Quick Summary:
- In Florida, spouses are sometimes free, but still must be listed.
- Bring both drivers’ licences, plus passport and matching address proof.
- Only authorised drivers are covered, unauthorised use can void claims.
- Ask at the counter about spouse, domestic partner, and fee waivers.
When you land in Florida and pick up your car hire, it is natural to assume your spouse can drive too. In the UK, many people treat “named drivers” as a formality, but in the US it can affect everything from roadside assistance to whether an insurance claim is paid. The short version is this: even if a spouse or domestic partner qualifies for a free additional driver policy, they usually still need to be added and recorded on the rental agreement.
This guide explains typical US car hire spouse policies, the documents you may be asked for at the counter, and why it matters for insurance. Policies vary by rental brand, location, and the rate you booked, so treat this as a practical checklist for Florida rather than a universal rule.
What “authorised driver” means in US car hire
An authorised driver is anyone the rental company has approved to drive the vehicle and who is listed on the rental contract. If someone drives without being authorised, they may be treated as an unauthorised user. That matters because many protections are contract-based, not just about being licensed.
In practice, the main consequences of an unauthorised driver are:
Insurance and damage waivers may not apply. Collision Damage Waiver (often called CDW or LDW) and other waivers can be invalidated if the vehicle is driven by someone not on the agreement.
Liability coverage issues. If there is an accident, liability coverage offered through the rental company, or included with a package, may not respond in the same way.
Roadside assistance limitations. Some roadside products and services are tied to the authorised renter and drivers on the contract.
That is why it is not enough that your spouse is present, or that they are legally married. The company typically needs to document them as an additional driver, even when the fee is waived.
Are spouses automatically authorised in Florida?
Florida does not have a single blanket rule that forces all rental companies to treat spouses as automatic drivers. Instead, most spouse-friendly arrangements come from the rental company’s own policy, or from the terms of the rate you booked (for example, packages that include an additional driver).
What you will commonly see in Florida is one of these situations:
Spouse is permitted, but must be added. A company may allow a spouse to be an additional driver at no extra charge, yet still require them to be listed on the contract at pick-up.
Spouse is not free. Some rates or providers charge a daily additional driver fee unless the booking terms include one additional driver.
Domestic partner rules vary. Some companies treat domestic partners like spouses if you can show you share an address, while others keep the definition strictly to legal marriage.
Membership or corporate waivers. Certain memberships or negotiated rates waive additional driver fees, but again, the second driver is still expected to sign and be added.
If you are collecting from a major airport, expect the counter agent to follow the written policy closely. For example, pick-ups around Orlando International can be busy, so having documents ready helps, see car hire at Orlando Airport and Disney area for location context and planning.
Spouse versus domestic partner, what is usually accepted?
“Spouse” is straightforward if you are legally married. “Domestic partner” can mean different things depending on the company and sometimes the state, but Florida car hire desks may still ask for proof if the policy offers a domestic partner waiver.
Typical approaches you may encounter:
Marriage-based waiver: A marriage certificate is rarely requested, but the company may rely on the renter’s declaration and matching addresses on identification.
Domestic partner allowed with proof: You might be asked for evidence of a shared home address, such as both licences showing the same address. If licences do not show addresses, you may be asked for another document that does, such as a utility bill. Not every desk will accept every document, so carry options.
Domestic partner treated as any additional driver: If the company does not recognise a domestic partner waiver, the partner can still be added, but a fee may apply unless your rate includes it.
To avoid surprises, decide in advance who will drive. If your spouse or partner might need to take over after a long flight, it is safer to add them at pick-up rather than later.
What ID is required to add your spouse or partner
At most Florida rental counters, the additional driver must be present and must show a valid driving licence. Beyond that, requirements depend on where the licence was issued and the company’s fraud-prevention checks.
Bring the following for both drivers:
Driving licence. It must be valid for the whole rental. If your licence is not in English, consider carrying an International Driving Permit as a translation support, even when not strictly required.
Passport. Many US rental locations use the passport as the primary ID for visitors.
Proof of address. This is not always asked for, but can be important if you are relying on a spouse or domestic partner policy that uses shared address as a test. Some travellers keep a digital copy of a recent bank or utility statement and a printed copy as backup.
Payment card requirements. The main renter typically needs a credit card in their name. Additional drivers usually do not need to present a card, but they must meet licence and age rules.
If you are picking up in the Miami area, you might find slightly different desk processes between neighbourhood locations and airport-style operations. For example, car rental in Downtown Miami can be convenient for city stays, but documentation checks still follow the brand’s policy.
How adding a spouse affects insurance and cover
This is the part that matters most. Whether you buy cover at the counter, travel with a separate policy, or have protections through a card, the wording usually assumes the driver is authorised under the rental agreement.
Collision and theft protection (CDW/LDW): These products are often contractual waivers rather than insurance. If someone not listed drives and there is damage, the waiver can be considered breached, leaving the renter responsible.
Liability protection: In the US, liability is critical. If the rental company provides supplemental liability insurance, it may only cover authorised drivers. If an unauthorised spouse drives, the response can be complicated and may expose the renter to significant costs.
Personal accident and personal effects cover: These optional products can be limited to occupants during use by authorised drivers. Terms vary, but again, authorisation is a common condition.
Your UK travel insurance: Some travel insurance policies include excess reimbursement or car hire cover, but they normally require you to comply with the rental agreement and local laws. Unauthorised use can invalidate reimbursement.
Credit card benefits: If you rely on card-based CDW, it may require the cardholder to be the renter and may limit cover to authorised drivers. If the spouse is driving but not listed, the card benefit may not apply.
Key takeaway: even if you do not pay an additional driver fee, getting your spouse properly added is often what preserves your protection if something goes wrong.
Fees and age rules, the common pitfalls
The fee question causes most confusion. People hear “spouse drives free” and interpret it as “spouse can drive without paperwork”. They are different things. A fee waiver is just about cost, not authorisation.
Also check:
Minimum age for additional drivers. If the main renter meets the age requirement but the spouse is younger, the spouse might not qualify, or a young driver surcharge could apply to the spouse as well.
Licence holding period. Some companies require the driver to have held a licence for a certain time.
Vehicle class restrictions. Large vehicles like vans can come with additional eligibility checks. If you are planning a group trip, look into options like van hire in Orlando, and confirm in advance who will drive.
One-way rentals and cross-state travel. If your route includes multiple states, ensure all planned drivers are authorised, and confirm any travel restrictions stated on the contract.
How to add your spouse properly at pick-up
Adding a spouse or domestic partner is usually quick if you plan for it. Use this process in Florida:
1) Ensure both drivers are present. Most companies require the additional driver to be at the desk to show their licence and sign. If your spouse arrives later, adding them later may require returning to a counter location.
2) Ask specifically about spouse or domestic partner policy. Use clear wording, for example: “Please add my spouse as an authorised driver. Is the additional driver fee waived on this rate?” This helps the agent apply the correct rule.
3) Check the contract before leaving. Look for the additional driver’s name printed on the agreement. If it is not there, ask for it to be corrected.
4) Keep a copy of the signed agreement. If there is a dispute after an incident, having the contract showing both drivers can be vital.
In busy areas like Tampa, queues can move fast and details can be missed. If you are collecting near Tampa International, it helps to be prepared with documentation and your request. See Thrifty car hire in Tampa for a relevant Florida pick-up point where desk procedures can be time-sensitive.
If you forget to add them, can you fix it later?
Often yes, but it depends on the company. You may need to return to a rental counter with your spouse and their licence to be added. Some companies can update the agreement at a branch, others require the original pick-up location, and some will not change it once the rental has started.
If your spouse might drive at any point, treat adding them as a pick-up requirement. Do not assume you can resolve it later over the phone, and do not assume that being insured personally is enough. The contract is what defines authorised use.
Does the same apply in Miami Beach and other neighbourhood locations?
Yes, the authorised driver concept is the same across Florida. The differences are usually operational, such as opening hours, parking constraints, and how strictly the counter checks supporting documents. Neighbourhood branches can be more flexible, but they also may have fewer staff and shorter hours.
If you are hiring near the coast for a short stay, make sure you still add the second driver formally. For local context, Thrifty car rental in Miami Beach is an example of a location where you should expect standard contract rules even on a shorter rental.
Practical checklist before you travel to Florida
Confirm who will drive. If there is any chance your spouse will drive, plan to add them.
Bring complete documents for both. Licences, passports, and shared-address proof if you are relying on a domestic partner policy.
Review your cover assumptions. Whether you use rental-company products, a UK policy, or card benefits, check the “authorised driver” condition.
Re-check at the counter. Make sure the contract lists every driver who will touch the wheel.
FAQ
Q: Is my spouse automatically allowed to drive a US rental car in Florida?
A: Not automatically. Some companies waive the additional driver fee for spouses, but they usually still must be added and listed on the rental agreement.
Q: Do we need proof of marriage to add my spouse?
A: Usually not. Most counters rely on licences and standard ID checks. However, if a domestic partner policy applies, you may be asked for proof you share an address.
Q: What happens if my spouse drives without being added?
A: They may be considered an unauthorised driver, which can affect damage waivers and liability protections. In an accident, you could face reduced cover or a denied claim.
Q: Can I add my spouse later during the rental?
A: Sometimes. You may need to visit a counter together with their driving licence to update the contract. It is easier and safer to add them at pick-up.
Q: Does adding my spouse change the price of the car hire?
A: It depends on the provider and rate. Some waive the spouse fee, others charge a daily additional driver fee, and age-related surcharges can apply to the added driver.
