Quick Summary
- UK visitors can usually drive in Florida with a full photocard licence, but should check whether an International Driving Permit is needed.
- Driving in Miami means adjusting to right hand traffic, wide multilane roads and frequent toll routes.
- Booking through Hola Car Rentals lets you pick cover levels, vehicle size and pick up point before you leave the UK.
Planning your Miami driving experience
For many UK travellers, Miami is the starting point for a classic Florida road trip, from Ocean Drive to the Keys. Once you land at MIA, you can reach the Rental Car Center and collect your Miami car hire within a short tram ride. Deciding what you want from the car before you book keeps the whole experience calmer, whether you are aiming for a simple hatchback or a roomy SUV for the family.
Think about how many people and suitcases you will have on board, plus any pushchairs, golf clubs or diving gear. Automatic gearboxes are standard in the United States, so even drivers who only use manuals at home normally adapt quickly. Hola Car Rentals shows you which models have generous boot space and modern driver aids like reversing cameras, which can be very helpful when parking in unfamiliar garages.
Documents UK visitors should carry
The main driver must bring a full UK photocard driving licence, held for at least one year, plus their passport and a credit card in their own name. Additional drivers need their licences too, even if they will not present a payment card. Some travellers from the UK choose to carry an International Driving Permit as a backup, particularly if they will visit more than one state during the same trip.
Rules can change, so it is smart to double check before you fly. Our guide to the Florida International Driving Permit rules explains when the document is useful and when it is optional. Whatever you decide, keep your licence, permit if relevant and Hola Car Rentals confirmation together in an easy to reach wallet for airport formalities.
Insurance, deposits and protection
US rental agreements often look different from what UK drivers expect. Basic packages may come with higher excesses and more limited liability than you are used to at home. With Hola Car Rentals you can choose an All Inclusive+ rate that boosts maximum liability coverage, in some cases up to US$300,000, and adds free travel insurance up to US$150,000 so you are better protected if anything goes wrong.
Deposits are normally held on your credit card, so check your limit before you travel and remember that hotels may also take a preauthorisation. Hola Car Rentals shows approximate deposit levels for each supplier, helping you avoid awkward surprises at the counter.
Driving in and around Miami
Miami traffic can feel intense if you are used to quieter UK roads. You will drive on the right, overtake on the left and share multilane highways with a mix of local commuters and visitors. Speed limits are posted in miles per hour rather than kilometres, and enforcement around schools and residential areas is strict, so give yourself time to adjust on your first day.
Toll routes are common, especially the express lanes on Interstate 95 and the airport expressways. Many rental companies use electronic toll systems that bill you after the trip. Hola Car Rentals highlights how each offer handles tolls and, on some itineraries, even includes cashback on toll costs when you follow the recommended settings.
Parking habits are also slightly different. Valet parking is common at hotels and restaurants, where you hand over the keys and a small tip when collecting your car. In busy areas like South Beach, look out for time limits and resident only zones so you do not risk a fine.
Choosing the right vehicle for your trip
Families staying in Miami or heading along the Overseas Highway to the Keys may appreciate the extra comfort and luggage space of a crossover or people carrier. Hola Car Rentals makes it easy to compare family SUV options in Miami and seven seater minivan choices so you can see whether the extra space is worth the difference in price.
If you want more room for both passengers and luggage, you can explore family SUV options in Miami or upgrade to a larger people carrier by checking seven seater minivan choices in advance. Booking the right size before you leave the UK is far easier than negotiating changes at a busy counter.
FAQs
Is my UK driving licence enough to hire a car in Miami? A full UK photocard licence is widely accepted for visitors driving in Florida, provided it is valid for the duration of your stay. However, some travellers also carry an International Driving Permit as a precaution, especially if they plan to visit several states.
Can I pay for my Miami hire car with a UK debit card? A credit card in the main driver’s name is strongly recommended, because deposits and verification are usually easier. A few suppliers accept debit cards under strict conditions, but you should always read the payment rules on your Hola Car Rentals confirmation before relying on this.
What side of the road do people drive on in Miami? In Miami, as in the rest of the United States, traffic keeps to the right hand side of the road and most cars are automatic. Take your time leaving the car park and try to avoid driving straight after a long overnight flight if you are feeling tired.
Is it difficult for UK drivers to handle US highways? It can feel busy at first because of the wider roads and higher speed limits, but the lanes are generous and signage is clear. Plan your route on a map or sat nav before you set off, and let Hola Car Rentals help you choose a comfortable, well equipped vehicle so you can focus on the road.
If you are a UK traveller planning sunshine, shopping and road trips around South Florida, reserving your vehicle with Hola Car Rentals before you fly will make the whole Miami driving experience smoother from the moment you land.
