Will I need to drive my own vehicle to conduct my everyday life (work/school/shopping) at my destination?

Although the City of Miami is very spread out, the public transportation system is extremely reliable and there are many options from which to choose (see below). Many locals and newcomers feel it is more convenient to own a car, but if this is not possible then getting around Miami by public transport is highly feasible.
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How can I legally drive a vehicle in this city?

If you live in Florida and want to drive a motor vehicle on public streets and highways, you are required to have a State of Florida Driver License. If you move to Florida and have a valid license from another state or country, you must get a Florida license within 30 days of becoming a resident.

In order to obtain a Florida driver's license, you must provide the following:

  • Proof of date of birth and social _ security number

  • One of the following (3) documents: original or certified birth certificate, valid U.S. passport or certificate of naturalization, U.S. Military ID card with an officer rank

  • A second document which supports the primary document. This document may include, but is not limited to one of the following:

1. School record stating date of birth

2. Transcript of birth record

3. Baptism certificate (must show date of birth and place of baptism)

4. Life Insurance policy, which has been in force for at least 2 years and has date of birth

5. U.S. military or military dependent ID card

6. Florida or out-of-state driver's license, valid or expired

7. Florida license record or ID card record

8. Selective Service Registration (draft card)

9. Florida Vehicle Registration certificate (HSMV 83399, owner's copy) obtained from the tax collector's office

10. Florida and out-of-state non-driver ID cards (state issued)

11. Receipt copy of your last Florida driver license issuance

12. Immigration form I-571

13. Federal form DD-214 (military record)

14. Marriage certificate

15. Court order which includes legal name

16. Florida voter registration card

17. Personal identification by an examiner or by a person well known to the examiner

18. Social Security Card

19. Out of country driver license or ID card, government issued
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What side of the road do people drive on?

In the United States, we drive on the right hand side of the road.
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Describe typical public transportation an expat might use to get around the city.

There are many ways to get around the city. The Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) consists of:

  • Metrobus - This is a country wide service consisting of over 900 buses and 94 different routes. And, several routes operate 24 hours a day. Metrobus also connects with Metrorail and Metromover and all buses are wheelchair accessible.

  • Metrorail - This is Miami's 22-mile, elevated rapid transit system which runs all around the county as well as downtown Miami with connections to Broward and Palm Beach Counties (Tri-Rail/Metrorail transfer station). There are 22 accessible Metrorail stations about one-mile apart, providing easy access for bus riders, pedestrians and passengers being dropped off and picked up. And, Parking is available at 19 Metrorail stations.

  • Metromover - This is a FREE automated people-mover system which serves _ downtown Miami and connects with Metrorail at the Government Center and Brickell stations. There are 21 stations every two blocks and they are all wheelchair accessible. This neat system also links many of downtown Miami's major office buildings, hotels and retail centers. This is a very fast and convenient way to get around.

  • Paratransit/Special Transportation Services (STS) - This service is available for people with a mental or physical disability that cannot ride Metrobus, Metrorail or Metromover. For only $2.50 per one-way trip, STS offers shared-ride, door-to-door travel in accessible vehicles throughout most of Miami-Dade County and in some parts of South Broward County. STS operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including most holidays. Many use this service for trips to medical appointments, school, work, shopping, business or recreation. All minivans and small buses are air conditioned and smoke-free and pickups are within 30 minutes of the scheduled time.

For more information on these services, including fares, routes, schedules, and maps and stations visit the website listed below.
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Could an expat also use public transportation to get out of the city—to surrounding towns, recreation areas or suburbs? If so, list options.

Yes, Tri-Rail, which is connected to Metrorail travels as far north as Palm Beach County. More information on exact destinations, fares and schedules is available at the website listed below.
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In regards to transportation, are there any safety issues I should be aware of?

It is very important to become acquainted with the local roads and freeways as well as the local traffic laws. Always follow these traffic laws and always drive with the flow of traffic to avoid accidents. Being a cautious driver is being a safe driver.
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Where do I buy tickets/tokens/etc. for the major public transportation?

You may purchase your tickets at any of the transportation stations prior to boarding.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:

Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.