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Tell me about riding / driving through Florida

fartymarty

fartymarty

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Planning a trip next year heading quickly (I hope) into Florida (Homestead) and back out again and I'm looking for some advice from those that live there or have frequently traveled to and from the state. I'll be coming from the west so I'm assuming the best way to Homestead is down I-75? Heading back out I want to go north through Georgia. I see lots of toll roads, are they worth the price? My goal is to get in and out, and I will not be stopping to smell the flowers or see touristy stuff. I will gladly pay tolls to ride in 65mph (or higher if available) speed limits rather than free 55mph speed limits. When I leave Homestead should I just go back out I-75?... or I-95?... or some other combinations of roads?
I don't want to pay tolls unless it nets me some measurable time, but mostly I don't want to be stuck in traffic wearing full gear in the heat and humidity that I assume I'll encounter there. Most likely a Fall late September trip so I won't have to worry about love bugs, but is there some other seasonal travel blight I should consider encountering at that time of year?

Thanks!!!
 
Marty, since we lived in Jacksonville, such is a fast north as you can be in FL, the only useful advice I can give you is to avoid I75 between Macon and Chattanooga.
The last couple of years we were there, our trips north were I95 to I26, then West. EVERY time we took I75 we would get stuck in traffic at least once for extended periods in the length I mention.
 
Florida traffic is about like Austin traffic except the average driver age is about 65 instead of about 25. Traffic speeds vary from 15->90 , sometimes in the same mile. Make sure your brake lights work, but apparently you won’t need your turn signals. LOL. (But it’s a lovely state, for real!)

Our Floridians will weigh in but the most direct shot north is straight up 95. 75 swings all the way west to the coast and up through Tampa. Be prepared for seasonal storms (watch the forecasts).

Depending on where in Georgia you’re going, you’ll exit 95 probably onto 16, post your destination in Georgia for more info on that.

🍿
 
Thanks guys.

Right now I'm thinking of coming into Florida on I-10 then south on I-75 and continuing east on I-75/Alligator Alley/Everglades Pkwy to Florida's Turnpike south into Homestead.

Departing up the Florida's Turnpike from Homestead to the intersection with Hwy 70 for the short jog east to get I-95 further north eventually headed for I-26 & I-77

If I have worked the toll calculator correctly (kind doubtful) it looks like coming into Homestead will be just under $7 and leaving will be just under $12.

Please let me know if you think I'm making a mistake with these two routes.
 
fartymarty said:
Thanks guys.

Right now I'm thinking of coming into Florida on I-10 then south on I-75 and continuing east on I-75/Alligator Alley/Everglades Pkwy to Florida's Turnpike south into Homestead.

Departing up the Florida's Turnpike from Homestead to the intersection with Hwy 70 for the short jog east to get I-95 further north eventually headed for I-26 & I-77

If I have worked the toll calculator correctly (kind doubtful) it looks like coming into Homestead will be just under $7 and leaving will be just under $12.

Please let me know if you think I'm making a mistake with these two routes.
Click to expand...

I always enjoyed the drive from Tampa to Miami but it’s a long way to the west, then 75 south snd across Alligator Alley. The Florida turnpike from 75 takes you east and down at an angle to the east. I don’t travel it much anymore but it always seemed shorter to me than the westerly route. Not as scenic though until you get down around the coast. If no one else chimes in, reach out to Larry Buck. He’s down in the Miami area. 95 in the east always reminded me of driving in NJ. Heavy traffic and high speeds.

95 -> 26-> 77 will put you through the edge of Georgia in a couple of hours and keep you well away from Atlanta (a good thing). Do you want fast or scenic? That is your question.
 
ron203 said:
I always enjoyed the drive from Tampa to Miami but it’s a long way to the west, then 75 south snd across Alligator Alley. The Florida turnpike from 75 takes you east and down at an angle to the east. I don’t travel it much anymore but it always seemed shorter to me than the westerly route. Not as scenic though until you get down around the coast. If no one else chimes in, reach out to Larry Buck. He’s down in the Miami area. 95 in the east always reminded me of driving in NJ. Heavy traffic and high speeds.

95 -> 26-> 77 will put you through the edge of Georgia in a couple of hours and keep you well away from Atlanta (a good thing). Do you want fast or scenic? That is your question.
Click to expand...
Thanks Ron.
As for fast vs scenic, I really want both...but on this trip I want fast, especially after I leave Homestead. Coming into the state I have a little more time and that's why I'm thinking I-75 without the additional $15 in tolls for maybe a savings of 50 minutes or so. Now if someone with more knowledge says that it's easier to get through Orlando and Miami rather than than Tampa Bay area...well that might change my mind.
I'll be checking the Google traffic map during the trip in case of an overturned truck somewhere, but it's nice to have a plan to start with.
 
fartymarty said:
Thanks Ron.
As for fast vs scenic, I really want both...but on this trip I want fast, especially after I leave Homestead. Coming into the state I have a little more time and that's why I'm thinking I-75 without the additional $15 in tolls for maybe a savings of 50 minutes or so. Now if someone with more knowledge says that it's easier to get through Orlando and Miami rather than than Tampa Bay area...well that might change my mind.
I'll be checking the Google traffic map during the trip in case of an overturned truck somewhere, but it's nice to have a plan to start with.
Click to expand...

Alligator Alley is 100 miles of swamp and you might see wildlife. It’s straight and flat but it gives you a taste of the Everglades. I’m looking forward to seeing what the real Floridians have to say. I’ll shut up and listen now. 😉
 
Marty, not a real Floridian (especially any more), but I can feel you that I95 traffic flies off there's not a reason for a slowdown. Especially as you get further North, it zips along at 80-95 MPH frequently. This often carries into Georgia.
 
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