Traveling with kids in Orlando? Understanding Florida’s car seat and booster rules will help you drive with confidence from the moment you leave Orlando International Airport (MCO). Below, we explain the essentials and how to keep your family safe — while saving time and money with Hola Car Rentals.
Start by booking your car rental at MCO. Once you pick up, Florida law requires proper child restraint for young passengers. In simple terms: infants and toddlers must ride in a separate car seat; preschoolers and kindergarten-age children must use a car seat or booster suited to their size; and older kids should transition only when they can sit correctly with the seat belt.
International visitors comparing car hire options can add seats during checkout or bring their own. Most airlines allow you to check a child seat at no cost — a good option if your little one is already comfortable with a specific model.
What the rules mean in practice
- Under 3 years: use a dedicated rear- or forward‑facing child seat.
- Ages 4–5: a child seat or a booster seat is required.
- 6 and up: use the vehicle’s seat belt correctly; many families still keep kids in boosters until the belt fits properly (lap low on hips, shoulder strap centered on chest).
- Front seat: safest place for children is the back seat, especially with active airbags.
For space and easier stroller loading, consider family minivan rentals or look at SUV hire in Orlando with generous trunk room. Hola Car Rentals partners with leading brands to guarantee clean, regulation‑ready equipment at pickup.
Why families choose Hola Car Rentals
- All-Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage for peace of mind.
- Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up.
- No additional fees — save 60% guaranteed.
- Free travel insurance up to US$150,000.
FAQs
Can I reserve a specific child seat type? Yes. Choose infant, convertible, or booster during online booking; quantities are shown in real time.
Can I use my own seat? Absolutely. Bring your seat and install it at the rental facility before you drive off.
Do ride-shares provide car seats? Availability is limited and may cost extra. A rental with your own seat is often simpler if you plan to drive daily.
Are Orlando police strict about child seats? Officers prioritize safety. Expect fines if a child is not properly restrained.
Wherever you stay — near the parks or downtown — booking with Hola Car Rentals keeps family travel easy and transparent from checkout to return.
Renters often ask whether the law changes when they cross county lines for day trips. Orlando sits in Orange County but the same Florida state rules apply across the metro area, including Osceola, Lake, and Seminole counties. If you plan a beach day to the Space Coast or a spring‑training game in Lakeland, the requirements stay consistent.
Getting the right fit matters more than the child’s age alone. Use the “five‑step test”: can your child sit back against the seat, knees bend at the edge, lap belt low on the hips, shoulder belt centered on the chest, and stay in position the whole trip? If not, keep the booster a little longer.
Installation tip: place infant seats rear‑facing at the correct recline angle and route belts through the marked path or use LATCH anchors. After tightening, the seat should not move more than an inch side‑to‑side at the belt path. Most rental cars include easy‑to‑spot anchors behind the seat cushions.
Flying with a toddler? Strollers and car seats typically check for free with most airlines. Pack a small bag with the manual and a locking clip in case you need to switch from LATCH to seat‑belt install in your rental vehicle.
If you’re sharing driving duty, make sure both adults know how to adjust harness height and tension before you leave the garage. A two‑minute practice keeps the drop‑off line stress‑free the next morning.
Finally, remember that safety seats are part of your trip budget. Booking in advance with Hola Car Rentals lets you compare seat types side‑by‑side and see total pricing up front — no surprises at the counter.
