Hills Bay Hideaway

08/17/2026

Some valuable information for UK parents travelling to Florida with infants and young children.

🚨 Taking the kids to Florida? Your UK car seat might actually be ILLEGAL on US roads! 🇺🇸✈️

Heading to the Sunshine State soon? Before you pack your trusty UK car seat, here is a massive trap that catches out thousands of British families every year: Most UK car seats do NOT meet Florida legal requirements. 🚘💥

Even if your seat is top-of-the-range in the UK (ECE certified), Florida law requires seats to carry US FMVSS 213 approval. Using an unapproved seat in your hire car doesn't just risk a fine—it could completely invalidate your car hire insurance cover if anything happens.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what UK parents need to know before flying:

🔹 The US Standard: ISOFIX fits US LATCH anchors, but without the FMVSS 213 label, it’s still legally non-compliant.
🔹 The Age Cutoff: Florida law only requires child seats up to age 5 (much earlier than the UK's 12 years / 135 cm rule!), though safety experts recommend staying in a booster much longer.
🔹 Rental Desk Traps: Pre-booking a seat with your rental firm isn't always a 100% guarantee during peak UK school holidays—so having a backup plan is essential.

Don't get caught out at Orlando or Miami airport after a long-haul flight with tired kids! Check your options—whether hiring, buying on arrival, or bringing your own—before you board. 🎟️👇

📖 Read our complete UK Parent's Guide to Florida Child Seat Laws:
https://www.smartercarhireflorida.com/blogs/florida-child-seat-laws

08/14/2026

Well worth a few minutes to watch and understand what you need to do when you encounter a school bus in Florida.

07/25/2026

The all new 62B Walt Disney World exit off the eastbound I4.Don't miss it.

07/13/2026

Via Napoli in Epcot, inside or out, What is your preference?

04/10/2026

Our newest review is in!

'Been travelling to Orlando a couple of times a year since 2004. This has to be the best villa location I have stayed in. Very quiet and not overlooked in any direction around the pool area. Villa inside is very comfortable with 4 bedrooms of which 3 have king/queen beds which is very unusual but suits our group much better. All in all had a great holiday and will be returning.'

01/21/2026

Somewhere a little different for breakfast today.

12/06/2025

Take a drive or a walk through Celebration Orlando during the holidays and you will see some amazing decorations.

11/23/2025

If you struggle with the humidity in the summer months here in Orlando, then November could be the perfect time for you to visit.

11/20/2025

If anyone was wondering if November is a good time to visit Florida, it certainly is.

08/16/2025

Our latest review.

We have just returned from 3 amazing weeks staying in the villa. The location of the villa is second to none, in a quiet, private cul de sac not over looked with an amazing south facing pool which allows for relaxation all day long in the sun. Super markets are within 1 mile and so many more restaurants and fast food options have been built in the area since our last visit. You are spoilt for choice. Close to Disney, Lakeland (where we go for baseball) and international
Drive/universal as it’s just off the i4 you can get to either coast within 60 minutes (we managed a rocket launch at space coast).
The villa is spacious and has all we needed for our family (4 of us with 2 girls 18/15). Internet/TV was amazing to relax and chill in a large family area. Bedrooms etc were great with a bathroom in each. The villa has all the amenities needed including a pool table! ( as well as washer and dryer etc).
Pool area is massive and south facing and is amazing for sunrise coffees or sun sets in the evening.
We love this place and would recommend it to anyone.