Travelers from Brazil often ask if they can drive in Florida without an International Driving Permit (IDP). The short version: many visitors rent and drive using their Brazilian license and passport, while an IDP is strongly recommended because it translates your license for police, toll plazas, and rental staff.
To keep things simple at the counter, lock in your Orlando car hire ahead of time and bring your original CNH, passport, and (ideally) your IDP. Some counters may request it when the license is not in English. Carrying both avoids delays and helps if you’re involved in an incident.
What is an IDP? It’s a translation booklet that accompanies—not replaces—your license. It’s useful across the U.S., especially if your road trip goes beyond Florida. If you’ll start in South Florida, you can pick up a Miami Airport car rental and keep the same paperwork for the entire trip.
Documents checklist: CNH (physical), passport, IDP (recommended), credit card in the main driver’s name, and your Hola Car Rentals confirmation. Screenshot everything before you fly so it’s available offline.
At pickup: Agents compare names across your passport, license, and reservation. They may ask for the IDP to better read names, dates, or license categories. You can add an additional driver with matching documents. Walk around the car, photograph the four corners, and note fuel type.
Insurance & deposits: With Hola Car Rentals, All‑Inclusive+ protection and maximum liability coverage on selected itineraries reduce uncertainty, and you’ll see the total cost upfront. A refundable deposit or hold may still apply; using a credit card with available limit speeds things up.
Flying into Broward? Fort Lauderdale’s terminals are efficient; compare fleets via our airport car rental hub. Heading to the Gulf Coast after Orlando? Tampa car hire offers straightforward I‑4 access and plenty of return times, which is great for flexible itineraries.
Road tips for Brazilians: Distances can be long. Keep a cooler with water, plan service‑area breaks every two hours, and check sun‑glare times in summer. Around Orlando and Miami, toll roads can be the fastest route; Hola Car Rentals’ cashback on tolls helps manage the cost.
What if I’m stopped by police? Pull over safely, keep hands visible, and present your passport, license, and IDP together. Clear documentation helps the stop stay brief and professional.
Bottom line: You may be able to rent and drive with your Brazilian license, but an IDP adds peace of mind and speeds up checks—especially if your itinerary spans multiple cities.
Ready to go? Pick the gateway that suits your plan: start on the Gulf with Tampa car rental or on the Atlantic with Miami car hire. Either way, Hola Car Rentals has you covered with free cancellation up to 48 hours and 100% transparent pricing.
Family travel note: If you’re traveling with children, review Florida’s car‑seat and booster guidance before pickup and select the right seat during booking. Arrive 15 minutes early so staff can help you fit the seat correctly.
Route planning: The MIA–Orlando corridor is mostly turnpike and interstate driving. Build short rest stops into your plan, and carry a backup payment card for toll plazas or parking lots that don’t accept mobile wallets.
Finally, keep your rental tidy and return on time to avoid cleaning or late fees. A quick fuel top‑off, a final photo set, and a two‑minute walk‑around at drop‑off close the loop smoothly—so your last memory is the trip, not the paperwork.
