Renting a car is a convenient way to get from one place to another when you don’t have other transportation options. You can rent a car for business or pleasure, and depending on the company and your insurance policy, you may not even have to worry about driving restrictions. But as with any type of rental agreement, there are various guidelines and restrictions. In particular, there are age requirements for renting a car that you must adhere to to avoid any red flags from the rental company.
Hertz
J.D. Power ranks Hertz as the best car rental company in North America, and for good reason. Their focus on customer satisfaction means you’ll have a great time renting from them – from start to finish.
Enterprise
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has locations all over the world, so they’re bound to have one close by. Plus, they offer a wide selection of cars – from economy to luxury – so you can find the perfect ride for your trip.
Fox Rent-A-Car
Fox Rent-A-Car is the perfect solution for budget-minded travelers. They offer low rates on all of our vehicles, so you can hit the open road without breaking the bank.
* With Expedia member prices, you could save 10% or more right now on thousands of cars.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Rent A Car In Florida?
You must be at least 21 years old to rent from most rental companies in Florida. Drivers between 21 and 25 years old may rent with restrictions and higher rates.
Renting A Car Under 25 In Florida
If you’re under 25 years old, you’ll likely have to pay a young driver’s fee of around $25 per day. This fee will be added to your rental price, so you’ll know exactly how much extra you’ll have to pay. If you have a clean driving record, have taken a defensive driving course, and have a parent or guardian co-signer, you may not have to pay an underage fee.
If you are under 25 years old, you may have to pay an underage fee or provide additional insurance to rent a car in Florida. While you may be approved to rent a car even if you’re under 25, you may have to pay extra fees or have a co-signer.
Young driver surcharges are a common practice, not only when you’re planning to rent a car in Florida, but also when you’re pondering if you should rent a car in Dallas or whether to rent a car in Phoenix. These fees are levied due to the higher risk associated with younger drivers, who statistically are more prone to accidents.
Here is a list of rental car companies in Florida and their young driver’s fee policy:
- ACE: $25 per day on average (ages 21 to 24)
- Alamo: $25 per day (ages 21 to 24)
- Avis: $27 per day (ages 21 to 24)
- Enterprise: $25 per day (ages 21 to 24)
- Fox Rent A Car: $20 to $30 per day (ages 19 to 24)
- Hertz: $19 to $35 per day (ages 20 to 24)
- National: $20 to $30 per day (ages 21 to 24)
- Payless: $25 per day (ages 21 to 24)
- Rent-A-Wreck: $15 per day (ages 21 to 24)
- Silvercar: On most places doesn’t charge a fee (ages 22 to 24)
- Sixt: $15 to $35 per day (ages 21 to 24)
- Thrifty: $25 to $35 per day (ages 20 to 24)
- Dollar: $25 to $35 per day (ages 20 to 24)
- Turo: $30 to $50 per day (ages 18 to 25)
Also, renters between 21 and 25 years old may need to go through further review such as:
- You may be subject to a driving history review to determine if you are qualified to rent.
- Some companies will not rent to drivers with a history of certain traffic violations or convictions within a certain period of time.
- You may be required to provide a valid driver’s license from your home country or a valid driver’s license from the country where you are currently renting a car. You may be required to have an active credit card in your name.
- You may be required to purchase car rental insurance as part of your rental agreement.
- The rental company may restrict you from renting a car in their area if you do not have insurance.
What Are Other Requirements For Renting A Car In Florida?
Every rental company will have its own requirements for renting a car, but some are required for all companies. These include:
- A valid identification – a valid driver’s license
- Some companies will also require an International Driver’s Permit if your license isn’t from the country you’re renting in. Some countries also require a Third Party Insurance Policy.
- Many car rental companies also offer different levels of coverage, so if you don’t have very good insurance, or you’re under 25 and can’t rent a car with your license, you might want to get additional coverage.
- Rental companies also require a valid credit card. Some companies might have a minimum spending requirement.
- You may also have to pay a security deposit or have your own insurance.
- If you don’t have your own insurance, you’ll have to purchase a Florida under-insured car rental policy or a Florida additional-coverage policy.
What is the maximum age to rent a car in Florida?
In Florida, there is no maximum age to rent a car. As long as you have a valid driver’s license and meet the rental company’s requirements, you should be able to rent a car.
Some companies may require additional documentation from renters who are over the age of 70. This is usually a doctor’s note or an insurance policy.
Tips For Renting A Car In Florida
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when renting a car in Florida:
- Shop around for car rentals
- Confirm your car rental reservation
- Bring a valid credit card
- Ask about the company’s cancellation policy
- Check the vehicle’s condition before you sign off on the paperwork
- Check your auto insurance policy
- Don’t drive aggressively or speed
- Be prepared to pay tolls
- Know the state’s seatbelt law
Shop around for car rentals.
Compare the prices, insurance coverage, and mileage policies of various rental companies to find the best deal.
Confirm your car rental reservation.
Make sure you have an actual reservation and confirmation number before heading to the rental company.
Bring a valid credit card.
You may have to put down a deposit or pay for your car rental with a credit card.
Ask about the company’s cancellation policy.
If you have to cancel your car rental reservation, you may have to pay a penalty fee. Be sure to ask about the company’s cancellation policy before making your reservation.
Check the vehicle’s condition before you sign off on the paperwork.
Make sure you don’t see any dents, scratches, or other damage. Make sure there is no existing damage to the car before you drive it off the lot.
Check your auto insurance policy.
You may already be covered. See if your personal auto insurance covers rental cars.
Don’t drive aggressively or speed.
Be careful, especially if you’re driving a rental car.
Be prepared to pay tolls
There are many toll roads in Florida. Be sure to have enough cash on hand to pay the tolls. You can also use a credit card to pay the tolls.
Know the state’s seatbelt law.
In Florida, all drivers and passengers must wear a seatbelt. Drivers can be fined $30 for each passenger who isn’t wearing a seatbelt.
Child car seats are also required for children under the age of 5. Children under 3 must be in a separate car seat or booster, and children over 3 can use a seatbelt.
Age Restrictions: The General Rule
Most car rental companies have a minimum age requirement of 21. However, those between 21 and 24 may be subjected to “Young Renter Fees” or “Underage Drivers’ Fees.” This fee is due to the risk associated with younger drivers. A similar policy is followed by car rental companies in Michigan, Indianapolis, and even cities like San Antonio.
Note: Certain specialty and larger-sized vehicles may not be rented to drivers under the age of 25.
Before renting a car, consider checking the company’s website or contact them directly for the most accurate information. This rule also applies when you’re thinking about renting a car in cities like Houston or Phoenix.
Exemptions to the Rule
While the general rule is that you must be 21 to rent a car, there are a few exceptions to this rule:
- Government/Military Personnel: If you’re a government employee on official business or orders, you can rent a car at the age of 18. This can come in handy if you’re planning a trip to a city like New York, where public transport can sometimes be a hassle.
- Renters with Disabilities: If you have a disability and have a valid driver’s license, you can rent a car at the age of 18 without any young renter’s fee. If you’re traveling to tourist-friendly cities like Orlando or Miami, this could make your travel more comfortable and accessible.
Is there an Additional Charge?
In addition to the minimum age requirement, younger drivers (usually between the ages of 21 and 24) may be subject to an additional daily fee called the “Young Renter Fee” or “Underage Drivers’ Fee.” This fee can vary depending on the car rental company and can range from $25 to $50 per day. It’s important to note that this fee is charged per rental day and can significantly increase the overall cost of your rental. So, if you’re planning a longer trip, budget accordingly.
When considering a car rental in Florida, it’s essential to factor in these additional charges. Planning ahead and understanding the fees can help you make informed decisions. Similar fees may apply when renting a car in cities like Los Angeles or San Diego.
Under 25? Consider Your Options
If you’re under 25 and facing high Young Renter Fees, you may be wondering if there are any alternatives to renting a car directly from a traditional rental company. Fortunately, there are a few options worth exploring:
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Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing: Platforms like Turo allow individuals to rent out their personal vehicles to others. Some hosts on these platforms may have more flexible age restrictions, allowing younger drivers to rent cars without additional fees. However, it’s crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions and communicate with the host to ensure they are comfortable renting to drivers under 25.
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Car Rental Companies with Lower Age Restrictions: While most major car rental companies have a minimum age requirement of 21, a few companies have lower age restrictions or more lenient policies for younger drivers. Researching and comparing different rental companies may help you find one that better suits your needs. Keep in mind that these companies may still charge additional fees but at a lower rate.
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Alternative Transportation Options: Depending on your specific travel needs and the locations you plan to visit in Florida, it may be worth considering alternative transportation options such as public transportation, ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft, or utilizing the extensive network of bike-sharing services available in some cities.
Remember to assess the overall costs, convenience, and flexibility of these alternatives before making a decision. Each option comes with its own pros and cons, so choose the one that best fits your requirements.
Tips for Renting a Car in Florida
Now that you’re aware of the age restrictions and additional charges associated with renting a car in Florida, here are a few tips to keep in mind when going through the rental process:
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Book in Advance: To secure the best rates and availability, it’s advisable to book your rental car well in advance of your trip. Last-minute bookings can result in limited options and higher prices.
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Compare Rental Companies: Don’t settle for the first rental company you come across. Take the time to compare rates, policies, and customer reviews of different rental companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal and service.
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Read the Fine Print: Before finalizing your reservation, carefully read the terms and conditions provided by the rental company. Pay close attention to age restrictions, additional fees, insurance coverage, and any other relevant details.
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Choose the Right Vehicle: Consider the size and type of vehicle that best suits your needs. If you’re traveling with a group or with lots of luggage, opt for a larger car or SUV. On the other hand, if you’re looking for fuel efficiency and easy maneuverability in cities like Miami or Orlando, a compact or economy car might be more suitable.
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Understand Insurance Options: Rental companies typically offer additional insurance coverage, such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW). Review your personal auto insurance policy and credit card coverage to determine if you’re already adequately protected. Understanding your insurance coverage can help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary expenses.
By following these tips, you can make the car rental process smoother and more cost-effective. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant city of Tampa or embarking on a road trip along the stunning Florida Keys, having a reliable means of transportation can enhance your overall experience.
Final Words
Car rentals are a convenient and affordable way to get where you need to go.
And, as long as you’re over the minimum age requirement and stick to the rules, you’ll be able to drive away with a new set of wheels in no time.
Be sure to review these tips before you go out to rent a car, and you’ll be on your way in no time.
Now that you know how old do you have to be to rent a car in Florida, and what other requirements there are, be sure to make a reservation as soon as possible. There’s no better time than now to get out there and explore what this beautiful state has to offer!
