Quick Summary:
- Yes, under-25 additional drivers are often allowed, but age surcharges apply.
- All drivers must appear at pick-up with valid photo ID and licence.
- Expect young driver fees per day, plus possible additional-driver charges.
- Check payment card rules, insurance terms, and licence validity before travel.
Adding an extra driver can make Florida road trips far easier, especially if you are sharing long drives between Miami, Orlando, and the Gulf Coast. The key point is that an additional driver under 25 is usually possible, but it is rarely free. Florida car hire policies typically combine two separate concepts: the “additional driver” permission and the “young driver” (under-25) rules. Understanding how those parts fit together helps you avoid surprises at the counter and ensures the younger driver is properly covered.
This guide breaks down the usual eligibility rules, the fees you might see, and the documents the extra driver must show at pick-up. Policies vary by provider and vehicle group, so treat this as a practical checklist, then confirm the specifics for your chosen rental and dates.
Is an additional driver under 25 allowed in Florida?
In many cases, yes. Most major providers operating in Florida allow additional drivers, including drivers aged 21–24, provided they meet the supplier’s minimum age and licence rules. The most common minimum ages you will encounter are 21 or 25, depending on the supplier and the car category. If a supplier’s minimum age is 25 for the vehicle you selected, an under-25 additional driver will not be permitted for that rental, even if the main driver is older.
It also matters whether the younger person will be listed as an authorised additional driver or will try to “take a turn” without being registered. If they are not added to the agreement, they typically are not insured to drive, and any damage or liability could become the renter’s responsibility. In other words, if the under-25 driver will drive at all, they should be added properly.
If you are comparing pick-up points, the requirements are broadly similar across the state, whether you collect at Miami Airport (MIA) or another busy location, but the counter process can feel faster if everyone arrives with documents ready.
How under-25 surcharges and additional-driver fees usually work
When you add a younger driver, you may see two kinds of charges.
1) Young driver surcharge (age-related)
Many suppliers charge a young driver fee for drivers aged 21–24. If the additional driver is under 25, that surcharge may apply to them even if the main driver is older. Some suppliers apply the fee if any listed driver is under 25. Others apply it per young driver. The fee is commonly charged per day and may have a cap, but caps are not guaranteed.
2) Additional driver fee (driver-count-related)
Separately, suppliers may charge for each extra authorised driver per day. Sometimes a spouse or domestic partner is exempt, and sometimes a second driver is included in certain packages or corporate rates. Florida does not have one universal rule here, so it is important to check the terms attached to your specific car hire rate.
What this means in practice: an under-25 additional driver may trigger both fees, even if you would not have paid both for an over-25 additional driver. If cost is a concern, ask whether the rate includes a free additional driver, then check whether the young driver surcharge still applies.
Eligibility rules you should check before you travel
To add an additional driver under 25 in Florida, focus on these common eligibility points.
Minimum age by vehicle group
Even when a supplier generally rents to 21–24-year-olds, some vehicle classes may require drivers to be 25 or older. This is common for premium models, large SUVs, people carriers, and speciality vehicles. For family travel, if you are considering a people carrier, review age rules early for options like minivan hire in Orlando (MCO), as larger vehicle categories may have stricter thresholds.
Licence holding period
Many suppliers require that each driver has held a full licence for at least one year, sometimes longer for under-25 drivers. If the younger driver is newly licensed, they may be declined even if they meet the age requirement.
International visitors
If the under-25 driver is visiting from abroad, confirm whether an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required alongside the home-country licence. Requirements depend on the licence language and where it was issued.
Driving record and restrictions
Suppliers can refuse to add a driver with serious driving violations. Also, certain restrictions may apply to young drivers, such as limits on car categories or optional cover eligibility.
What documents the under-25 additional driver must show at pick-up
The additional driver typically must be present at the counter and sign the rental agreement. Do not assume the main renter can add them later without them being there. While exact requirements vary, the usual documents are consistent across Florida.
1) Full, valid driving licence
The licence must be current, in good condition, and valid for the class of vehicle being rented. Provisional or learner licences are generally not accepted. If the licence is not in English, an IDP or official translation may be required. The name on the licence must match the name you want on the rental contract.
2) Photo identification
Many suppliers ask for a passport for international renters, or a government-issued photo ID for US residents. The additional driver may be asked for photo ID even if the main driver already provided theirs.
3) Proof of address (sometimes)
Some suppliers request proof of address for local renters, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement. This is not universal, but it can happen, especially when renting close to home.
4) Payment card rules
Often the main driver provides the payment card and security deposit, but some suppliers require the main driver’s card specifically, and may not accept a card belonging to someone else. The additional driver typically does not need to present a card, but if the under-25 driver is the one paying, confirm in advance that they can meet all card and deposit requirements.
It can help to choose a convenient pick-up point and arrive together. Locations serving busy districts, such as Brickell, may have queues during peak times, so having all documents in hand makes the add-driver step faster.
Insurance and liability basics when adding a younger driver
In Florida, insurance terms for car hire can be confusing because there are multiple layers: what is included in the base rate, what is optional, what is provided by a personal policy, and what may come from a credit card. The crucial point is that insurance and waiver protections generally only apply to authorised drivers listed on the rental agreement.
Damage waiver and liability options
If you purchase a collision damage waiver or similar protection, confirm it covers all authorised drivers, including those under 25. Most products cover authorised drivers, but the driver must be properly listed. If you rely on third-party coverage, read exclusions carefully, as some policies limit cover for drivers under 25.
Personal auto insurance and credit card benefits
If the main renter relies on personal insurance or a card benefit, verify whether it extends to additional drivers and whether the under-25 driver is covered. Some benefits apply only when the cardholder is the driver, or they may exclude young drivers. If there is any doubt, consider selecting protection that clearly includes every authorised driver.
How to add an under-25 additional driver smoothly
Most problems occur because the younger driver is not present, does not bring the right documents, or the renter expects fees to be waived. Use this process to keep it simple.
Step 1: Confirm the supplier’s minimum age and vehicle restrictions
Before arrival, verify the minimum age for both the rental and the chosen car category. If you are picking up near the airport or tourist hubs, the fleet may be wide, but age restrictions can still block certain groups.
Step 2: Budget for two possible fees
Assume you may pay both a young driver surcharge and an additional-driver fee. If only one applies, that is a bonus, but planning for both prevents sticker shock.
Step 3: Ensure the additional driver brings the required ID
The under-25 driver should pack their licence and photo ID in a carry-on, not checked baggage. If an IDP might be required, obtain it before travel.
Step 4: Add the driver at pick-up, not after
Adding later can be possible, but it may require returning to a rental desk during office hours, and you risk periods where the younger person is not covered. Add them before anyone drives away.
Step 5: Recheck fuel, toll, and boundary rules
While not directly age-related, toll programmes and out-of-state travel rules can create extra charges. Make sure every driver understands how tolls are handled and what to do if you receive a toll notice.
Common scenarios in Florida and what to expect
Main driver is 25+, additional driver is 21–24
This is the most common case. The additional driver can often be added, but the under-25 surcharge may still apply because a listed driver is under 25. Ask specifically whether the fee is triggered by any young driver or only when the main driver is under 25.
Main driver is 21–24, additional driver is 21–24
Expect young driver surcharges to apply, potentially for the rental as a whole. Also expect higher deposits or stricter card requirements with some suppliers.
Additional driver is 18–20
This is often not permitted for standard public rentals. If permitted at all, it is usually under specific programmes, and the fees can be substantial.
Local renter vs visitor
Visitors usually use passports and may need an IDP depending on their licence. Local renters may be asked for additional proof of address. If you are collecting in areas serving residential and business travellers, such as Doral, be prepared for either set of checks depending on your status.
Practical tips to avoid counter delays and unexpected charges
Put the additional driver’s name on the reservation notes if possible
Even if the supplier requires adding them at the counter, having the intention recorded can reduce confusion.
Bring the physical licence
Digital licences are not accepted everywhere. A physical card is the safe option.
Use matching names across documents
If the licence shows a middle name or double surname, ensure the ID and reservation details match closely to avoid manual verification delays.
Ask for a fee breakdown before signing
Request the per-day amounts for young driver and additional driver charges, plus taxes. Florida fees can be subject to local taxes and surcharges, so the final total may differ from the headline daily rate.
Choose a car category that fits the youngest driver’s eligibility
If the under-25 driver will do most of the driving, choose a standard category they are allowed to drive. If you need something bigger, confirm age rules first. For longer city driving, you may also prefer a smaller vehicle for easier parking and lower toll costs.
FAQ
Can an under-25 additional driver be added in Florida?
Usually yes, if they meet the supplier’s minimum age and licence requirements for the chosen vehicle group, and they are added as an authorised driver at pick-up.
Will I pay both a young driver fee and an additional driver fee?
It is possible. Many suppliers charge a young driver surcharge for ages 21–24 and also charge per extra authorised driver, unless your rate includes an exemption.
Does the under-25 additional driver need to be present at pick-up?
In most cases, yes. They typically must show their documents and sign the rental agreement to be listed and covered to drive.
What ID does the additional driver need to bring?
Expect a full valid driving licence and government-issued photo ID. International drivers may also need an IDP if their licence is not in English or if required by the supplier.
What happens if the under-25 person drives without being added?
They are usually not insured or authorised. If an incident occurs, you may lose coverage and become responsible for damage, fees, or third-party costs.
