Quick Summary:
- Under-25 additional drivers are often allowed, but a daily young driver fee applies.
- Add the driver at pick-up so they are authorised and insured.
- Bring each driver’s licence, passport, and matching payment card details.
- Check if location, supplier, and vehicle class change under-25 rules.
Adding an extra driver sounds simple, but Florida car hire rules can feel technical, especially when the additional driver is under 25. The key point is that age-related fees and eligibility can apply separately from the main renter’s terms. In other words, even if the main renter is over 25, an under-25 additional driver may still trigger a young driver surcharge, or may be restricted from driving certain vehicle categories.
This guide explains what “authorised driver” means in practical terms, when an under-25 additional driver is permitted, what fees are typically involved, and what to bring to the desk so you do not lose time at pick-up.
What “authorised driver” means on Florida car hire
An authorised driver is anyone the rental agreement allows to drive the vehicle. They are specifically named (or otherwise formally approved) on the contract, and the rental company’s insurance and liability framework is built around that list. If a person is not authorised and they drive anyway, you can face serious consequences, including denial of coverage, contract breach fees, and personal liability for damage or third-party claims.
In Florida, the contract is what matters. Even if someone is your spouse, friend, colleague, or travelling companion, they are not automatically permitted to drive unless the supplier’s policy explicitly includes them or they are added as an additional driver at the counter (or sometimes in advance, depending on supplier rules).
If you are collecting near Orlando, you can compare supplier requirements and counter processes through Hola Car Rentals location pages such as car hire at Orlando MCO, which helps you set expectations for typical desk checks and documentation.
Can you add an additional driver under 25 in Florida?
Often, yes. Many suppliers in Florida permit additional drivers aged 21 to 24, but the permission usually comes with conditions:
1) Minimum age rules apply to each driver
If the supplier’s minimum driving age is 21, the under-25 driver must still be 21 or older, and must meet any licence tenure requirements. Some suppliers also set a higher minimum for certain car groups.
2) Vehicle class restrictions are common
Under-25 drivers may be limited to specific categories. Premium, performance, luxury, large SUVs, and specialty vehicles can have stricter rules. If your plans require extra space, it is worth checking how age rules interact with vehicle category, for example when considering an SUV rental in Orlando.
3) The additional driver must be present at pick-up
Most suppliers require the additional driver to attend the desk at collection, show their licence, and sign (digitally or physically) where required. If they are not present, the desk may refuse to add them.
4) The under-25 fee may apply even if the main renter is older
Young driver surcharges are typically assessed per under-25 driver, per day, up to a maximum. This means a second driver aged 22 can trigger a fee even if the main renter is 30.
Typical fees when an additional driver is under 25
Fees vary by supplier, location, and sometimes by season. There are two fee types to think about, and they are not the same.
Young driver surcharge (under-25 fee)
This is the age-based fee applied to a driver aged 21 to 24. It is usually charged per day, and it can be capped at a maximum number of days. If you are adding an under-25 additional driver, expect this fee to be the main extra cost, unless your rate already includes it.
Additional driver fee
Separately, some suppliers charge a daily fee for each extra authorised driver, regardless of age. Others include one extra driver for free, or include spouses or domestic partners at no cost (rules differ widely, and may require proof of relationship or shared address).
In practice, an under-25 additional driver could trigger one fee, or both. At the desk, ask the agent to break down the line items so you can see whether you are paying a young driver surcharge, an additional driver fee, or a combined charge.
Where you pick up can also affect the final total due to local policies and taxes. If you are collecting in South Florida, reviewing the pickup context for National car hire in Miami can help you understand how major airport locations typically handle contract add-ons and driver verification.
What to bring to the desk for an under-25 additional driver
Under-25 additions most commonly go wrong because the group arrives without the right documents, or the additional driver is not physically present. Bring the following for every driver who will be authorised.
1) Driving licence
The licence must be valid, in date, and legible. Many suppliers also expect the driver to have held a full licence for a minimum period (often at least one year). Provisional or learner permits are generally not accepted for car hire.
2) Passport or government photo ID
Identification requirements vary, but you should assume a passport is needed for international travellers. The name must match the licence.
3) Payment card information
Even if the additional driver does not pay, their details must match their ID. The primary renter’s payment card must usually be in their own name, and may need sufficient funds for any security deposit. Some suppliers do not accept certain card types for deposits.
4) Proof of address (sometimes)
Occasionally, suppliers ask for proof of address for local renters or for certain payment methods. A recent utility bill or bank statement might be accepted, but rules differ, so it is best to check your specific supplier terms.
5) Your itinerary details
If you plan to share driving on toll roads and long highway stretches, it helps to align on who is driving when. This keeps you honest about who needs to be authorised, and avoids “just for a quick turn” decisions that could breach the agreement.
How to add an under-25 additional driver smoothly
Decide early who will drive
If someone might drive, treat them as a driver from the start. It is rarely worth saving a small daily fee if the risk is invalid cover during an incident.
Add the driver at pick-up (unless your rate supports pre-adding)
Many Florida desks handle additional drivers as part of check-in. Ensure the under-25 driver is with you, with their documents ready, before you join the queue.
Confirm the fee structure before signing
Ask two clear questions: “Is there a young driver surcharge for this driver?” and “Is there also an additional driver fee?” Then ask whether fees are capped, and how many days are charged.
Check vehicle category eligibility
If you are upgrading at the desk, confirm whether the under-25 driver is still permitted to drive the new category. Restrictions can change with an upgrade, even when the main renter is eligible.
Get the final contract names right
Before you leave the counter, confirm the additional driver appears on the agreement. If the name is missing, they are not authorised.
Does being under 25 affect insurance and liability?
Age affects eligibility and fees more than it affects what insurance products exist, but it can still influence what is available or how much it costs. The central point is this: insurance and liability follow the contract. If the under-25 driver is authorised, they are treated as a permitted driver under the agreement (subject to the supplier’s terms). If they are not authorised, you can be treated as uninsured for that incident.
Also remember that optional products can be priced differently based on driver profile, vehicle category, and location. Do not assume two rentals will have identical insurance pricing just because both are in Florida.
What if the under-25 driver is the only one who will drive?
If the under-25 traveller will do most of the driving, consider making them the main renter, but only if they meet the supplier’s minimum age and payment requirements. In some cases, it is simpler for the main renter to be the person with the strongest documentation for deposits and verification, and for the under-25 driver to be added as an additional driver, but you should still ensure the main renter will actually be present at pick-up and comply with the contract.
For travellers picking up on the Gulf Coast, it is useful to review location guidance for car hire at Tampa TPA, since airport desks can have firm policies on who must be present and what cards are accepted for the deposit.
Common pitfalls to avoid
Assuming a partner or friend can drive without being added
This is the most expensive misunderstanding in car hire. If they might drive, add them.
Turning up without the under-25 driver
If they are not there, you may not be able to add them later, or you may have to return to the desk and lose time.
Not budgeting for taxes on fees
Florida rental add-ons can be taxable, so the total can be more than the headline daily surcharge.
Ignoring vehicle-category rules
If your trip requires extra seats or luggage space, confirm your chosen vehicle category is compatible with under-25 driving rules. For larger groups, options like minivan hire in Downtown Miami can be practical, but you should still confirm eligibility for any young driver on the contract.
Mixing up “named driver” with “authorised driver”
Some people use the terms interchangeably, but the operative concept is authorisation on the rental agreement. If the contract does not show them as a permitted driver, do not assume they are covered.
FAQ
Can I add an additional driver under 25 if I am over 25?
Usually yes, provided the under-25 driver meets the supplier’s minimum age and licence rules. A young driver surcharge may still apply to that additional driver.
Will I pay both a young driver fee and an additional driver fee?
Possibly. The young driver surcharge is age-based, while an additional driver fee is for adding another authorised driver. Some suppliers combine them, others list them separately.
Does the under-25 additional driver need to be present at the desk?
In most cases, yes. They typically must show their licence and ID, and may need to sign the agreement. If they are not present, the desk may refuse to add them.
What documents does an under-25 additional driver need in Florida?
Expect a valid full driving licence and photo ID, often a passport for international travellers. Names must match, and the licence must meet any minimum holding-period rules.
Can an under-25 additional driver drive any car category?
Not always. Under-25 drivers are often restricted from certain premium or specialty categories. Confirm eligibility before upgrading or choosing a specific vehicle type.
