Last Updated on October 8, 2026 by Mike
Miami is one of the easiest places in the country to rent a car you would never buy: a convertible for Ocean Drive, a full-size luxury SUV for a group, or an exotic for one memorable weekend. It is also a place where the terms matter more than the daily rate.
This guide explains how luxury and exotic rentals differ from a standard rental, what to ask and how to avoid the expensive mistakes. Company details come from the rental companies’ own websites, checked in October 2026.
Luxury, exotic or specialty: know what you are booking
- Luxury. Premium sedans and SUVs such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Range Rover and the Cadillac Escalade. Comfortable, and practical for a whole trip.
- Exotic. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley, Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce. Usually rented by the day, with tighter terms.
- Specialty. Convertibles, Corvettes, Mustangs and Jeep Wranglers. The fun of an open car at a much lower price.
Ask for the exact model and year, and whether the reservation guarantees that car or only “a similar one.”
What you will need
Requirements for high-end cars are stricter than for an economy rental, and they vary by company. Ask about each of these before you pay anything.
- Age. Many companies set a higher minimum for exotic cars, often 25. Some local agencies list rates for drivers 21 to 24, with a surcharge.
- Deposit. Expect a larger hold on your credit card than on a standard rental, sometimes several thousand dollars for an exotic. Ask the amount and when it is released.
- Insurance. Companies commonly want proof of your own full-coverage auto policy that extends to a rental. Credit card coverage often excludes expensive and exotic cars, so read the terms or call the issuer.
- License and card. A valid license and a major credit card in the same name. International renters should bring a passport.
The terms that cost money
Mileage
Unlimited mileage is rare on high-end cars. A daily allowance is normal, with a charge for each mile beyond it. As one example, Miami Rent A Car says luxury and specialty cars booked on its website include 150 free miles a day. A day trip to Key West and back is more than 300 miles, so do the math first.
Damage
Low front ends, wide wheels and soft tops are easy to damage and expensive to fix.
- Record a slow video of the whole car at pickup, including wheels, the front lip, the interior and the roof.
- Take steep driveways, speed bumps and parking ramps slowly and at an angle.
- Do not drive through standing water. Summer storms and seasonal high tides flood low streets, and water damage may not be covered.
Tolls and fuel
Miami’s toll roads are cashless, so ask how tolls are billed. Our guide to rental car tolls in Miami explains the fee types. Most of these cars require premium fuel, and you will be expected to return the tank at the level you received it.
Who drives
Only drivers named on the agreement are covered. Add a second driver properly, even if there is a fee.
Delivery and pickup
Many Miami luxury agencies bring the car to you. For example:
- Miami Luxury Auto Rent says it picks clients up from Miami International Airport or from hotels in Miami and Miami Beach.
- Ventura Rent-A-Car says it delivers to hotels in Miami, Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale.
Confirm the delivery fee, the time window and where the handover inspection will happen. Our list of independent car rental agencies in Miami has addresses and phone numbers.
Choosing the right car for the plan
- Cruising South Beach. A convertible is ideal, and traffic on Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue is slow enough to enjoy it.
- A group or a family. A luxury SUV such as the Cadillac Escalade ESV seats everyone with luggage.
- A special night. An exotic for 24 hours costs far less than a week and covers the occasion.
- Arriving in style. A chauffeured car may suit you better than driving. See Miami airport luxury transportation.
For ideas, Miami Luxury Auto Rent’s blog lists the most luxurious cars to rent in Miami, and we cover the category in Miami exotic car rentals and luxury cars rental in Miami.
Parking and driving it
- Parking. In Miami Beach, use hotel valet or a city garage instead of the street. The Miami Beach parking guide lists garages and rates. Ask the valet about the fee before you hand over the key.
- Speed. Florida made extreme speeding a criminal offense in 2025. Driving 50 mph or more over the limit can mean jail time.
- Attention. Expensive cars draw it. Do not leave anything visible inside, and park in attended or well-lit places.
More in Driving in Miami: 7 Fast Facts You Need to Know.
How to avoid a bad rental
- Rent from a company with a physical office, a phone that is answered and a written rental agreement.
- Get the total price in writing: rate, taxes, fees, delivery, deposit and mileage terms.
- Pay with a credit card. Be cautious of anyone who asks for cash, a wire or a payment app.
- Read recent reviews, and look for how the company handles deposits and damage claims.
- Do the inspection with the agent present, at both pickup and return.
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to rent a luxury car in Miami?
It depends on the company and the car. Many set 25 as the minimum for exotic cars, and some rent luxury and specialty cars to drivers 21 to 24 with a surcharge.
How much is the deposit on an exotic car rental?
It varies widely by company and model, and it is usually much higher than on a standard rental. Ask for the exact hold and the release time before you book.
Does my insurance cover an exotic rental?
Maybe not. Personal policies and credit cards often exclude high-value cars. Call your insurer, and ask the rental company what proof it needs.
Is mileage unlimited on luxury rentals?
Usually not. Expect a daily allowance and a per-mile charge beyond it.
Can a luxury rental be delivered to my hotel?
Often, yes. Several Miami agencies deliver to hotels and to the airport. Confirm the fee and the timing.
The bottom line
Choose the car for the plan, not the photo. Ask about age, deposit, insurance and mileage before you pay, record the car carefully at pickup, and keep it out of standing water and off the street overnight.
Company details were checked against each company’s website in October 2026. Requirements and prices change, so confirm directly before you book.
