Do Florentines speak English?

No problema, Florentines are like most of western Europe (except parts of France): the locals who work in the tourist industry (hotel reception, ticket sellers at the attractions, restaurants) speak enough English to relieve you of the effort to speak Italian. That said, you'll probably enjoy getting a phrasebook and learning some of the politeness phrases, it will give you something to do on the plane while you're not sleeping.

You'll be fine. I don't speak a word of Italian either and have never had any problems. Anyone who wants your money will speak English:)

Grazie! I feel much better...Firenze, ci siamo!

Mila

True, the Florentines you interact with in the stores and tourist locations will know enough English to get by. You can help by speaking slowly and avoiding slang and contractions.

It is of course best to learn a few key phrases and at least make an attempt to address others in their native tongue, but as a general rule, you will have little issue with interacting. Rare is the casual traveller that knows the language well, but luckily for us, it is in the interest of those in the tourism industry to speak some English, if only for a financial incentive. It is also helpful that English is most commonly the fallback language when all else fails. More than once, In italy, I have witnessed an Italian and a French or German tourist try to converse, only to give up and switch to English. So don't worry, learn a few words, be patient, speak slowly, you'll be fine.

Thank you all for your helpful tips! We will definitely try to learn a few phrases.

Would it be the same in Barcelona and Seville? I understand and speak a little bit (I mean very little) of rusty Spanish...

Yes, they speak English! The only places where you may struggle with language barrier in Italy are in small, non-touristy areas. In the major cities and tourist areas, the people who wait on you and serve you will speak enough English to help you.

Mila,

YES, it's a good idea to learn a few "polite phrases" in the languages of each country you'll be visiting. Italian and Spanish are somewhat similar, so if you already know a bit of "rusty Spanish" you should be able to pick it up fairly quickly.

Happy travels!

I think one of the joys of traveling in Europe is learning at least some phrases of the language that is spoken in the country you're visiting. Although most Florentines do speak some English I would not assume that they do and asking in Italian if they speak/understand English is the polite thing to do. Italian is a romantic language to speak and listen to and you will be richer for it! Enjoy!

The language of business all over the world is English. That said, make every effort to try your skills in the local dialect.

I just love Rick Steves' Travelers Helpline! Everybody is so helpful...we're going to cram some rudimentary Italian in the next few weeks. Grazie!

Try this free on-line course in Italian for visitors, it should help you with the basics especially pronounciation. It is from the BBC and the site has more advanced options if you feel brave enough!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/italian/quickfix/

Love that! I will check it out...just a note to share..the last few times I was in Italy I actually tried my (broken) French first, and it usually worked quite well! But I do agree, at least we should attempt speaking their lingo, or the next best thing, and isn't that a big part of the fun/education of international travel? Everybody on this forum has been sooo helpful!
Thank you!

The only problem that I have had in Italy communicating was with regard to public transportation. I found many bus drivers don't speak or won't speak English. In the touristed areas, you will have little problem communicating. Just don't do the tacky-tourist thing speaking loud and slow to try to make yourself understood. It doesn't work. I watched an American woman do that once at a McDonalds and was completely embarrassed for her.