10 Driving Tips To Survive in Tampa

In recent years, Tampa has experienced significant population growth, and an increase in tourism, resulting in heavy traffic, congestion, and a rise in car crashes. The city’s infrastructure has not been able to keep pace with the increased traffic on the roads. 

Our Tampa car accident lawyers have prepared these 10 driving tips to help you survive Tampa traffic, and reduce your risk of getting into a car crash. At Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, we are dedicated to public safety and helping accident victims obtain the compensation they deserve.

1. Master Defensive Driving Techniques

One of the most essential safe driving tips is to use defensive driving techniques, such as:

• Anticipating hazards
• Maintaining safe following distances
• Scanning and being aware of your surroundings
• Checking blind spots before changing lanes
• Using your blinkers
• Driving the speed limit or a safe speed in congested traffic
• Never drive while under the influence

You can brush up on safe driving tips with an online defensive driving course. 

2. Be Prepared for Florida’s Weather

Driving in Florida requires you to be able to adjust your safe driving habits based on the weather. In the summer months, afternoon thunderstorms and rain showers are possible. When roads have been dry, and it rains, it can make roads slick and lead to hydroplaning and losing control.

You also have to be prepared for sun glare. The sun causes sun glare when driving during sunrise or sunset. To help reduce sun glare, use your sun visor and slow down. 

Lastly, from June 1 to November 30 is hurricane season in Florida. If a storm is tracking toward Tampa, there are increased risks of reduced visibility, high winds, and flash flooding. If you need to drive, take extra precautions. 

3. Watch Out for Tourists and Distracted Drivers

In 2023, Tampa and Hillsborough County attracted more than 26.7 million tourists, according to Visit Tampa Bay. Most of these visitors are unfamiliar with the driving rules in Florida. For tourists visiting the area, they could text while driving, be distracted, not use mobile devices hands-free, or even turn the wrong way down the one-way streets downtown. While it is impossible to anticipate every action a tourist driver might make, you should still plan for the unexpected and utilize the proper defensive driving techniques. 

4. Understand Florida’s Traffic Laws

Take the time to review the latest Florida driving rules, as they can change. Some of the more common rules in the car to be aware of are:

• Yield at yield signs
• Come to a complete stop at stop signs
• Stop when traffic lights turn red
• Do not turn right on red when there are posted “No Turn on Red” signs
• Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks and when turning right on red
• Slow down to 10 mph or move over when an emergency vehicle, tow truck, or police car is stopped on the side of the highway or road 
• Pull over and make room for emergency vehicles when their lights and sirens are activated
• Report any crashes to the police immediately

5. Navigate Intersections and Lane Changes Carefully

• Driving safety tips for intersections and lane changes require paying attention to your surroundings
• Slow down when approaching an intersection, even when you have a green light, as it could change at any second
• Ensure you are in the correct lane before reaching an intersection, as there are often different lanes for turning left or right or continuing through the intersection
• At roundabouts, yield to traffic already in the roundabout, and make sure to use your turn signal when exiting it
• Use your turn signal when changing lanes and check your blind spot before making the switch
• If you are on the highway, move over to the middle or left lane so oncoming traffic can merge onto the highway more easily
• If you are unable to switch lanes in merging traffic, slow down and be prepared to stop

6. Watch for Motorcycles, Pedestrians, and Cyclists

Florida is second in the number of registered motorcycles on the road. According to IIHS, there were 668,046 motorcycles in 2023, up from 657,042 in 2022, registered in the state. The Tampa area also has a large number of bicyclists and pedestrians, especially near colleges and universities, Channelside Drive and Amalie Arena, and tourist areas, like Busch Gardens. 

Safe driving tips for drivers include:

• Share the road with motorcycles and cyclists
• Yield to pedestrians crossing the street
• Remain alert and aware of your surroundings
• Slow down at intersections

7. Know the Rules Regarding Insurance

Florida is a no-fault state, which means you are initially responsible for any injuries or property damage you sustain, regardless of who is at fault. However, once you reach your insurance caps, you can sue the at-fault driver if your losses exceed your coverage limits. 

Driving without insurance in Florida is against the law. Florida insurance requirements require all vehicles to be registered and, at the bare minimum, have $10,000 in PIP and $10,000 in PDL coverage. Some of the consequences for driving without insurance are:

• License and registration suspensions
• Fines
• Financial liability for accidents
• Increased insurance costs
• Potential jail time for repeat offenders or in serious car crashes 

8. Understand Driving Privileges and Requirements

The minimum driving age in Florida to get a learner’s permit is 15, and to get a driver’s license is 16. Getting a driving permit in Florida requires passing a hearing and vision test, passing the learner’s permit exam, and completing a TLSAE. 

Getting a driver’s license requires:

• Driving on the learner’s permit for at least one year or turning 18
• Complete the required number of supervised driving hours
• Pass the Class E driving test in Florida
• Have no moving violations or accidents for one year from the date the learner’s permit is issued

International visitors who plan on driving must have a valid international driver’s license in Florida issued by their country of residence. Florida does not currently require an IDP. However, you must have rental car insurance in case of an accident. 

9. Avoid Driving With a Suspended License

If you have a suspended license, you should not drive. Driving with a suspended license in Florida is considered a criminal offense that could include:

• Penalties
• Fine
• Jail time
• Prolonged suspensions
• License revocation
• A criminal record

10. What To Do if an Accident Occurs

If you have a car accident, you should:

• Call 911 to report the accident
• Move vehicles off to the side of the road only when there is property damage
• Do not move vehicles if there are personal injuries
• Request medical care for any injuries
• Gather evidence, including pictures and witness contact details
• Exchange information with the other driver
• Speak to a car accident injury lawyer before speaking to the insurance company

At Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, we have been providing free consultations and legal advice for nearly four decades to help ensure that people understand their rights and make informed decisions. Our goal is to help people obtain the maximum settlement they deserve after being injured in a car accident caused by another’s negligence. Request your free consultation now.

FAQ

Sources:

Florida Insurance Requirements.

Lacagnina, C. (2025). What Is Defensive Driving? Techniques & Tips for Becoming a Better Defensive Driver.

Tampa Bay Tourism Soars to Its Best Year Ever! (2023).

Teoh, E. (2023). Motorcycles Registered in the United States, 2002-2023.