Royal Palm Bay Villas, Orlando, Kissimee, Florida , USA.

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Acquiring a vehicle in Florida , or any other part of the USA for that matter, is broadly similar to doing so in the UK . The law concerning the ownership and use of motor vehicles is contained in the Florida Driver's Handbook, all forty-seven pages of which are available from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website at http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us . This covers everything from licenses and registration to speed limits, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and the points system ( 12 points within a 12-month period 30 days license suspension, 18 points within an 18-month period 3 months suspension and 24 points within a 36-month period 1 year suspension). The breath or blood alcohol limit is 0.08 for anyone over 21 years of age. The penalties for drink driving are harsh, so be warned. The first offence is a fine, ban and community service. Second and subsequent ones mean imprisonment.

Now on to the more pleasant aspects of car ownership. Obviously if you are going to spend extended periods of time in Florida you will need your own transport and hiring a car for long periods is prohibitively expensive. So you will be looking to buy one. This you can do from a private individual or off of one of the shady looking car lots that abound on the outskirts of town. This differs little from at home and the potential dangers are the same. As a stranger in someone else's country accepting this level of risk really is not sensible. So it's off to the local main dealer for whichever make of car you are after. American manufacturers offer the cheapest cars to buy and run but are not renowned for their reliability. The model names may be similar to those you are used to but the vehicles will be quite different. European manufacturers produce broadly the same cars in North America as they do at home although usually the larger engined versions. These will be expensive from all points of view. The Japanese design and produce vehicles specifically for the North American market. The names may be the same as in Europe but the cars most certainly are not. Ownership of these will be reasonable and they are generally reliable.

Main dealers have both new and used vehicles. The former seem cheap compared to at home but prices are always exclusive of tax, etc. The latter vary according to age, model and mileage. Warranties on new cars are up to three years, some with up to five years on the drive train. Used cars are guaranteed from sixty days down to 'as seen'. The outstanding part of any manufacturer's warranty can be passed on to subsequent owners and extended warranties can be purchased although whether they are good value for money is debatable. The old adage of buyer beware is nowhere more applicable than here.

It is essential to remember that to register a vehicle in Florida you must have a Florida Driver's License. Obtaining this involves taking a straightforward driving test administered by the HSMV. Its validity, once issued, will depend upon your immigration status. Insurance is less expensive if you have a Florida license. Loans are available, subject to status, but are dearer for non-residents. But, as always, the final deal will be dependent upon how much is in it for the salesman!