Navigating the Etiquette of Tipping in the Sunshine State of Florida

Tipping! Probably one of the most asked-about and queried topics over on our Orlando Facebook Group We receive multiple posts on the subject and it seems to be hotly debated, especially from UK travellers. In the UK we aren’t used to the USA tipping culture. We tip here when we receive exceptional service but it isn’t always expected in the UK.

We thought it would be a good idea to collate and find out the basics and most important information on tipping in Florida (and the rest of the USA) to help us all navigate tipping in the sunshine state.

Florida is well-known for its captivating beaches, thrilling theme parks, diverse cuisine, and exciting nightlife. While enjoying these amenities and attractions, it’s essential to appreciate the service workers who contribute to making our experiences memorable. This appreciation is often conveyed through tipping. As a visitor or resident in Florida, understanding the culture of tipping is paramount and can be a bit of a minefield, especially for new visitors to the USA.

In this blog post, we have aimed to outline the etiquette of tipping in Florida, from restaurants and bars to hotels and taxis.

Why tipping is expected in the USA

Service industry wages: In many parts of the U.S.A, including Florida, employees in service industries like restaurants, bars, and taxis are often paid below minimum wage because tips are expected to make up the difference. These workers rely on tips as a significant part of their income.

It’s culturally expected: Tipping is a norm in the United States. It’s not legally required, but not leaving a tip when it’s expected can be seen as a strong statement that you were very unsatisfied with the service.

Dining Out in Florida

The standard tipping rate for waitstaff in Florida is similar to the rest of the United States: typically 15%-20% (although more recently it seems to be around 18%-20% on receipts) of the pre-tax bill. If the service is outstanding, it’s not uncommon to tip more than 20%. For buffet-style restaurants where you serve yourself, leaving a small tip (around 10%) is still customary as staff often clear tables and provide drink refills.

In many places, if you’re dining with a large group (usually 6 or more people), a gratuity charge (between 15%-20%) may be automatically added to the bill. Always check your bill for this information before adding an additional tip. We have missed this a couple of times and left a tip on top of the service charge automatically added (essentially tipping twice)

In McDonald’s and other fast-food establishments in the United States, tipping is generally not expected or required. Fast-food workers are typically paid at least the minimum wage, and tipping is not a customary practice in these settings.

Raising the Bar: Tipping Bartenders

Regarding tipping bartenders, the standard is $1-$2 per drink, depending on the complexity of the cocktail. If you’ve opened a tab, you should tip 15%-20% of the total. Tipping well can also ensure excellent service on a busy night.

A Gratuity Guide for Hotels

Here are some guidelines for hotel staff:

• Bellhops: $1-$2 per bag, or a flat $5 for several bags.
• Hotel maids: $2-$5 per day, left on the pillow or in a clearly marked envelope.
• Concierge: $5-$10, depending on the complexity of your request. If the concierge has gone above and beyond (like scoring difficult reservations), you may want to tip more.
• Room service: A 15%-20% tip is standard unless a service charge is included in the bill.

Hailing a Taxi or Using Rideshares (Uber, Lyft etc)

For taxis, tip about 10%-15% of the fare. Most rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have built-in tipping options, where a 15%-20% tip is considered appropriate.

Tour Guides, Stylists, and More

It’s not just restaurants and hotels where tipping is customary. Here are a few other scenarios:

• Tour guides: A tip of 10%-20% is standard for tour guides. You will probably see a jar in the coach where you can drop off your dollars for the tip.
• Hair stylists and spa services: A tip of 15%-20% is customary.
• Golf caddies: If you’re hitting the greens, a typical tip is $15-$20 per bag.

Poor service

Tipping in the USA, as in many other places, is usually given as a sign of appreciation for the service received. But what should you do if the service was poor?

Typically, the accepted tip amount for good service in the US is between 15%-20% of the total bill. If you receive service that you deem unsatisfactory, you may choose to reduce the amount of your tip, but it’s recommended to still leave something. Lowering the tip to around 10% is a common way to signal your dissatisfaction without completely neglecting the effort made by the server.

Before deciding to leave a lower tip, it’s also important to consider whether the issue was within the server’s control. If your dissatisfaction stems from something beyond their influence, like a problem with the food or a policy of the establishment, it may not be fair to penalise the server for it. In such cases, consider speaking with a manager to express your concerns.

In the end, tipping is a personal decision and a cultural practice, but communication is key. If you feel that the service was not up to par, providing feedback to the management can lead to improvement and helps ensure better experiences in the future for everyone.

There are many opinions on this on our Orlando Facebook Group Some people say they have left a penny so the server knows there was a problem with the service. From memory, we have had two experiences of poor service. One was in Disney Springs. The server was quite abrupt and rude. We left the full tip and regretted it afterward. The second was in a cafe in Celebration. We were grunted at rather than spoken to and our food was thrown on the counter. We decided this time to leave no tip. Whether this was the correct thing to do or not is down to who you ask. Everyone has a different opinion which is why tipping can sometimes be confusing.

Conclusion

Tipping is a fundamental aspect of showing appreciation for the service provided in Florida. Whether you’re dining at a restaurant, enjoying a day at the spa, or exploring the state’s attractions with a tour guide, following proper tipping etiquette will leave a positive impression and encourage exceptional service in the future (hopefully)

Remember that while these guidelines offer a general overview of tipping norms in Florida, it’s essential to be sensitive to individual circumstances and the quality of service you receive. Ultimately, tipping is an opportunity to express gratitude and support the hardworking service industry professionals who make your experiences in Florida truly memorable.

Some people are very against tipping if they visit from a country that doesn’t have a tipping culture. If you are visiting Florida (and other places in the USA) please remember that it is part of the culture there and is expected.

We hope that helps to clear up some of the confusion on tipping. If you think we have missed anything or want to add your own comments then please do in the comments section below

TLG.

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