How Old to Rent a Car in Florida? Age Requirements

In Florida renting a car is an easy way to get from one place to another when we don\’t have access to other transportation. In Florida, you can rent a car, for your business or personal purpose. However, to rent a car in Florida there are some guidelines and restrictions, you may need to follow. 

One such requirement for you while renting a car is how old to rent a car in Florida.

In this article, we’ll cover the details of the age requirements for renting a car in Florida. This will be a helpful guide for you to understand the complete car rental process in Florida. 

For most rental companies the legal age to rent a car in Florida is 21 years. However, if you are aged between 21 and 25 years you can rent the car with some restrictions and at higher rates than normal. 

The minimum age to rent a car in the city may depend on the rental car company and the insurance policy you choose. Generally, the rental car companies in Florida require drivers to be of minimum 21 years old. Young drivers between the ages of 21 and 24, may be charged by some rental companies an additional fee and asked to follow some additional rules. 

However, it is essential to note that these rules and restrictions may differ as many rental car companies have their specific policies which may vary from company to company. 

It is highly recommended that you must check the company\’s profile and visit their website to get accurate information on the minimum age to rent a car in Florida, their additional fees, and their policy. 

Details To Consider Under 25 Age To Rent A Car In Florida

Young Driver Fee:- In many rental companies, young drivers aged between 21 and 24 have to pay a young driver surcharge. This additional fee is applied by rental car companies only to young drivers as they are associated with higher risk while driving.  

Underage Driver Restrictions:– For many rental car companies there are certain restrictions imposed on drivers under the age of 25. The drivers have limitations on the types of vehicles that can be rented and may require additional documents and insurance proof.  

Rental Car Insurance:– It is necessary for drivers in Florida to consider covering insurance coverage while renting a car. Many rental car companies offer optional insurance for example, Collision damage Waiver(CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver(LDW), if in case it gets damaged or stolen. 

Note:- It is recommended that you check your personal auto insurance and credit card services that provide you with rental car coverage. 

International Driver:- If you are an international driver, to rent a car in Florida you would need a driver’s license from your home country along with International Driving Permit(IDP). In Florida, many international tourists are asked to submit all these details. 

Additional Driver:- Many rental car companies allow additional drivers to be added along with the main drivers in their rental agreements. However, additional drivers are subject to meeting the minimum age requirement and this may also charge you some extra money.  

Note: It is advisable to directly contact the rental car company and visit their website for specific information on fees, the minimum age to rent a car in Florida, and other relevant policies.

Car rental age in Florida- Renting a car under 25 in Florida

In Florida, it is required that you pay a minimum young driver’s fee of around $25 per day if you are under 25 years old. This fee is directly added to your rental price so you\’ll receive the information on how much extra you have been charged. 

In case you have a clean driving record, have taken a defensive driver course, and have a guardian, parent, or co-signer, then you may not be charged extra fees. 

Charging extra to young drivers is a common practice, in many cities of the US. Fees charged on car rentals age in Florida are associated with the higher risk of young drivers as they are observed as reckless drivers and are at higher risk of accidents. 

Check this Information if you are aged between 21 and 25

• You might be asked to show your driving history for review in order to qualify to rent. 
• You might be rejected to rent if you have a history of traffic violations or convictions in a specific time period.
• You might be asked to show your valid driver’s license from the home country or place you are residing. 
• You are also required to own a credit card in your name as you might be asked to purchase a car as part of your rental agreement. 
• You might get restricted from renting a car if you do not have insurance. 

The maximum age to rent a car in Florida

As of now, there is no maximum age to rent a car in Florida, if you own a valid driver’s license and meet the eligibility of the rental cars. However, some companies seek additional requirements from drivers who are above the age of 70. 

For, elderly people this is usually stated under a doctor’s note and some insurance policies. If you meet all the requirements and eligible formalities you must be able to rent the car without any hustle.

Useful tips for People Under all Ages to Rent a Car in Florida

Some of the useful tips you can consider are 

• Look around for more than one car rental company. 
• Make sure your car rental reservation is confirmed. 
• Keep your valid credit card with you.
• Carefully read the company\’s policy. 
• Check if there is any damage present in the vehicle.
• Align with the speed limit. 
• You have to pay tolls. 
• Thoroughly go through all the basic laws related to driving. 

Driving law and restrictions for Underage Drivers- Car rental age in Florida

1. Learner\’s Permit 

• You can obtain a learner\’s permit at 15 years old.
• You should practice driving with a licensed adult in the front passenger seat.
• Need to hold the learner\’s permit for at least 12 months before applying for a driver\’s license.
• You are required to complete a minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours of night driving.

2. Restricted Licence

• It is available for drivers under the age of 18.
• It will allow you unsupervised driving during specific hours and for specific purposes such as for school and work.
• Restrictions on hours and reasons for driving apply.
• You need to fulfill all requirements for a driver\’s license and need to qualify for the driving test.

3. Graduated Driver\’s Licence

After you gain some experience in driving and exhibit safe driving skills, your license will gradually increase in the graduated driver’s license. 

The three stages to conquer before are:- 

• Learner’s permit
• Intermediate Licence
• Permanent driver’s License. 

4. Passenger Restrictions

Drivers who are under 18 age to rent a car in Florida, cannot have passengers with them except their immediate family. 

5. Use of cell phones

Under 18 years drivers are restricted from using cell phones while driving.

Restricted activities while driving on cell phones are:-

• Texting
• Emailing
• Talking
• Video calling  

Tips For Car Renting in Florida

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)