Quick Summary:
- Most major Florida car hire brands allow dogs if vehicles return clean.
- Expect cleaning fees if there is hair, odour, or stains.
- Use a crate or harness, never leave pets unattended in heat.
- Confirm any assistance animal documentation needs and local Florida leash laws.
Travelling in Florida with a dog is common, whether you are heading to dog-friendly beaches, state parks, or visiting family. The key question is not only whether dogs are allowed in a rental car, but what condition the vehicle must be returned in and what fees apply if there is extra cleaning. In most cases, Florida car hire companies do allow dogs, but they usually treat pets as a cleanliness and damage risk, rather than a prohibited item.
This guide explains how pet policies generally work in Florida, which types of companies tend to be the most permissive, and the practical steps that reduce the chances of cleaning charges. Policies can vary by brand, franchise location, vehicle category, and even local manager discretion, so you should always confirm at the counter and keep a copy of the terms for your booking.
Do car rental companies in Florida allow dogs?
In Florida, the majority of mainstream car hire companies allow dogs and other pets in standard vehicles, as long as you return the car in a clean, undamaged condition. Rather than a strict “no pets” rule, the common approach is “pets permitted, but you pay if cleaning is required”. That means you can generally travel with a dog, but you must manage shedding, mud, saliva, scratches, and odour.
There are two important exceptions to keep in mind. First, assistance animals are treated differently under US rules, and companies usually cannot apply pet restrictions in the same way, although you are still responsible for damage. Second, some specialty vehicles may have stricter cleanliness expectations, for example premium cars with light upholstery, or vehicles that are frequently rented for business use. When in doubt, ask which interior materials are easiest to keep clean and document the condition at pick-up.
Which companies are most likely to allow dogs in Florida car hire?
Florida has the familiar line-up of national and international rental brands, plus local agencies. As a broad rule, large national brands tend to permit pets across most of their fleets, focusing on cleaning fees only when needed. Local independents can be either very pet-friendly or much stricter, depending on how they manage vehicle turnaround time and detailing capacity.
If you are comparing brands through Hola Car Rentals, you may see well-known names that generally follow the “allowed if clean” model. For example, many travellers associate brands like National and Avis with clear published standards and consistent counter processes, which can make pet travel easier to manage if you keep the vehicle tidy. You can explore brand-led landing pages such as National car rental and Avis car rental to understand how large brands are presented across locations, then cross-check the Florida counter terms on your specific rental.
Value-focused brands can also allow dogs, but may be more likely to charge for cleaning if the return condition is not close to pre-rental standards. If you want a point of comparison for how budget brands are described, see Payless car hire. Even when a pet is permitted, budget rentals can have tighter turnaround schedules, so cleaning and odour concerns may lead to fees more quickly.
Finally, individual rental locations sometimes apply practical guidance rather than formal restrictions. Staff may advise you to use a protective cover, keep pets in the rear of the vehicle, and return the car free of hair and sand. Treat this as a sign that pets are allowed, but cleanliness is non-negotiable.
Typical pet-related rules you should expect
Even when dogs are allowed, most Florida car hire companies apply rules in four areas: cleanliness, damage, safety, and disclosure. Understanding these themes helps you avoid surprises.
Cleanliness and detailing is the biggest issue. Many terms allow the company to charge a cleaning fee if there is excessive pet hair, dander, stains, mud, or odour. What counts as “excessive” can be subjective, so aim for a return condition that looks and smells like no dog was ever there.
Damage is separate from cleaning. Scratches on door panels, chewed seatbelts, torn upholstery, or damaged trim can be billed as repairs and may also create loss-of-use costs while the vehicle is off the road. A harness and a rear-seat protector reduce risk significantly.
Safety and legal compliance matters in Florida. While you will see plenty of dogs riding in cars, a loose animal can distract the driver, interfere with pedals, or become a projectile in a sudden stop. Use a crash-tested harness that clips into a seatbelt, or secure a crate. If you are stopped after an incident, your rental terms may be less forgiving if you were transporting the dog unsafely.
Disclosure and assistance animals can be sensitive. You are not usually required to declare a pet in advance, but if you need special accommodation, for example an assistance animal, it can help to confirm the location’s process. Assistance animals are not pets, but you still need to return the vehicle clean and undamaged.
How to choose the right car type when travelling with a dog
Choosing the right vehicle category is often more important than the brand. Florida road trips can include sand, rain showers, and frequent stop-start driving, which can mean more dirt and more dog hair. Consider these points when selecting a car hire class.
Size and layout: A compact car can work for a small dog, but it becomes hard to keep upholstery clean when the dog is close to the front seats. A mid-size or full-size car gives you space to position a crate or seat cover properly.
Upholstery: Fabric seats trap hair, especially short, stiff hairs. If you can choose, look for interiors that wipe down easily. Even with fabric, a fitted cover helps. Bring a lint roller and a small handheld vacuum if you can, or plan a quick vacuum stop before return.
Air conditioning: Florida heat is a genuine safety concern. Reliable air conditioning and rear vents are helpful, particularly for larger breeds. Never leave a dog unattended in a parked car, even for a few minutes, because interior temperatures rise rapidly.
Boot space: If your dog rides in the boot area of an SUV, use a liner and ensure good ventilation. Some dogs feel safer in a crate, which can also reduce the chance of scratching door panels during loading.
If you are comparing larger vehicles for comfort, it can help to look at how people think about minivans as a roomy option, even outside Florida. A reference point is minivan rental, which reflects the general appeal of extra space for families, luggage, and pet gear.
Practical steps to avoid pet cleaning fees
The easiest way to travel with dogs in Florida without extra charges is to treat the rental car like a temporary home that must be returned spotless. The following steps are simple but effective.
Protect the surfaces from the start. Put down a rear-seat hammock or cover that anchors to headrests. Add a waterproof blanket on top if your dog might be wet from beach walks or sudden rain.
Keep the dog in one area. The more a dog moves around, the more hair ends up in footwells, seat rails, and air vents. A harness tether or crate keeps mess contained and improves safety.
Plan quick clean-ups during the trip. Keep pet wipes, a towel, and a waste bag roll in the car. Wipe paws after sandy or muddy stops. Shake out blankets outside the car, not inside a car park where wind can blow hair back in.
Do a pre-return clean. Before you drive back to the drop-off, stop at a petrol station with a vacuum. Focus on seat seams, between cushions, and boot corners where hair collects. Run the air conditioning for a few minutes to help reduce any lingering odour.
Document condition at pick-up and return. Take clear photos of seats, door panels, and boot area when you collect the car, then again when it is clean at return. If a dispute arises about cleaning, your photos can help.
Florida-specific considerations for dog-friendly driving
Florida has unique conditions that affect pet travel. Heat and humidity are the biggest factors, followed by sand and sudden storms. Build your route with frequent shaded breaks and water stops, and keep a towel in the vehicle for quick drying. If you are heading to coastal areas, sand can work into seat fabric and cause abrasion, so using a cover is especially important.
Also consider local rules at destinations. Many beaches and parks have leash requirements and restricted areas. A tired dog is often a calmer car passenger, so planning dog-appropriate exercise before long drives can reduce restlessness and potential interior damage.
If your itinerary includes airports, factor in the additional time needed for pet bathroom breaks and cleaning before you return the car. Even though Florida has its own major airports, the principles are the same as other airport rentals. You can see how airport pick-ups are framed on Hola pages such as car hire at an airport, which is useful for understanding the typical pace and expectations at airport counters.
What to ask the counter staff before you drive away
A two-minute conversation at pick-up can prevent misunderstandings. Ask whether pets are permitted in your reserved vehicle category, how cleaning fees are assessed, and whether there are any location-specific restrictions. If you are handed a vehicle with visible hair or odour already present, request a different car and ensure the swap is noted.
It is also worth asking how they prefer you to return the vehicle if you have travelled with a dog. Some locations simply want it vacuumed. Others may advise you to avoid using strong fragrances, because heavy deodorisers can be treated like smoke masking and trigger extra inspection.
FAQ
Which car rental companies allow dogs in Florida? Most major Florida car hire companies allow dogs, provided the vehicle is returned clean and undamaged. Always confirm the specific location’s terms at pick-up.
Will I be charged a pet fee automatically? Usually not. More commonly, you may be charged a cleaning fee only if there is excessive hair, stains, sand, or odour requiring extra detailing.
Are assistance animals treated differently from pets? Yes. Assistance animals are not considered pets, and companies generally must accommodate them. You are still responsible for any damage and for returning the car in good condition.
What is the best way to prevent cleaning charges after travelling with a dog? Use a fitted seat cover or crate, keep the dog in one area, wipe paws after stops, then vacuum thoroughly before return, especially seat seams and the boot.
Is it safe to leave a dog in a parked rental car in Florida? No. Florida heat can raise interior temperatures rapidly, even with windows cracked. Plan stops so your dog is never left unattended in the vehicle.
