Affordable Car Rentals in Florida can be found through rental companies located directly in the city you plan to visit. In general, airport rental locations are often more budget-friendly due to the competition between multiple companies, leading to lower prices. Based on my comparisons, Florida was the most affordable destination for car rentals in the USA. Read on for my tips on how to save money and avoid common pitfalls.
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Car Rental Prices in Florida
When arranging a car rental, never rely on the first car rental agency in Florida you come across. It would be quite rare for it to be the most affordable option in the end. I recommend using a booking platform like RentalCars.com, which compares prices from over 200 car rental companies worldwide. The platform also provides customers with a lowest price guarantee.
For a non-binding price estimate, I suggest using the following form. It compares prices from all available rental agencies in Florida, helping you secure a lower price.
How Much Will You Pay for a Car Rental in Florida?
- No Hidden Fees
The prices stated at the time of reservation are always final, providing a clear overview of your expenses. - Lowest Price Guarantee
If you find the same deal at a lower price elsewhere, RentalCars will refund the difference. - Cancellation Is Free of Charge
Most bookings can be cancelled or altered free of charge up to 48 hours before collection.
- No Hidden Fees
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How to Save on Car Rentals in Florida
The cost of renting a car in Florida depends not only on the provider or the specific city where you pick up the car but also on several other factors—some of which may surprise you.
🗓️ Booking Timing
During the research for this article, I compared prices across multiple booking dates. From my findings, the lowest prices were available when bookings were made 1 to 3 months in advance.
For example, the RentalCars platform offers free cancellation, which can act as insurance if prices drop after your booking.
⌛ Rental Duration
The longer you rent the car, the higher the overall cost will be—this is logical. However, rental rates may vary depending on the day, especially during the summer months or around public holidays, when demand for rental cars tends to be higher.
Rental rates are calculated based on each 24-hour period. For example, if you pick up the car at 10:00 a.m., it’s best to return it at 10:00 a.m. as well. Returning the car later—such as at 11:00 a.m.—may result in being charged for an entire extra day.
🗺️ Rental Location
Some rental agencies are located near airports, while others, typically smaller ones, can be found in city centers or attached to larger hotels. Generally, larger airport rental locations tend to offer lower prices.
When choosing a location, also consider the cost of getting to the rental office. In some cases, choosing a slightly more expensive airport location may be beneficial as you can avoid the cost of traveling to the city center.
🚘 Car Class
Rental agencies divide cars into several categories based on size, seating capacity, equipment, and trunk space. The more miles you plan to drive, the higher the car class you should consider.
Typically, the most affordable options are small economy cars with basic equipment. Mid-size cars and larger vehicles offer greater comfort and are about 10% more expensive. SUVs, with their higher ground clearance, cost around 25% more than economy cars. Premium cars and convertibles can be up to 100% more expensive compared to economy options.
Demand and availability of car classes can significantly impact prices. It’s not uncommon to find large cars priced similarly to economy models. The table below highlights the most affordable car rentals in Florida, based on 24-hour rates. For more precise quotes, conduct a non-binding calculation.
Economy Class Mid-Size Class SUV Convertible 
from $33 from $33 from $37 from $46 🔁 Update Price 🔁 Update Price 🔁 Update Price 🔁 Update Price 🔞 Driver’s Age
Drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 should expect an additional fee ranging from $16.00 to $37 per rental day. This fee accounts for the higher risk associated with younger drivers. The exact amount varies by rental company.
For drivers under 21, car rentals may be denied altogether or subject to higher fees.
☂️ Included Insurance Coverage
All rental cars in Florida come with mandatory liability insurance (SLP) and collision damage waiver (CDW) coverage with zero deductible. This means that in the event of an accident, the driver won’t pay a cent out of pocket.
Before finalizing your reservation, carefully read the rental terms to ensure all necessary risks are covered. This includes theft, tire damage, and windshield damage. If any of these risks are not included, consider purchasing additional coverage for extra protection.
🚐 Additional Accessories for a Fee
The total cost of your car rental can be affected by optional add-ons. I recommend paying for an additional driver if you plan long-distance trips, as sharing the driving will help avoid fatigue. Note that if someone not listed in the rental contract drives the car, the insurance will not cover them. The fee for additional drivers typically ranges from $13.00 to $15.00 per day, with rental companies often capping the fee. For instance, Avis sets the maximum fee at $65.
Other optional services offered by rental companies include ski racks, GPS navigation systems, and mobile internet. In my opinion, these extras are often unnecessary, as you can find cheaper alternatives, such as through Airalo.
If you’re traveling with children, it’s worth investing in a child seat or booster seat, which is typically available in several variants based on the child’s age.
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Cheap Car Rental Agencies in Florida
Most visitors to Florida arrive in Miami, where the cheapest rental agencies are located at the MIA Rental Car Center. Free shuttles connect all terminals to the center. Agencies based here include ACE Rent a Car, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Royal, Sixt, and Thrifty.
When looking for a rental, you’re not limited to major airports. Car rental offices can also be found in small towns with just a few thousand residents.
◻️ Car Rentals in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, situated on Florida’s east coast, features rental counters at the airport from companies such as ACE Rent A Car, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, and Royal. Additional rental offices are located in the city center.
◻️ Car Rentals in Fort Myers
Fort Myers, part of the Cape Coral metropolitan area on Florida’s west coast, has rental services concentrated at the local airport. Companies offering rentals here include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, and Sixt.
◻️ Car Rentals in Key Largo
In Key Largo, located in southern Florida, rental agencies such as Avis, Budget, and Enterprise operate along the Overseas Highway in standalone buildings.
◻️ Car Rentals in Key West
Key West, the southernmost point of the continental United States, has rental offices from Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty near the local airport. Rental counters can be found in the arrivals hall and baggage claim areas.
◻️ Car Rentals in Orlando
Orlando offers an abundance of rental options, with offices located near several hotels and theme parks.
At the local airport, you’ll find ten major rental companies, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty. Rental offices are situated on the 1st floor of Terminals A and B and on the 4th floor of Terminal C.
◻️ Car Rentals in Sarasota
Sarasota is one of the most beautiful cities in Florida and features rental offices from Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, and Thrifty. At the Sarasota airport, rental counters are located in the baggage claim area, and the car garage is within walking distance in a separate building.
◻️ Car Rentals in Tampa
As Florida’s third-largest city, Tampa offers the lowest car rental rates, particularly at its airport. Agencies like Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty operate here. The airport’s rental offices are housed in a standalone building accessible via the SkyConnect train from the arrivals hall.
Rental Company Rating 
Alamo Rent a Car 8.7/10 
Avis Car Rental 8.2/10 
Budget Car Rental 8.1/10 
Dollar Car Rental 8.3/10 
Enterprise Rent-A-Car 8.6/10 
Hertz Rent a Car 8.3/10 
National Car Rental 8.6/10 
SIXT Rent A Car 8.3/10 
Thrifty Car Rental 8.3/10 -
Florida Road Trip Ideas
1️⃣ Theme Parks in Florida
Florida can be summed up in two words: beaches and parks. It boasts numerous national and theme parks, especially around Orlando in central Florida. Both kids and adults will find something to enjoy. The most famous is probably Walt Disney World, particularly the Magic Kingdom, with its iconic fairytale castle that’s a must-see for families with children.
For teens, consider a trip to Busch Gardens in Tampa, where they can experience adrenaline-pumping rides like Falcon’s Fury, a freefall drop of 335 ft at speeds of up to 60 mph. Here’s a twist—just before the drop, the seats rotate, making the fall face-first towards the ground. Thrilling, right?
2️⃣ National Parks in Florida
If you prefer national parks, Florida offers three major options. My favorite is the historic fortress at Dry Tortugas, though you can’t drive there. You’ll need to book a ferry or plane ride, both of which can be pricey.
The other parks, Everglades and Biscayne, are located in South Florida and are easily accessible by car.
3️⃣ Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is famous for its white sands and crystal-clear waters, making it one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. It’s located on the Gulf of Mexico, west of Tampa.
Here, you can enjoy a variety of water sports, including thrilling activities. In the evening, visit Pier 60, where cultural events take place.
4️⃣ Kennedy Space Center
The Kennedy Space Center is a must-visit destination for space enthusiasts. You can see real spacecraft and, if you’re lucky, witness a live rocket launch. At the visitor center, you’ll have the chance to meet astronauts and experience a space flight simulation.
5️⃣ The Dali Museum
The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg houses one of the largest collections of Salvador Dalí’s works outside of Spain. The museum features a mix of permanent and temporary exhibitions, some of which are interactive.
St. Petersburg is located near Tampa, about a 4-hour drive from Miami, covering a distance of 267 mi. For tickets and opening hours, check the museum’s official website.
Car Rental in USA
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