Quick Summary:
- Most Florida car hire companies rent from age 21, sometimes 20.
- Drivers aged 21–24 usually pay a daily young renter surcharge.
- Bring a full licence, passport, and credit card in driver’s name.
- Under-25s may face car class limits and higher deposit holds.
If you are planning a Florida trip, the first practical question is often the simplest, in Florida, how old do you have to be to rent a car? The answer depends on the rental company, the pick-up location, and sometimes the type of vehicle you want. Florida does not set one single statewide minimum age for all private car hire companies. Instead, each company sets its own policy within general legal and insurance boundaries.
In practice, most major brands in Florida set the minimum age at 21. Some locations and brands may allow rentals from 20, but availability can be limited and the cost can rise due to additional risk and insurance conditions. If you are 18–20, it is usually difficult to rent a standard car from mainstream providers, and you may need to look at specialist options, or alternative transport.
Because Florida is a fly-drive destination, age rules often come up for airport collections. If you are comparing pick-ups at different airports, you may also want to understand how company policies differ by location and brand. For example, Hola Car Rentals publishes location pages such as Alamo car hire at Miami MIA and Dollar car rental at Orlando MCO, which can help you check what is generally offered at busy Florida gateways.
Typical minimum age to rent a car in Florida
For most travellers, these are the age brackets that matter:
Ages 25 and over: This is the simplest category. You typically have access to the widest range of vehicles, you are less likely to face restrictions on car groups, and there is usually no young renter surcharge.
Ages 21 to 24: Many companies will rent to you, but you will often pay a young renter fee (sometimes called an under-25 surcharge). You may also have limits on vehicle categories, such as not being allowed to rent luxury, performance, large SUVs, passenger vans, or premium convertibles.
Ages 20 or under: Mainstream car hire in Florida is rarely available under 21. Even if a company advertises 20 as a minimum at some locations, you should confirm availability and total cost before you travel, as the rules can change by branch and season.
The takeaway is that if you are 21–24, you can usually rent, but your total price is likely to be higher than for a 25+ driver, even with the same car and dates.
Young renter fees in Florida, what they are and how to plan
The young renter surcharge exists because insurers and operators consider younger drivers higher risk. In Florida, this fee is normally charged per day and can meaningfully change your trip budget, especially for week-long holidays.
To plan accurately, focus on these points:
Check whether the fee is included in the displayed price. Some quotes include the surcharge in the total, others add it later. Always read the price breakdown before you commit.
Expect different fees by company and location. A Miami airport branch can price differently from a neighbourhood branch, even within the same brand.
Consider splitting driving between eligible drivers. If one traveller is 25+ and meets all requirements, putting the rental in that driver’s name can reduce costs. Only do this if the actual drivers are properly registered as additional drivers, otherwise you risk invalidating coverage.
Be realistic about the vehicle class you need. Under-25 restrictions can make certain categories unavailable. If you must have a specific class, such as a people carrier for family travel, confirm eligibility before arrival.
Licence requirements for UK and international visitors
Florida welcomes international travellers, and many visitors arrive with a UK licence. Generally, you need a valid, full driving licence that has been held for a minimum period set by the rental company. Some companies require at least one year of licence history, while others may ask for longer for younger drivers.
Key document rules to prepare for:
Full licence: Provisional licences are not accepted for car hire. If your licence is recently issued, check the “held since” date, because minimum holding periods can matter.
International Driving Permit (IDP): Florida law enforcement can recognise foreign licences, but some rental companies may request an IDP as an accompanying translation, especially if your licence is not in English. UK photocard licences are in English, so an IDP is often not required, but it can still be requested by some providers. The safest approach is to check the supplier’s policy in advance.
Matching names: Ensure the name on your driving licence matches your passport and the payment card you will use. Even small differences can trigger extra checks at the counter.
What payment method and deposit should you expect?
Age is only part of the approval process. Payment requirements can stop a rental even if you meet the minimum age. In Florida, the standard expectation is a credit card in the main driver’s name. Some companies accept debit cards, but often with added conditions such as additional documentation, a larger deposit, or limited vehicle groups.
Common deposit-related points include:
Credit card holds: A security deposit is usually pre-authorised on your card. For under-25 drivers, the hold can be higher.
Available credit matters: The pre-authorisation reduces your available credit until released. Make sure you have sufficient headroom for hotels and other travel costs.
Extra holds for optional items: Tolls devices, additional insurance products, and fuel policies can change the deposit amount.
If you are trying to keep things smooth at the counter, it helps to arrive with a credit card that has the same name as your passport and licence, and enough available credit to cover a larger-than-expected hold.
Vehicle restrictions for under-25 car hire
When drivers are 21–24, the headline question is not only “can I rent?”, but also “what can I rent?”. Florida operators often restrict access to vehicles that are more expensive to repair, more powerful, or more likely to be involved in claims.
Restrictions vary, but frequently include:
Luxury and premium brands
Large SUVs and speciality vehicles
Passenger vans
Convertibles or sports models
If you are travelling with friends and you were hoping to share the driving in a larger vehicle, it is wise to check whether the youngest driver is allowed to be the main renter. If not, you may need to nominate the oldest eligible driver as the primary driver and add others as additional drivers, subject to the supplier’s rules and fees.
For travellers comparing other US locations with different vehicle mixes, Hola Car Rentals also provides pages like van rental at Fort Worth DFW and car hire at New York JFK, which can help you understand how fleet and rules change by market.
Insurance and liability considerations for younger drivers
Car hire in the US can be confusing because terms and inclusions differ from the UK. Age affects both price and eligibility for certain coverage types. While the exact products vary, the practical point is this, if you are under 25, you should be extra careful to understand what protection is included, what is optional, and what your personal travel insurance covers.
Before you travel, review:
Included liability coverage: US liability requirements and defaults can differ significantly from UK expectations.
Damage waiver options: Some rentals include a form of damage waiver, others offer it as an extra. Understand your excess and how claims are handled.
Additional driver coverage: If multiple people will drive, confirm that all drivers are listed and covered. An unlisted driver can invalidate protection.
Credit card benefits: Some credit cards offer rental cover, but age restrictions and vehicle-type exclusions can apply.
This is not only about cost. It is about avoiding surprises if something goes wrong.
Does Florida have special rules for 18–20 year olds?
Florida has graduated driver licensing for teen drivers, but that is separate from private car hire policies. Even if you hold a valid licence, most large rental companies will not rent to drivers under 21. If you are 18–20 and you need a vehicle, consider whether you can travel with a 21+ or 25+ driver who can be the main renter, or whether ride-shares and intercity transport can cover your itinerary.
For some travellers, adjusting the plan is easier than trying to force a car hire that is unlikely to be approved at the counter.
Practical checklist for renting at Miami or Orlando airports
Airport rentals are convenient, but they are also busy, and desk agents will follow policy strictly. To reduce the risk of refusal, prepare a simple checklist:
Confirm the minimum age and any under-25 fees for your specific supplier and location.
Bring your passport, licence, and payment card, all matching the main driver’s details.
Know your pick-up time and flight details, especially if you arrive late, because some counters close overnight.
Understand toll roads, Florida has many, and toll products can affect total cost.
Decide on fuel policy in advance, so you can compare like-for-like pricing.
Florida trips often involve multiple stops, beaches, theme parks, and day trips. A little prep goes a long way, particularly if you are 21–24 and face extra conditions.
How to compare car hire options fairly when you are under 25
When comparing quotes, it is easy to choose the cheapest headline figure and overlook age-related fees. A fair comparison should use the same assumptions across each quote:
Same driver age entered for every quote: Do not test prices with a 25+ driver unless that person will be the main renter.
Same mileage policy: Most Florida rentals offer unlimited mileage, but confirm it.
Same insurance assumptions: Check what is included versus optional.
Same deposit and card requirements: If one deal requires a credit card and you only have a debit card, that “cheap” deal may be unusable.
If you keep those variables consistent, you will get a clearer view of the true cost of car hire at 21–24 in Florida.
FAQ
Is the minimum age to rent a car in Florida always 21?
Most major car hire companies in Florida rent to drivers aged 21 and over, but some locations may allow age 20 with extra restrictions. Policies vary by supplier and branch.
Do you pay more to rent a car in Florida if you are under 25?
Yes, most drivers aged 21–24 pay a young renter surcharge charged per day. You may also face higher deposit holds and limits on vehicle categories.
Can an 18 year old rent a car in Florida?
In most cases, no. Mainstream rental companies typically do not rent to drivers under 21, even with a valid licence. Consider travelling with an eligible older driver instead.
What documents do I need for Florida car hire as a UK visitor?
You usually need a full UK driving licence, passport, and a payment card in the main driver’s name. Some suppliers may request an International Driving Permit, so check the supplier’s terms.
Will a debit card work for renting a car in Florida?
Sometimes, but it depends on the company and location. Debit cards can involve stricter checks, larger deposits, or vehicle restrictions, so confirm payment rules before you travel.
