Quick Summary:
- Non-US citizens can rent in Florida with valid licence and passport.
- Bring an International Driving Permit if your licence is non-Roman script.
- Expect a credit card deposit, plus extra checks for debit cards.
- Carry rental agreement, insurance details, and your documents while driving.
Yes, non-US citizens can rent a car in Florida, and many visitors do so every day for holidays, work trips, or family visits. The key is arriving with the right documents and understanding a few practical rules around payment, age requirements, insurance, and driving eligibility. This guide explains what you generally need for Florida car hire, why some renters are asked for additional paperwork, and how to avoid common issues at the counter.
While Florida has consistent statewide driving laws, each rental company can set its own conditions. Always read the specific terms for your supplier and vehicle class. The information below reflects the most common requirements used by mainstream rental brands across Florida, including major airports and city branches.
Can non-US citizens legally rent a car in Florida?
Non-US citizens can legally rent and drive in Florida as long as they have a valid driving licence and meet the rental company’s conditions. Florida generally recognises foreign driving licences for visitors, so you do not need a Florida licence for a short stay. What matters is that your licence is current, matches the driver’s identity, and is acceptable to the rental company for the type of vehicle you choose.
Some visitors assume their visa status affects eligibility. In practice, rental eligibility is usually determined by your licence validity, your age, and your ability to provide a qualifying payment card and deposit. If you can meet those requirements, car hire is typically straightforward.
Core documents most non-US citizens need for Florida car hire
Most non-US citizens will be asked for these essentials at pick-up. Bring physical originals, not copies, and keep them accessible in your hand luggage.
1) Driving licence (from your home country)
Your licence must be valid for the entire rental period. Many companies prefer that it has been held for at least one year. Provisional or learner licences are commonly not accepted. If your licence expires during your trip, renew it before you travel.
2) Passport
A passport is the standard form of photo identification for international renters. The name must match the licence and the payment card. If your passport includes diacritics or a different transliteration than your card, it can help to carry a second supporting document that shows the same spelling, such as a national ID card.
3) Payment card in the main driver’s name
For Florida car hire, the main driver usually must present a credit card to cover the deposit and any additional charges. Some locations accept debit cards, but policies vary and extra requirements are common, such as added identification checks or proof of onward travel.
4) Booking confirmation and contact details
Most counters can locate a reservation by name, but having your confirmation on your phone is helpful if there is any discrepancy in pick-up time, vehicle class, or pre-paid inclusions. It can also speed up discussions about extras and insurance.
International Driving Permit (IDP): when you need it and when you do not
An International Driving Permit is not a licence on its own, it is a translation of your licence details into a standard format. In Florida, many visitors can drive with their foreign licence without an IDP. However, an IDP can still be required by a rental company, and it is strongly recommended in certain cases.
You are more likely to need an IDP if your licence is:
Not in English, or uses a non-Roman alphabet, such as Arabic, Japanese, Cyrillic, or Thai.
Missing key information, such as the date of birth, issue date, or expiry date.
Hard to interpret, for example if it is older, damaged, or does not clearly show categories.
Even when not required, an IDP can be useful if you are stopped by law enforcement or if you need to make an insurance claim. Importantly, you must obtain the IDP in your home country before travel, it cannot typically be issued once you are already in the United States.
Age requirements and young driver considerations
Age rules are one of the biggest reasons international travellers are surprised at the counter. In Florida, many rental suppliers set a minimum age of 21, and some categories require you to be 25. Drivers under 25 may face a young driver surcharge, and there may be restrictions on vehicle types, such as premium cars or larger SUVs.
If multiple people will drive, each additional driver must usually be present at pick-up with their own valid licence and identification. If you plan to share driving, check whether adding an extra driver is included or paid separately, and make sure the additional driver meets age and licence rules too.
Deposits, credit cards, and debit card policies
Most problems with Florida car hire are not about licences, they are about payment. A deposit is normally held on a card at pick-up. The amount varies based on vehicle class, rental length, and whether you are pre-paying or paying locally, but it can be substantial.
Credit cards are widely accepted and are often the simplest option for international renters. Ensure the card has sufficient available credit, not just an overall limit. If you rely on a travel card with dynamic currency features, confirm it functions for pre-authorisations in the US.
Debit cards may be accepted at some branches, but often with conditions, such as additional ID, proof of return flight, or restrictions on premium vehicles. Some airport locations are more flexible than small local branches, but it varies by supplier.
Prepaid cards are frequently not accepted for deposits. If you only have prepaid payment methods, confirm acceptance rules before you travel, otherwise you risk being unable to collect the vehicle.
Insurance documents and what to show at the counter
Insurance is often the most confusing part of car hire for visitors. At pick-up, the agent may ask whether you want to take the supplier’s cover or rely on another policy. What you need to show depends on your situation.
If you rely on your own cover, such as a standalone travel policy or certain premium credit cards, bring evidence. That can include a policy schedule, benefit wording, and a contact number for claims. Be realistic about what your policy includes. Some travel policies cover collision damage but not third-party liability, and some credit card benefits have strict exclusions, such as certain vehicle classes, long rental periods, or driving on unpaved roads.
If you buy the rental company’s cover, you may not need additional documents, but you should understand what is included and what remains your responsibility, such as excess, tyres, glass, underbody, tolls, and administrative fees.
Florida also has heavy toll road usage, especially around Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. Ask how tolls are handled, whether by a toll pass product or pay-by-plate, and keep a record of the option you choose.
Driving eligibility, translations, and name matching
For non-US citizens, administrative issues often come down to name matching and document clarity. To reduce friction:
Ensure names match across documents. If your passport uses one spelling and your card uses another, bring additional proof linking the names.
Bring your licence card, not just a digital copy. Some jurisdictions offer digital licences, but many US rental counters require a physical licence.
Keep your documents with you while driving. In Florida, if you are stopped, you may be asked for your licence and rental agreement. Having your paperwork organised helps resolve issues quickly.
Where visitors commonly pick up in Florida
Most international travellers collect cars at major airports, then return at the same airport or at another city. Orlando is a frequent gateway for theme park trips, and you may see location-specific guidance for high-volume visitor hubs. For example, if your trip is centred around the parks, you might compare options listed on car hire Disney Orlando MCO to see what different suppliers typically require at pick-up.
Miami and its surrounding areas are also popular, especially for trips to the Keys or the Gulf Coast. For travellers staying near Miami’s western suburbs, you can review the local branch context on car rental Doral DRL, which can be useful when planning a non-airport pick-up.
Even if you are flying into Florida, you may be comparing policies across the US for multi-state itineraries. If you also need a rental elsewhere, it can help to check requirements at other hubs such as car hire Los Angeles LAX or budget car hire Atlanta ATL, as payment and ID policies can vary by location and supplier.
Practical tips to avoid common pick-up problems
Confirm your documents before travel. Check your licence expiry date, passport validity, and whether your licence needs an IDP translation.
Use the main driver’s card. Many suppliers require the deposit card to be in the same name as the main driver, not a travelling companion.
Plan for the deposit. Keep enough available credit for a pre-authorisation hold, plus room for fuel deposits or toll products.
Be ready to show your return itinerary. If you are using a debit card or you are a young driver, some counters may request additional proof of travel plans.
Inspect the vehicle and document condition. Photograph existing marks and confirm the fuel policy, mileage allowance, and toll option on the agreement before leaving the car park.
FAQ
Can I rent a car in Florida with a foreign driving licence only?
Often yes, if your licence is valid, in a readable format, and you meet age and payment requirements. If your licence is not in English or uses a non-Roman alphabet, an International Driving Permit is commonly required or strongly recommended.
Do non-US citizens need an International Driving Permit in Florida?
Not always, but many rental companies ask for one when the home licence is not easily readable or not in English. An IDP is a translation and must be obtained in your home country before travelling.
What payment method is usually required for Florida car hire?
A credit card in the main driver’s name is the most widely accepted option for the deposit. Debit cards may be accepted with extra conditions, and prepaid cards are commonly refused for deposits.
Can I add another non-US citizen as an additional driver?
Usually yes, as long as they meet the same licence and age requirements. The additional driver typically must be present at pick-up with their passport and valid driving licence, and extra fees may apply.
What documents should I keep with me while driving in Florida?
Carry your driving licence, passport or ID, and the rental agreement. Keep insurance details accessible too, particularly if you are relying on third-party cover rather than the rental company’s cover.
