Quick Summary:
- Assume no phone mount is included, pack a universal vent or dash mount.
- Check the car’s built-in screen, CarPlay or Android Auto may work.
- In Florida, set your route before moving and use hands-free control.
- Bring a car charger and cable, navigation drains battery quickly.
If you are planning car hire in the US, it is sensible to ask one small but important question before you fly, will the rental car come with a phone mount for navigation, or should you bring your own? For most travellers in Florida, the practical answer is to plan as if a mount will not be included, then treat any in-car solution as a bonus. Phone mounts are inexpensive, but forgetting one can leave you trying to balance a handset in a cup holder while navigating unfamiliar highways, which is uncomfortable and can be legally risky.
This guide explains what is typically included with Florida rental vehicles, what you can realistically expect at pick-up, and what to pack for hands-free navigation. It also covers safer ways to use sat-nav with a rental, so you can keep your attention on the road.
Do US hire cars typically include a phone mount?
In the US, phone mounts are not a standard inclusion with most mainstream rental fleets. Some vehicles may have one left behind by a previous driver, but you should not rely on it being present, compatible with your phone size, or in good condition. Even when a rental station offers accessories, availability varies by location and season, and a mount might not be offered at all.
There are a few reasons mounts are rarely included as standard. They can be damaged easily, removed accidentally, or cause marks on dashboards and windscreens. Rental companies also need to keep cabins consistent, clean, and quick to turn around between customers. As a result, travellers doing car hire in Florida should plan to be self-sufficient for mounting and charging.
If you are collecting near major hubs, you will see a wide range of vehicle trims. For example, people arriving for South Florida holidays often pick up near Fort Lauderdale car hire counters, while others prefer collecting right by the terminals at Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL). The location changes convenience, but it does not guarantee a phone mount will be included.
What navigation options are usually included instead?
While phone mounts are uncommon, modern rental cars frequently include technology that can reduce the need for one. What you get depends on the vehicle class, age, and trim level, but these are the most common options in Florida rentals.
1) Built-in infotainment screen
Many cars include a central display for audio controls and settings. Even if it does not include built-in maps, the screen may support your phone’s navigation via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. If the car has these features, you can keep your phone out of sight and follow directions on the car’s screen.
2) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
CarPlay and Android Auto are increasingly common in US fleets. Some cars offer wireless pairing, others require a cable. A cable is still the most reliable option, and it keeps your phone charged at the same time. If you are unsure what your assigned car will have, pack a cable that fits your phone, plus a USB-A and USB-C adapter if you use newer devices, because some rentals still have older USB ports.
3) Factory navigation (less common than you might expect)
Some higher trims include built-in sat-nav, but it is not universal. When present, the maps can be out of date, and entering destinations via the screen can be slower than using your phone. Factory navigation can still be helpful as a backup if mobile data drops, especially in rural stretches.
4) Bluetooth calling and voice control
Bluetooth is common, and voice assistants can help you start navigation without touching your phone. Even if you do use a mount, hands-free voice control is safer than tapping the screen at junctions.
Travellers landing on the Gulf Coast may be in a different fleet mix than Miami or Fort Lauderdale. If you are collecting via Tampa (TPA) car rental, you may still see plenty of newer vehicles with smartphone integration, but it is best to treat it as likely rather than guaranteed.
What to pack for hands-free navigation in Florida
For smooth navigation on Florida roads, pack a small kit that covers mounting, charging, and connectivity. It does not need to be expensive, but it should be compatible with rental interiors and your phone.
A reliable phone mount
Choose a mount that works across different dashboards and vents. A vent mount is compact and travel-friendly, but it can be less stable in some vehicles and may block airflow. A dash or windscreen suction mount is often more stable, but it can leave marks or fall off in heat. Florida temperatures can soften adhesives and reduce suction, especially if the car sits in the sun. A mount with a locking suction lever and a heat-resistant pad tends to cope better.
A 12V car charger plus cables
Navigation drains battery quickly, and constant screen use can overheat phones. Bring a 12V charger that fits the cigarette-lighter style socket, plus a cable long enough to reach the mount location. If your phone supports fast charging, a quality charger can help keep battery stable even with maps running.
A data plan, or offline maps as backup
Florida has excellent coverage in cities and along major interstates, but you can still hit patchy areas or congestion that triggers detours. Downloading offline maps for key areas helps if you lose signal. It is also a good way to reduce roaming costs if you are visiting from the UK.
Optional, a dashboard mat or grip pad
If you do not want to attach anything to vents or glass, a non-slip mat can hold a phone on the dash. It is not as secure as a mount, so it is best for short hops and only if the phone sits low enough not to obstruct your view.
Families and groups doing car hire sometimes upgrade to a larger vehicle, which can change the best mounting position. If you are picking up a people carrier or larger vehicle around Orlando (MCO) van hire, you may find more cabin space and different vent designs, so a mount with adjustable grip width is useful.
Florida safety and legality, what is the safer approach?
Florida’s distracted driving rules have evolved, and the practical takeaway for visitors is straightforward, do not handle your phone while driving. Even where the law focuses on texting, an officer may still stop you if your phone use appears unsafe or if you are in an area with restrictions. The safest approach is to set everything up before you move, use hands-free voice prompts, and keep the screen interaction to a minimum.
Safer setup routine before you leave the car park
Put the mount in place, connect the charger, pair Bluetooth or plug in for CarPlay or Android Auto, then enter your destination while parked. Check volume levels so you can hear directions over air conditioning. If you need to adjust the route, pull over somewhere safe rather than trying to tap through menus in traffic.
Keep the phone low and unobtrusive
Position the phone so it does not block your view of the road, mirrors, or instrument cluster. A mount that sits too high on the windscreen is a common mistake. In bright Florida sun, glare can also be an issue, so angle the screen slightly down.
Use voice navigation wherever possible
Voice prompts reduce the temptation to glance at the map. If you are travelling with a passenger, ask them to manage navigation changes. This is often the simplest solution for visitors new to US road layouts.
These habits matter most in busy areas such as Miami and its suburbs, where multi-lane junctions and short exits demand attention. If your trip includes collections or drop-offs around Doral (DRL) car hire, plan your first route while stationary and allow extra time to get oriented before joining fast-moving traffic.
How to check what your hire car has before you drive away
Because phone mounts are inconsistent, the key is a two-minute check at pick-up. It can save you from discovering missing features when you are already on the highway.
Look for these items inside the cabin
Check the centre console for USB ports and whether they are USB-A or USB-C. Look for a 12V socket. Start the car and see if the infotainment system shows a CarPlay or Android Auto option. If it does, plug your phone in and test that navigation audio plays through the car speakers.
Check the vents and dashboard surfaces
If you brought your own mount, test fit it while still in the car park. Some vents are round or unusually shaped, and some dashboards are textured. You want a secure fit that does not wobble on bumps. If the mount will not work, it is better to know immediately, so you can switch to a different option, such as using the built-in screen or placing the phone safely where it will not slide.
Confirm you have a stable place for the phone even without a mount
If you must drive briefly without a mount, keep the phone out of your hands. Use audio guidance only, place the phone somewhere stable, and avoid looking at the screen. As soon as practical, stop and fix the setup properly.
Should you buy a mount in Florida instead of bringing one?
You can buy a phone mount easily in Florida, from supermarkets and petrol stations to electronics retailers. The downside is convenience and cost. You may waste holiday time shopping, and you might end up with a mount that is bulky for travel home. Bringing a compact, universal mount from the UK is usually simpler, particularly if you are planning a multi-stop road trip.
That said, buying locally can make sense if you need a specific type, such as a MagSafe mount, or if your first rental is short and you only decide later you want a mount for longer drives.
For most visitors, the best plan is to pack a mount and cable, then use CarPlay or Android Auto where available. This covers nearly all scenarios and keeps your driving routine consistent across different vehicles and cities.
FAQ
Do US rental cars in Florida come with a phone mount as standard? Usually not. Treat a mount as something you should bring, because availability is inconsistent across fleets and locations.
If my hire car has Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, do I still need a mount? Not necessarily. If the car displays maps on its screen and you can control audio hands-free, you can keep your phone stored and charging.
What is the most travel-friendly mount for car hire? A compact vent mount is easy to pack and fits many cars, but choose one with strong grips and adjustability for different vent shapes.
Can I use a suction mount in Florida heat? Yes, but choose a quality mount with a locking suction lever and avoid placing it where it bakes in direct sun for hours.
What is the safest way to use navigation legally? Set your route while parked, keep your hands off the phone while moving, use voice guidance, and pull over safely if you must make changes.
