Rental Cars Florida – Book Cheap Safely!
Get in, turn on your favorite music and just drive off – it’s exactly this feeling of freedom that makes a road trip through Florida so special. From sunrise in Miami to sunset on the Gulf Coast: With the right rental car, every journey becomes a personal discovery tour. Here you’ll learn everything important for a stress-free drive through my Sunshine State.
The 5 most Important Rental Car Tips
- Book early! – especially during peak season
- Only rent with complete insurance: Choose a package with CDW/LDW (full coverage), LIS (liability), and preferably without deductible.
- No car will be handed over without a valid credit card in the main driver’s name
- Pay attention to the fuel policy: Prefer full-to-full
- Mileage, additional drivers: Look for “unlimited miles” and whether a second driver is free.
Rental Cars Florida – Everything You Need to Know
Unfortunately, you can’t rent this lovely Beetle.
A rental car is the best way to explore Florida flexibly and comfortably. Whether dream beaches, theme parks or the unique Everglades – with your own car you enjoy maximum freedom. Moreover, there are numerous affordable rental cars in Florida that allow you to discover the diverse attractions of the state cost-effectively.
What Do I Need to Have Ready when Booking a Rental Car?
To book a rental car in Florida, you need the following information:
- Pick-up date and return date
- Pick-up location / pick-up station and optionally a different destination (for one-way rentals)
- Desired vehicle class (e.g., SUV, convertible, compact car, pick-up)
- Desired additional equipment such as child car seat or automatic transmission
- Driver’s license (a German driver’s license is usually sufficient)
- Credit card for the deposit
- Desired additional equipment such as child car seat or automatic transmission
Tip: When searching, pay attention to customer ratings (how many stars) of the rental companies and whether the rental includes unlimited miles.
Compare Rental Cars in Florida
Top offers for any travel duration – incl. insurance free cancellation and without hidden fees.
Fuel Policies of Rental Car Offers: Full-to-full or Empty-To-Empty?
Different fuel policies are possible for rental cars in Florida. The most common – and usually cheapest – is “full-to-full”: You receive the vehicle with a full tank and return it the same way. This way, you only pay for the fuel you actually use.
Other providers entice with “full-to-empty” or fuel packages where the first tank is already paid for – but unused fuel is forfeited. These models are convenient but usually more expensive.
Recommendation: It’s best to choose “full-to-full”, refuel shortly before returning at rental car stations, and keep the receipt. This way, there’s no discussion upon return.
The Right Rental Car Insurance in Florida
There are a few things to consider when it comes to the right rental car insurance.
A rental car in Florida is the perfect choice for your vacation or road trip, whether for family, single, or couple travels. But before you hit the road, you should inform yourself about the right insurance. Many providers try to sell unnecessary additional insurance to customers at the stations during pick-up – here you’ll learn which insurances are really important, what to look out for, and what to do in case of damage.
Additionally, many car rental companies offer GPS navigation devices as an optional service, allowing you to reach popular excursion destinations without detours.
Which Rental Car Insurances are Necessary?
- Liability Insurance (LI) – This insurance covers damages you cause to others. The legally required minimum coverage in Florida is very low and often not sufficient. Therefore, you should ensure that you have extended liability insurance with coverage of at least 1 million USD.
- Comprehensive insurance (CDW/LDW – Collision Damage Waiver/Loss Damage Waiver) – This insurance protects you from costs for damages to the rental car. Without it, you’re liable for scratches, dents, or accidents. Important: A CDW is not a classic insurance, but a liability waiver from the rental company. Make sure it’s concluded without a deductible.
- Additional protection against uninsured drivers (UMP – Uninsured Motorist Protection) – If you’re involved in an accident with someone who has no or insufficient insurance, this insurance covers your costs. As many US drivers only have minimal insurance, this protection is highly recommended for co-travelers.
- Extended roadside assistance (RSA – Roadside Assistance Protection) – If you break down or lose your key, this additional protection helps you. Without it, a simple towing service in Florida can quickly cost several hundred dollars.
Which Insurances are Unnecessary?
Many rental car stations try to sell you additional insurances that you often don’t need. These include:
- Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): If you have travel insurance, you’re already covered. Many credit cards also offer this protection.
- Baggage insurance (PEC – Personal Effects Coverage): This covers stolen luggage, but is often included in your home contents or travel insurance.
- Additional protection for glass tires: Often already included in the comprehensive insurance – check your booking documents carefully!
Tip: If you already have rental car insurance through your credit card or travel insurance, you don’t need many of these extras. It’s best to clarify this before booking!
Popular Providers for Car Rental in Florida
Some of the most popular providers for car rental in Florida are:
- Alamo: Known for their affordable rental car prices in Florida and a wide range of vehicles.
- Dollar: Offers a variety of vehicles, including luxury and family vehicles.
- Thrifty: Another popular provider offering affordable prices and a
wide range of vehicles.
These providers are known for their reliability and good customer service. They offer a wide selection of vehicle types, from compact cars to luxury SUVs, ensuring there’s a suitable vehicle for every need.
Price comparison portals are very practical, comparing the most current offers for you. Rentalcars.com compares offers from over 900 car rental companies worldwide – including directly in Florida. The advantages here are:
- Free cancellation up to 30 days
- No hidden fees
Toll System in Florida: is the SunPass Worth it?
In Florida, many highways and bridges are subject to tolls – such as the Florida Turnpike or I-595. Traditional toll stations are increasingly disappearing, replaced by digital billing via license plate recognition or SunPass. The SunPass is an electronic prepaid system that is automatically activated on many rental cars. With it, you can drive through toll stations without stopping and often benefit from lower rates.
Tip: When booking a rental car, check if a SunPass transponder is included – and review the rental company’s fees. Alternatively, you can buy your own SunPass Mini on-site (about $5) and link it to your rental car. This way, you maintain full cost control.
Rental Cars for under 25s – What You Need to Know
If you’re under 25, you can get a rental car in Florida, but you should expect additional fees. Most rental companies charge a young driver fee, which is calculated per day and often ranges between 20 and 35 USD. Some providers like Alamo, National, or Sixt offer special rates for young drivers that are cheaper or reduce the fee.
Tips for Young Drivers
- Compare different providers, as the young driver fee can vary significantly.
- Make sure you have all important insurances, as young drivers often have higher risks.
- Some credit cards offer rental car insurance for drivers under 25 – check this before booking!
- One-way rentals are often more expensive for young people – watch out for hidden fees!
Typical Rental Car Traps in Florida – and how to Avoid Them
When renting a car in Florida, there are some pitfalls that you can easily avoid with a little preparation:
- Paying double for insurance: Many credit cards already include comprehensive insurance. Check this in advance to decline unnecessary additional insurance on-site.
- Overlooking one-way fees: If you want to return the car at a different location, clarify beforehand if and how much a one-way rental costs.
- Forgetting additional drivers: Only registered drivers are insured. Additional drivers often cost extra – unless they are spouses or included for free through certain booking portals.
- Hidden fees: Watch out for fees for toll packages, late return, or cleaning. Read the fine print in the rental agreement carefully.
Conclusion: Thorough preparation protects you from unnecessary costs – and ensures a relaxed drive through the Sunshine State.
Traffic Rules in Florida
Especially the Stop Sign rule at intersections with equal rights often causes confusion for tourists in rental cars in Florida.
In Florida, driving is fun: You can start, for example, at Southwest Florida International Airport, Orlando International Airport, Miami International Airport, or Tampa International Airport. Then your round trip can begin.
There are plenty of destinations: from Palm Beach via Fort Lauderdale to the north or via Miami Beach all the way down to Key West. Or you can drive along the unique scenery of Daytona Beach directly on the beach. Of course, a trip through the Sunshine State wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Disney World.
The roads are usually “straight”, even in towns the traffic is often four or more lanes, and except in the centers of the few big cities, there are always plenty of parking spaces for shopping, in front of restaurants, etc. The German driver’s license is valid for a stay of up to six months, unless you’re immigrating, in which case different rules apply.
You’ll always find a gas station near you, and the locals, especially in South Florida, already drive with the “Caribbean-like” calm of their neighboring islands. Nevertheless, there are rules when booking a rental car in Florida, of which we have compiled the most important ones for you below.
The most Important Traffic Rules for Tourists
Tips for Destinations and Routes to Fort Myers, Key West, Disney World…
Florida offers a variety of destinations and routes that can be explored by rental car from the East Coast to the West Coast. Whether you’re quickly reaching destinations near your vacation home in Cape Coral, heading directly to the theme parks, or looking for alligators on the Loop Road, some of the most popular destinations are certainly:
These destinations in Florida are ideal for families, adventurers, and beach lovers. With a rental car, you can flexibly and comfortably reach all attractions and make the most of your stay in Florida.
Sometimes, however, the journey itself is the destination, such as along the Overseas Highway that leads from Miami to Key West. Or the Tamiami Trail, which runs from Miami to Tampa – a typical American highway with an incredible number of recurring hotel and restaurant chains along shopping and outlet centers.
Florida Travel Tip
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