In my opinion, renting a car in Florida is almost a must!
To get anywhere in America you need a car.
We rent cars in almost every country we go to, but especially in the US.
And over the years we have tried many of the biggest and best car rental firms out there.
Most recently, we rented from 3 different companies in Florida there on our month-long trip around the whole state.
So below I take you through not only the best firms to rent from, but also:
Let’s get straight into it …
The easiest and fastest way to find the best car rental in Florida is to book through DiscoverCars. You could check prices at each company but trust me you will waste hours doing something they do in seconds.
It’s the go-to brand that we use 100% of the time, no matter which country we are flying into.
DiscoverCars compares every major brand across Florida and shows you the cheapest options instantly. You also see exact rental conditions and customer reviews which makes it so much easier to avoid surprise fees.
I also love how simple the filters are. You can quickly switch between SUVs, convertibles, economy cars, luxury options and even filter by rating or no deposit cars. When you are trying to find cheap car rental Florida deals this is exactly what you need.
They are extremely reliable and their prices beat everywhere else we have checked.
If you only remember one thing from this guide it is this. Start your search on DiscoverCars. It will save you money and a lot of time. It’s one of those weird circumstances where using them is literally a no-brainer.
Pick up drop off locations – Orlando International, Miami International, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville
Price range – $$
Best suited for – everyone
Availability – Check here
Alamo is one of the most reliable rental companies across the entire United States and easily one of the best choices in Florida. They are also the only supplier with a nine plus rating on DiscoverCars from more than five hundred verified bookings, which is incredibly impressive.
The company is known for smooth operations, minimal waiting and consistently well maintained cars which gives you peace of mind right from the start.
Most recently in Florida, we used Alamo to rent a Ford Mustang convertible that we drove to Miami. Better still, they had 5 or 6 ones for us to choose from; of which Cazzy obviously chose the red one!
The whole pick-up process was unbelievably smooth. After a long flight from Heathrow we were honestly relieved to walk straight off the plane and collect our keys without queues or fuss. Their staff were efficient, friendly and everything just felt easy.
They also have an in-terminal branch, which not all companies do at Orlando International Airport. Instead, you need to get a shuttle to collect, which is honestly just unnecessary stress that you don’t want after a 10 hour flight.
Alamo offers a very large selection of vehicles including everything from economy hatchbacks to full size SUVs. Their convertible fleet is particularly strong which is ideal for scenic Florida drives. You will find Mustangs Camaros and plenty of soft top options which makes choosing a fun car surprisingly affordable.
For families they offer spacious mid size SUVs and minivans with great storage and comfortable seating for long journeys. Business travellers can choose from premium sedans that feel refined and smooth to drive. No matter your travel style or group size Alamo offers something that fits perfectly.
Pick up drop off locations – Miami International, Orlando International, Tampa Airport, Fort Lauderdale, multiple Miami city branches
Price range – $$ to $$$
Best suited for – premium travellers and convertible lovers
Availability – Check here
Sixt has an excellent reputation for offering some of the best looking and best maintained cars in Florida. They specialise in premium models which makes them a fantastic choice if you want something stylish and comfortable for long drives around the state. Their branches are easy to find and they offer very quick pickups.
We rented a BMW 4 Series convertible from Sixt and it ended up being one of the nicest cars we have ever driven on any trip. The pickup in Miami took barely a few minutes which was perfect as we had a long drive ahead down to Key West. Having multiple Sixt locations across Miami also made it easy for us to arrange a pickup close to our hotel.
Sixt also performs extremely well on DiscoverCars where they regularly appear as one of the highest rated premium suppliers. If you enjoy great service, good quality and a polished experience; Sixt stands out immediately.
Sixt is famous for its premium fleet which includes BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and sleek sedans with excellent comfort levels. If you are after a convertible their choices are outstanding with Mustangs, BMW 4 Series, and other sporty soft tops readily available. These cars make Florida’s coastal drives feel even more memorable.
They also offer a wide range of SUVs that are ideal for families or groups wanting extra space. Their luxury SUV selection includes well equipped models that feel fantastic on longer road trips. For business travellers there are premium sedans with smooth handling and beautiful interiors to elevate your entire journey.
Pick up drop off locations – statewide including all major airports and most large cities
Price range – $$ to $$$
Best suited for – families and long trips
Availability – Check here
Enterprise is one of the most trusted car rental brands worldwide and that reputation is reflected across Florida. Their customer service is known for being polite, helpful and consistently reliable even at the busiest airport branches. Whether you are picking up in Orlando Miami Tampa or anywhere else in the state they maintain a standard that is hard to beat.
This makes them a brilliant choice for families with longer trips or travellers who appreciate having staff that genuinely try to help. Enterprise tends to be a little more expensive than some competitors but the experience usually feels worth it. They also have one of the most extensive branch networks in Florida which gives you lots of flexibility for drop offs.
Searching on DiscoverCars can help you find the best Enterprise deals because they do occasionally offer cheaper rates compared to booking direct.
Enterprise has a very diverse fleet including compact cars, sedans , electric vehicles, SUVs and large family sized vans. Their SUVs are especially popular for Florida because they offer great comfort and storage space for coastal or theme park trips. If you are travelling with a group their minivan selection is one of the best in the state.
They also offer premium models for travellers who want something a little nicer for long drives. Most cars feel clean, modern and well maintained which adds to the sense of reliability that Enterprise is known for.
Pick up drop off locations – all major Florida airports and central hubs
Price range – $$ to $$$
Best suited for – business travellers and fast pickups
Availability – Check here
National is perfect for anyone who values speed and efficiency above all else. Their Emerald Club system lets you walk straight to the car lot, choose a vehicle and drive away without standing in a queue. This level of convenience makes them incredibly popular with business travellers and frequent flyers who want everything done in minutes.
They also provide great flexibility for one way rentals across Florida which is ideal if you are travelling through multiple cities. National is known for smooth operations, well trained staff and good quality vehicles which keeps the experience consistently positive.
They are not usually the cheapest but the time saved and ease of use can make the price feel more than justified.
National provides a huge variety of options including compact cars, mid size sedans, luxury vehicles and large SUVs. Their Emerald Aisle selection is particularly appealing because it lets you pick from a line of cars and choose whatever suits you best. Many travellers enjoy the surprise element of finding something nicer than expected.
Families will appreciate the spacious SUVs and vans available. Meanwhile business travellers will enjoy the comfort and modern interiors of National’s premium range.
Pick up drop off locations – Orlando International, Miami International, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, statewide
Price range – $$ to $$$
Best suited for – travellers wanting variety
Availability – Check here
Hertz is one of the most recognizable car rental brands in the world and we had a brilliant experience with them in Florida. When we switched cars at Orlando International we were told to walk outside, choose whichever premium car we wanted from the row and simply drive away. It was unbelievably easy and genuinely refreshing.
The Nissan Maxima we picked was ideal for theme park days thanks to its comfort and great fuel efficiency. Drop off was just as smooth and our entire Hertz rental felt quick, convenient and completely stress free.
Hertz is a great option for travellers who want variety because they often have large rows of available cars. Their reliability and convenience make them a fantastic mid to premium tier choice.
Hertz has one of the most extensive fleets in Florida offering everything from basic compact cars to fully loaded premium models. Their premium row often includes stylish sedans and sporty options that you can freely choose from. For families they have excellent SUVs with great comfort and storage.
Their larger vehicles make long road trips feel easier and more spacious especially for groups or travellers carrying extra bags. Hertz maintains high standards of cleanliness and upkeep which makes every model feel trustworthy.
Pick up drop off locations – major airports including Orlando, Miami and Tampa
Price range – $ to $$
Best suited for – budget travellers
Availability – Check here
Thrifty is a fantastic option if you want to keep costs as low as possible while still renting from a reputable brand. They share facilities with Dollar and Hertz which means you get the advantage of a streamlined operation even at busy airports. For simple no fuss travel Thrifty performs extremely well.
Their staff are generally friendly and helpful and the cars are usually in good condition despite being slightly older than the premium brands. If you want a great deal and do not need luxury features this is a strong choice.
Thrifty provides compact cars, mid-size sedans and SUVs that are ideal for everyday travel. Their compact cars are fuel efficient which is perfect for city trips or driving between beaches. They also have crossovers offering extra room for small families.
Their SUV selection includes practical models with good storage and smooth driving. Thrifty is all about convenience and value which makes their fleet straightforward yet dependable.
Pick up drop off locations – all major airports and cities
Price range – $$
Best suited for – families and mid range travellers
Availability – Check here
Avis is a solid middle ground between budget and premium making them great for families and longer Florida trips. They consistently score well across fleet quality customer service and pickup convenience which is why so many travellers trust them.
Their vehicles typically feel newer and more polished compared to budget rivals. Avis is also strong during peak travel periods because they tend to keep more cars available which helps a lot when booking late.
Avis has a wide variety of sedans, compact cars and SUVs. Their sedans are perfect for couples or solo travellers wanting comfort without overspending. Families will benefit from their mid size and full size SUVs that offer excellent storage space.
They also provide a range of premium upgrades such as luxury sedans and larger SUVs for travellers wanting extra comfort. All the vehicles tend to be modern, clean and reliable across the board.
Pick up drop off locations – Orlando, Tampa and select city locations
Price range – $
Best suited for – budget and short trips
Availability – Check here
Zoom Rent A Car is a smaller company but one that often surprises travellers with very competitive pricing. They are a great option if you want to minimize costs without going with an unknown or poorly rated company. Their service is friendly, the pickup process is straightforward and the cars are usually in better condition than expected for the price.
Zoom is ideal for shorter trips, quick city breaks or travellers who simply do not need a high end vehicle. When comparing on DiscoverCars they frequently appear as one of the cheapest options available.
Zoom offers compact cars that are easy to park and great on fuel which is ideal for urban or beach hopping trips. They also have mid size sedans that provide a bit more comfort while still keeping costs low. For travellers needing extra space they offer a handful of SUVs at competitive daily rates.
While the fleet is simpler than bigger brands the cars are usually clean and mechanically solid. If affordability is your top priority, Zoom is worth checking.
Pick up drop off locations – all major Florida airports
Price range – $ to $$
Best suited for – quick and easy rentals
Availability – Check here
Dollar is a good match if you want a simple straightforward rental without the premium price tag. They share support and infrastructure with Hertz and Thrifty which means you get access to a very organised operation. Dollar tends to be very popular with travellers doing short trips or weekend breaks.
Their service is usually efficient and friendly and they offer good value overall. Dollar is ideal if you want a dependable car with zero fuss.
Dollar offers compact cars that are fuel efficient and ideal for city driving. They also have a range of mid size sedans that provide more comfort for longer trips. If you need more room their SUVs have enough space for families and extra luggage.
Their vehicles are generally basic but very reliable which is perfect for straightforward travel. Dollar focuses on practicality and value so their fleet delivers just that.
Pick up drop off locations – Orlando, Tampa and selected city areas
Price range – $
Best suited for – budget travellers who do not mind a shuttle
Availability – Check here
Ace Rent A Car is one of the better off-airport options and is excellent for travellers who want to save money. Their prices are often significantly lower because they operate outside the terminal buildings. You do need a short shuttle to reach them but the process is usually quick and simple.
The Florida branches in particular receive better reviews than some of their other US locations. The cars are basic but perfectly fine for shorter or budget focused trips. If you are happy trading a little convenience for lower prices Ace is a strong choice.
Ace offers compact cars that are ideal for quick city travel especially if you are hopping between beaches or local attractions. They also provide mid size sedans which offer a bit more room and comfort for longer journeys. Some branches also offer budget friendly SUVs for travellers needing extra space.
Their fleet focuses heavily on affordability so the cars are uncomplicated but reliable. For a low cost road trip or simple city hopping Ace works well.
On our last Florida trip we ended up using three different rentals and it ended up being one of the best decisions we made. We saved money, enjoyed more flexibility and avoided the usual parking headaches in expensive cities.
We started by renting a Ford Mustang convertible from Alamo. This was perfect for the drive to Miami and was great value for the first part of the trip. Once we arrived in Miami we returned it because the city is pricey for parking and we did not need a car during our three night stay. Keeping it would have been a total waste of money.
The morning we left Miami we picked up a BMW 4 Series convertible from Sixt. This car was unreal to drive and we used it for the next ten days. We drove it all the way down to Key West and then back up around the entire coast of Florida taking our time at beaches and small towns. We eventually returned it at Orlando International Airport.
For the final part of our trip we needed something more practical. We were visiting theme parks and needed better fuel efficiency and more space. So we picked up a Nissan Maxima from Hertz which handled perfectly and had loads of room for bags and up to five people.
Across all three rentals we had two one way rentals and one round trip. What surprised us most was that we did not face any big one way fees at all. These large brands have so many rental locations across Florida that dropping off in different cities is completely normal.
If you want to do your own Florida road trip then this setup works incredibly well. It gives you maximum flexibility and you never get stuck paying for days you do not need.
When we landed in Florida I didn’t even know they had removed their pay-at-kiosk tolls. Instead the whole state runs on digital tolls. And if, like us, you don;t have a toll pass, then you basically get charged a day rate fee by your rental company ($5) plus have to pay more for each toll you go through.
This per day rate is what we had with Alamo, so do check with your own chosen supplier to find out how it works for you. But long story short, to save the money you need to buy yourself a toll pass. The biggest and easiest being SunPass.
You can pick one up at CVS for $14.99. It took about 15 minutes to set up, and is of course more complex if (like us) you aren’t American. Most rental companies charge far more for their toll systems so having your own is a brilliant way to avoid extra costs.
Once set up, using it feels seamless and it keeps your trip stress free. But if you are concerned about how to do this, or the stress of it, I recommend you talk to your chosen rental company before landing and hear what options they can provide to you.
P.s. If you are searching their site outside of the USA, then you cannot view it without a VPN.
If you are staying somewhere expensive like Miami then consider returning your car and re-renting later. We saved a lot by doing exactly this. For three days in Miami we had no parking charges, no daily rental charges and no stress. Then we simply picked up a new car when we needed it again. It is a brilliant money saving trick.
Florida roads were made for convertibles. The sunshine, the ocean views and the long open drives make it feel special from the moment you start the engine. Coming from the UK this felt amazing to us and it is something we highly recommend trying at least once. Prices are often surprisingly affordable as Florida has so many available.
Before you buy full cover at the rental desk check your credit card. Many cards include rental insurance and you might not need to buy anything extra. Rental companies are brilliant at upselling insurance and it is easy to overpay if you do not check. Knowing this in advance can save you a decent amount.
Better still, you can take out the no excess cover with DiscoverCars at the point of booking. We always do this now as it helps cut through the nonsense and we have no future hefty charges at pickup to even consider whether to pay for or not.
Based on my experience on this trip of trying both, I’d say the Mustang is iconic and gives you that classic American muscle feel. But when it comes to comfort and a smoother ride the BMW 4 Series convertible is actually nicer. You lose the loud roar but gain better handling and a more refined drive. Florida offers both everywhere so it is fun choosing the one that suits your trip best.
Both Hertz and Sixt gave us the easiest drop off experiences we have ever had. You pull up, grab your bags and someone checks the car immediately. They confirm everything is good and you walk straight into the terminal. No queues, no waiting and no stress. It was honestly perfect.
Absolutely. Everything is spaced out and having a car makes the whole trip easier. Many people search for is it worth renting a car in Florida because they are unsure but trust me it is.
You can manage without one but it is much less convenient. Driving yourself means you can arrive earlier, leave later and bounce between parks with ease. If you are searching for a car in Orlando for Disney the answer is almost always yes.
Costs vary depending on season and car type. You will usually get the best deals on DiscoverCars especially for cheap car rental Florida searches. Convertibles and SUVs will cost more but sometimes the upgrade is worth it.
Yes, although you may pay a young driver surcharge. If you are comparing renting a car in Florida under 25 options then check rental conditions carefully.
Florida is one of the easiest places in the United States to hire a car. Everywhere you go you will find rentals and the airports are the biggest hubs.
This is the heart of theme park heaven and most people search for car rental Orlando Florida or cheap car rental Orlando Airport MCO. If you are planning to visit Disney and Universal then having a car is incredibly helpful.
Miami has endless beaches, nightlife and some of the best food spots in the state. Picking up a car rental Miami Florida is ideal if you want to drive out to the Keys or explore more of the southern coast.
A great base for exploring the Gulf Coast and nearby beaches. Families often look for car rental Tampa Florida because SUVs and mid size cars tend to be cheaper here than in Miami.
Perfect for cruise departures and exploring the coast north or south. Searches for car rental Fort Lauderdale Florida spike for travellers wanting quick rental turnarounds and good value.
Hopefully all of that information helps you in making your own booking!
I tried to pack in as much of our own experience as possible and make it as quick and easy to help you make a choice.
Now it’s over to you …
Which car rental firm have you decided to book with?
Or, do you have any questions you feel I didn’t address above?
Simply drop a comment below and I’ll help where I can!
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