Renting a car in Florida: 12 tips before you book

Florida is one of the great road-trip states. The distances are friendly (Tampa to Orlando is roughly 85 miles, Miami to Key West about 160), the roads are flat and well marked, and the scenery changes from palm-lined beaches to cypress swamp to citrus country in a single afternoon. It is also a state where a rental car can quietly cost twice what you expected if you skip the fine print. These twelve tips cover the things that most often catch renters out.

1.Decide whether you really need a car

If you are staying inside one big resort complex or a single walkable beach town, you may only need a car for a day or two. If you want to see more than one area, such as a theme-park week followed by a beach weekend, or the Gulf Coast and the Atlantic coast in one trip, a car is far cheaper and more flexible than taxis and ride-hailing. Add up your real plans before you book for the whole trip.

2.Book early for busy seasons

Winter and early spring are peak season in Florida, and school holidays and spring break fill the airport rental counters quickly. Prices rise and the cheap cars disappear. As a rule, book as soon as your flights are set. A free-cancellation rate lets you lock in a car now and check again closer to your trip: if the price drops, you can cancel and rebook.

3.Compare the total price, not the daily rate

A low daily rate is only the start. Taxes, airport surcharges, young-driver fees, extra-driver fees, toll programs and insurance can add a lot at the counter. Use a comparison tool that shows the full price with taxes and fees, and read what is included: mileage, a second driver, and a full-to-full fuel policy are all worth checking.

4.Understand airport versus off-airport pickup

Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Tampa all have large airports, and most have a consolidated rental car center reached by a shuttle or a people mover. Airport locations are convenient but usually add airport fees to your bill. Off-airport locations can be cheaper, but you need a shuttle or a short ride to reach them, so factor in the time and the cost. For a short trip, the convenience of the airport counter often wins. For a week or more, the savings can be worth the extra ten minutes.

5.Sort out tolls before you drive

Many Florida highways are toll roads, and some are fully cashless, with no booth to pay at. Florida uses electronic tolling, and rental companies deal with this in different ways: a toll transponder in the car, a program that bills you automatically for the tolls you use, or a daily fee whether you use a toll road or not. Ask at the counter, or read the terms when you book, and choose the option that matches your plans. If you will be on toll roads every day, a flat daily program can make sense. If you only expect one or two tolls, look for a pay-per-use option with a small fee. Do not simply drive through and hope: unpaid tolls can come back later as a bill plus administrative fees.

6.Check your insurance before you get to the counter

The counter will offer additional coverage. Before you say yes, find out what you already have. Your own auto insurance policy may extend to rental cars, and some credit cards include rental coverage when you pay with them. Coverage rules differ by card, policy and country, so call and ask ahead of time, and know what the coverage does and does not include, such as damage to the rental car, liability to other people, and loss-of-use charges. If you are visiting from another country, ask specifically about liability coverage, because your home policy may not apply in the United States.

7.Watch the age and license rules

Drivers under 25 are often charged an extra daily fee, and some companies set higher minimum ages for certain vehicle types. Every driver who will take the wheel needs to be listed on the agreement, and there is usually a fee for each extra driver. Bring a valid driver’s license and a credit card in the main driver’s name. Visitors whose license is not in English should ask the rental company whether an International Driving Permit is needed, and bring a passport as well.

8.Pick the right car for the trip

A compact car is fine for two people and a couple of bags, and it is easier to park in busy beach towns. A family with theme-park gear and suitcases will want an SUV or a minivan. A convertible is a joy on the Gulf Coast in winter and a sweat-box in a Florida August, so think about the season. Air conditioning is not optional here: check that it works before you leave the lot.

9.Mind hurricane season

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and the busiest weeks are usually late summer and early autumn. Most trips are unaffected, but a storm can change your plans quickly. Choose a booking with free cancellation, and read the flexibility terms for both your car and your hotel. Then check the forecast in the days before you fly.

10.Look over the car, and document it

Before you drive away, walk around the car and take photos or a short video of any scratches, dents or scuffed wheels, inside and out, with the rental agent’s paperwork in the frame if you can. Check that the fuel level matches the paperwork, and check the spare tire or repair kit. Do the same when you return the car, and keep your receipt. It takes five minutes and can save you an argument later.

11.Choose your fuel policy carefully

The simplest policy is full-to-full: you get the car with a full tank and return it full. Prepaid fuel can be convenient if you have an early flight, but you pay for a full tank whether or not you use it. Find a gas station a few miles from the airport before you head back, and keep the receipt.

12.Plan a road trip worth the miles

If you have the time, Florida rewards a road trip. Drive the Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West, about 160 miles of causeways and turquoise water. Follow the Gulf Coast from Tampa Bay south through Sarasota to Naples for quiet beaches and sunsets. Or link Orlando to the Space Coast and its long Atlantic beaches. If you are collecting the car in one city and returning it in another, ask about one-way fees first, because they can be significant and vary by route.

Florida is a state where the journey is part of the holiday. With a little planning, the right car and clear answers about tolls and insurance, you can spend your time on the good part: the road, the water and the sunset at the end of the day.

Disclosure: Voyaggora earns a commission if you book through our Discover Cars links, at no extra cost to you. Prices, fees and rules are set by the rental companies and change often, so always check the terms of your booking. See our affiliate disclosure.