to see but children must always be supervised and with an adult (over 21).
• We only smoke outside. We have a screened in porch with chairs and table so it's usually comfortable.
• Use common sense. If you would not like me doing it at your house. Don't do it at mine.

Rules Of The Road

The Florida drivers have their own style. In other words they are very, very bad. Unlike some places where traffic is heavy but drivers are used to it and have learned to drive in it, the drivers here are from all over the world and haven't figured it out yet. Most are inconsiderate and road hogs. There is little or no consideration. I get the strangest looks when I stop for a driver to enter the highway or change lanes. So beware, Florida drivers are the worst I have ever seen anywhere in the US.

Reduced Visibility. You must turn on your low beam (dim) headlights when driving at any time between the start of dusk, to full sunrise You must also use these lights during any rain, smoke or fog. Parking lights do not meet requirements of this law.

The road will become VERY slick for the first few minutes of a rain. The fine sand and water are as slick as glare ICE, so be careful.

A person may not operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless the person is properly wearing protective headgear securely fastened upon his or her head which complies with Federal Motorcycle Vehicle Safety Standard. (2); A person may not operate a motorcycle unless the person is wearing an eye-protective device over his or her eyes of a type approved by the department. 

Child Restraint Requirements. All children under 16 years of age must be buckled up while riding in any car, pickup truck, or van on Florida's roads, no matter where they are sitting in the vehicle. Children through the age of 3 must be secured in a federally approved child-restraint seat. Children ages 4 through 5 must be secured by either a federally approved child-restraint seat or a safety belt. Drivers are responsible for buckling up the child. The cost to a violator will be a minimum of $60.00 plus $10.00 court costs.

Buckling Up All front seat occupants must buckle up, even if the vehicle is equipped with an air bag. The driver is held responsible for passengers 15 years old or younger who are not buckled up. Passengers 16 years or older can be individually fined if they are not buckled up. The law applies to all cars, pickup trucks, and vans operated on Florida's roads. The cost to a violator will be a minimum of $30.00 plus $6.00 court costs. Effective October 1, 1997, all children under the age of 16 must use a seat belt while riding anywhere in the vehicle.

You CAN make a right turn on a red light when traffic clears, unless posted otherwise.

Do NOT turn on a RED arrow. Red arrows indicate that you MUST turn in the direction of the arrow but ONLY when it turns green.

The Stop Lights here in Titusville, (and every where else in Florida for that matter) last at least TWICE as long as lights in Michigan, so be patient. They will change. I think this is the hardest part of getting used to Florida driving.

Speeding Fines:
1-5 miles over the posted speed limit Warning.
6-9 miles over the posted speed limit $25.00 plus court costs. 
10-14 miles over the posted speed limit $100.00 plus court costs. 
15-19 miles over the posted speed limit $125.00 plus court costs. 
20-29 miles over the posted speed limit $150.00 plus court costs. 
30+ miles over the posted speed limit $250.00 plus court costs.