Category Archives: Drivers

Rental Car Tolls in Miami: SunPass, Toll-By-Plate and What You Will Pay

October 7, 2026 Mike

Tolls are the most common surprise charge on a Miami car rental. The tolls themselves are small. What catches people is the service fee the rental company adds, and the fact that it can show up on your card days or weeks after you get home.

This guide explains how tolls work in a rental car in Miami, what the major companies charge, and how to pay less.

Fees below come from SunPass’s published summary of rental programs and from county toll schedules, checked in October 2026. Rental companies change these often, so read your rental agreement.

Why you cannot just pay cash

You cannot pay cash on Miami-area toll roads. There are no toll booths to stop at. An overhead gantry reads a transponder on the windshield or photographs the license plate.

Roads you are likely to meet:

Dolphin Expressway (SR 836). The main route between the airport, downtown and Miami Beach.
Airport Expressway (SR 112). From the airport toward I-95 and the Julia Tuttle Causeway.
Don Shula (SR 874), Snapper Creek (SR 878) and Gratigny (SR 924) expressways.
Florida’s Turnpike, including the route south toward Homestead and the Keys.
I-95 Express lanes. The regular lanes are free.
Rickenbacker Causeway to Key Biscayne and Venetian Causeway to Miami Beach. Each is $3.25 with SunPass and $6.50 by plate for a two-axle car.

The MacArthur and Julia Tuttle causeways to Miami Beach are free.

How tolls work in a rental car

In your own car, a toll without a transponder becomes a Toll-By-Plate invoice mailed to you. In a rental, the car is registered to the rental company, so the invoice goes there instead.

Here is what happens:

A camera photographs the plate as you pass under the gantry.
The toll is billed to the rental company’s toll program vendor.
The vendor charges the credit card on your rental agreement for the toll plus a service fee.
The vendor keeps the service fee. The toll agency gets only the toll.

Two consequences follow. You usually pay the higher undiscounted toll rate, not the SunPass rate. And the fee structure is whatever your rental company set.

What the major rental companies charge

These are the programs as summarized on SunPass’s rental vehicle page.

Companies	Unlimited plan	If you do not buy the plan
Enterprise, National, Alamo	None needed	$4.95 for each day you use a toll, capped at about $30 per rental, plus the tolls
Avis, Budget	$12.99 per day or $64.95 per week	$6.95 for each day you use a toll, capped at $34.75 per rental month, plus the tolls
Payless	$12.99 per day or $64.95 per week	$7.95 for each day you use a toll, capped at $37.95 per rental month, plus the tolls
Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty	$14.99 per day	$9.99 for each day you use a toll, plus the tolls
Fox	$14.49 per day, up to $217.35	$15 for each toll, capped at $90 per rental, plus the tolls

With Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Budget, Payless and Fox, tolls without a plan are billed at the toll agency’s highest undiscounted rate.

Two words matter more than any others in these programs:

“Per day.” An unlimited plan is charged for every day of the rental, including days the car never leaves the hotel garage.
“Per usage day.” The pay-as-you-go fee is charged only on days you pass through a toll.

Sixt and other companies not listed here set fees by location. Independent and local agencies vary the most. Some include a transponder for a low flat daily rate, and others bill each toll with a fee afterward. Ask before you sign.

What it looks like on a real trip

Take a five-day rental with tolls on two days, totaling $6.

Program	What you pay
Enterprise, National or Alamo	$6 in tolls + 2 × $4.95 = about $16
Avis or Budget, no plan	$6 in tolls + 2 × $6.95 = about $20
Hertz, Dollar or Thrifty, no plan	$6 in tolls + 2 × $9.99 = about $26
Hertz unlimited plan	5 × $14.99 = about $75

Now flip it. On a five-day trip with long Turnpike drives every day, an unlimited plan can come out ahead. The right choice depends on how much toll driving you will actually do.

Three ways to pay less

1. Use your own transponder

If you already have a SunPass or a prepaid Toll-By-Plate account, you can charge the rental’s tolls to it:

Log in to your account.
Add the rental car’s license plate.
Set the start and end dates of the rental.
Take your transponder with you when you return the car.

E-ZPass and several other out-of-state transponders are also accepted on Florida toll roads. SunPass lists the accepted brands on the same page.

Before you drive off, ask the counter how to make sure the car’s own toll device does not also bill you. Many rental cars have a transponder mounted in a box on the windshield that needs to stay closed.

2. Buy a SunPass when you arrive

Staying a week or more, or visiting Florida often? A SunPass can pay for itself in one trip.

SunPass PRO: $14.95. Portable, and it also works wherever E-ZPass is accepted.
SunPass Mini: $4.99. A sticker made to stay on one windshield, so it is a poor fit for rentals.

Both are sold at Publix, CVS and Walgreens, among thousands of Florida retailers. You activate the transponder and load a prepaid balance online, then add the rental plate as described above.

3. Skip the toll roads

Most trips in Miami have a free alternative. Turn on “avoid tolls” in your navigation app before leaving the rental lot. It usually adds time, sometimes a lot at rush hour, but for a short visit with a couple of local trips it can make the whole question go away.

Questions to ask at the counter

These five questions prevent most toll disputes later:

Is the toll fee charged per rental day or only on days I use a toll?
Is there a maximum fee for the rental?
Are tolls billed at the SunPass rate or the higher plate rate?
Can I use my own transponder, and how do I disable the one in the car?
When will toll charges appear on my card?

Keep your rental agreement and note the times you used toll roads. Toll charges often post after the rental has closed, sometimes weeks later, and the agreement is what you will need if a charge looks wrong.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a SunPass to drive a rental car in Miami?

No. Every major rental company has a program that lets you use toll roads without one. A SunPass only saves you the company’s service fees.

Can I pay Miami tolls with cash?

No. The toll roads in and around Miami are all electronic.

What happens if I decline the toll plan and drive through a toll anyway?

You are charged the toll plus the company’s pay-as-you-go fee. With the major brands that is between about $5 and $10 for each day you use a toll, and with some companies it is charged per toll.

How much is the Toll-By-Plate fee in Florida?

Toll-By-Plate invoices carry a $2.50 administrative charge per monthly invoice, on top of higher toll rates. In a rental, the rental company’s fee applies instead.

Is it cheaper to avoid toll roads from Miami airport?

For one or two trips, usually yes. From the MIA Rental Car Center, both nearby expressways are tolled, so set your navigation to avoid tolls before you pull out.

The bottom line

For a short Miami trip, skip the unlimited plan unless you will be on toll roads every day. Know your company’s per-usage-day fee, bring your own transponder if you have one, and use the “avoid tolls” setting for local driving. For more on driving here, see Driving in Miami: 7 Fast Facts You Need to Know.

Fees and toll rates were checked against SunPass and Miami-Dade County sources in October 2026. Rental companies change their programs often, so confirm with yours.

Drivers, Miami Beach, Transportation

Miami Beach Parking Guide: Rates, Garages and How to Avoid a Tow

October 7, 2026 Mike

Parking in Miami Beach is easier than its reputation suggests once you know two things: city garages are almost always the better deal for a long stay, and the rules change block by block. This guide covers what Miami Beach parking costs, where to find it, how to pay, and how to keep your car off a tow truck.

All rates below come from the City of Miami Beach and were checked in October 2026. They change, so confirm on the city’s site before you go.

The short version

Staying more than two hours? Use a city garage. Most charge $2 for the first hour and cap at $20 for 24 hours.
Quick stop? Street meters in South Beach are $4 an hour, paid by app.
On a budget? Park in Middle Beach or North Beach, where meters are as low as $1 an hour, and ride the free trolley south.
Never leave a car in a private lot, a residential permit zone, or anywhere the sign is unclear. Towing is fast and expensive.

Street and surface lot rates by zone

Miami Beach prices its meters by zone. On-street spaces cost more than city surface lots in the busiest areas.

Zone	Where it is	On-street	City lots	Enforced
Entertainment District	Ocean Drive to Pennsylvania Avenue, 5th to 15th Street, including Washington Avenue	$4/hour	$2/hour	24 hours, every day
South Beach	Rest of South Beach, south of 23rd Street	$4/hour	$2/hour	9 a.m. to 3 a.m., every day
East Middle Beach	23rd to 44th Street, Collins Avenue to Indian Creek	$3/hour	$2/hour	9 a.m. to 3 a.m., every day
West Middle Beach	Rest of 23rd to 63rd Street	$1/hour	$1/hour	8 a.m. to 6 p.m., every day
North Beach	North of 63rd Street	$1/hour	$1/hour	8 a.m. to 11 p.m., every day

Two details worth knowing:

There is no free day. Every zone is enforced seven days a week, Sundays and holidays included.
The 46th Street lot is the exception in Middle Beach. It charges non-residents a flat $20 for 24 hours.

Maximum time limits vary by block, so read the sign at your space. The city posts the full list on its parking meter rates page.

City garages: the best value for a long stay

Miami Beach runs a network of public garages. For a beach day, a dinner, or a night out, they usually beat the street on both price and peace of mind.

Garage	Hourly	Daily maximum
7th Street, 12th Street, 13th Street, 17th Street, City Hall, Pennsylvania Avenue, Sunset Harbour, Collins Park	$2 first hour, $4 for two, $6 for three, $8 for four, then $1 per added hour	$20 per 24 hours
16th Street	$2 first hour, $4 for two, $6 for three, $10 for three to six hours	$20 per 24 hours
5th and Alton	First two hours free, then $6 for three hours, rising from there	$20 per 24 hours
42nd Street	$1 per hour	$8 per day

A few practical notes:

Weekend night flat rate. The 7th, 12th, 13th and 16th Street garages charge a flat $15 per vehicle Friday through Sunday from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Event flat rates. Other garages switch to a $15 flat rate during events.
Lost ticket. You pay the daily maximum.
Cash. Garages do not accept bills larger than $20.

The 7th Street garage puts you a short walk from the south end of Ocean Drive. The 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue garages are the closest to Lincoln Road and the Convention Center. The 42nd Street garage is the bargain for Middle Beach.

See the city’s garage rates and garage and lot map for current details.

How to pay

For street spaces and city lots, Miami Beach uses two apps:

ParkMobile. You can also pay by calling 1-877-727-5714.
PayByPhone.

Enter the zone number posted on the sign, your plate, and how long you are staying. The apps let you add time from the beach, up to the limit for that space.

In a rental car, double-check the plate before you confirm. A typo in the plate number is treated the same as not paying.

The $1-an-hour promotion

Miami Beach has been running a slow-season promotion that drops parking to $1 an hour in every city zone, including garages, lots and street spaces. In 2026 it runs from August 1 through October 31.

It works only through the ParkMobile app, using a promo code that appears when you enter the zone number.
Each session gets up to three discounted hours.
Each user gets up to 15 discounted sessions, or 45 hours, over the three months.

Check the city’s $1 parking page to see whether it is active when you visit.

How to avoid getting towed

This is the part that ruins vacations. Miami Beach tows quickly, and the bill is steep.

What a tow costs. The city’s maximum rates as of January 1, 2026, for the lightest tow class:

Tow: $282
Administrative fee: $150
City permit fee: $34
Fuel surcharge: $5.15

That is about $471 before sales tax. Non-residents also pay $46 for storage once the car has been held more than six hours.

Where people get caught:

Private lots behind shops, restaurants and condos. A “Tow Away Zone” sign is all the warning required.
Residential permit zones. Check for signs before leaving a car on a quiet side street.
Fire lanes, hydrants, crosswalks, bike lanes and driveways.
An expired session, especially late at night in South Beach, where enforcement runs until 3 a.m. or around the clock.

If your car is gone:

Look it up at the city’s tow search or call the parking hotline at 305-604-2489.
The two city-authorized companies are Beach Towing (1349 Dade Boulevard, 305-534-2128) and Tremont Towing (1747 Bay Road, 305-672-2395).
Bring a photo ID that matches the vehicle registration.
Bring cash. Visitors can pay only by cash, cashier’s check, money order or traveler’s check. Credit and debit cards are accepted only from Miami Beach residents, and debit cards from Miami-Dade residents.

If it was a rental car, you need the written rental agreement plus a letter from the rental company naming you as its agent. Call the rental company first, because they have to send that letter before the tow yard will release the car.

The city lists full rules on its towing and enforcement page.

Park once and ride free

You do not need to move your car between South Beach, Middle Beach and North Beach. The city’s free trolley runs daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., about every 20 minutes, and connects all three. Park in a garage, leave the car, and use the trolley for the rest of the day.

Our guide to the free trolleys in Miami and Miami Beach covers the routes.

Frequently asked questions

How much is parking in South Beach?

Street meters are $4 an hour. City surface lots are $2 an hour. Most city garages are $2 for the first hour and $20 for a full 24 hours.

Is parking free in Miami Beach on Sundays?

No. Meters are enforced seven days a week in every zone.

Can I park overnight in Miami Beach?

Yes, in city garages. Most cap at $20 per 24 hours, which is usually far less than hotel valet parking.

Where is the cheapest parking in Miami Beach?

The 42nd Street garage at $1 an hour and $8 a day, and the $1-an-hour meters in West Middle Beach and North Beach. Pair either with the free trolley.

What happens if I get a parking ticket in a rental car?

The citation goes to the rental company as the registered owner, which will usually pay it and bill you along with a processing fee. It is cheaper to pay the citation yourself right away. The city links to the county’s payment site from its parking page.

Before you go

Miami Beach parking comes down to picking the right spot for the length of your stay: meters for a quick stop, a city garage for anything longer, and the trolley to get around once you have parked. If you are still deciding whether to bring a car at all, read our guide to public transportation in Miami.

Rates and rules were checked against City of Miami Beach sources in October 2026. They change, so confirm before you go.

Drivers, Miami, Transportation

Driving in Miami: 7 Fast Facts You Need to Know

March 29, 2021 Mike

Driving in Miami is easier than its reputation suggests, once you know the handful of things that work differently here. The tolls take no cash, the fast lanes on I-95 cost money, the phone rules are strict in places, and a summer storm can turn a clear road into a slow one in minutes.

These seven facts cover what catches visitors and new residents most often. The laws below were checked against Florida statutes and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) in October 2026.

1. The toll roads do not take cash

There are no toll booths on Miami-area expressways. An overhead gantry reads a transponder on the windshield or photographs the license plate, and the bill follows later.

You will meet this within minutes of leaving the airport, because the Dolphin Expressway (SR 836) and the Airport Expressway (SR 112) are both tolled. Florida’s Turnpike and the Rickenbacker and Venetian causeways are too. The MacArthur and Julia Tuttle causeways to Miami Beach are free.

In a rental car, the rental company bills you for the toll plus its own service fee. Those fees vary a lot, so read our guide to rental car tolls in Miami before you reach the counter. If you would rather skip tolls altogether, turn on “avoid tolls” in your navigation app.

2. The express lanes on I-95 are tolled

The regular lanes on I-95 are free. The express lanes in the middle are not, and their price rises and falls with traffic.

Two things to know:

Enter and leave the express lanes only at the marked openings. Cutting across the plastic poles that separate them from the regular lanes is illegal and causes crashes.
The express lanes skip some exits. Check that yours is reachable before you move over.

3. Rush hour lasts longer than you expect

Weekday traffic is heaviest from roughly 7 to 10 a.m. and from 4 to 7 p.m. I-95, the Dolphin Expressway, the Palmetto Expressway (SR 826) and the causeways to Miami Beach all back up, and one crash can add half an hour.

Leave extra time for anything with a fixed start, such as a flight, a cruise or a dinner reservation. Check FL511, the state’s traffic service, or your navigation app before you set off. Event nights downtown and weekend afternoons on the beach causeways can be as slow as a weekday rush.

4. Speed limits, and the “super speeder” law

Florida’s default limits are 30 mph in business and residential districts and 55 mph on other roads unless a sign says otherwise. Interstates are posted higher, up to 70 mph outside the city. School zones drop to 15 or 20 mph when the lights are flashing.

Since July 1, 2025, extreme speeding has been a criminal offense in Florida, not just a ticket. Driving 50 mph or more over the limit, or at 100 mph or more in a way that endangers others, can bring up to 30 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both on a first conviction. Penalties rise for a second.

Miami traffic often moves faster than the signs. Match the flow where it is safe, keep right if you are going slower, and let the people in a hurry go.

5. Phone rules are stricter than many visitors assume

Florida law on phones has two parts:

Texting while driving is illegal everywhere. That covers typing or reading texts, emails and messages while the car is moving. Police can stop you for it.
In school zones, school crossings and active work zones, you cannot hold a phone at all. A violation there is a moving violation with three points on your license.

Using your phone for navigation is allowed, and so are hands-free calls. Mount the phone and set the route before you pull out.

6. Move over for stopped vehicles

Florida’s Move Over law requires you to change lanes away from a stopped emergency, tow, utility or sanitation vehicle. It also covers any disabled car on the shoulder with its hazard lights on.

If you cannot move over safely, slow down to 20 mph below the posted limit. Where the limit is 20 mph or less, slow to 5 mph. It is a common ticket on I-95 and the Turnpike. FLHSMV explains the rule on its Move Over page.

7. Rain changes everything, fast

From about June through October, short and heavy afternoon storms are routine. Visibility can drop to a few car lengths, and low streets in Miami Beach and Brickell flood quickly.

Turn your headlights on in rain. Florida law requires it.
Slow down and leave more room. Roads are slickest in the first minutes of a storm.
Do not drive through standing water you cannot judge. It stalls cars, and salt water from tidal flooding damages them. Damage from driving through water may not be covered by a rental company’s damage waiver.

Storms pass quickly. Waiting 20 minutes in a parking lot is often the smartest move.

Quick answers for visitors

Can I drive in Florida with a foreign license?

Yes. Visitors can drive with a valid license from their home state or country. FLHSMV covers the details in its Visiting Florida FAQ. Rental companies set their own document rules, so check with yours.

Can I turn right on a red light?

Yes, after a complete stop and when the way is clear, unless a sign at the intersection says no turn on red.

Do I need a car in Miami at all?

Not always. Downtown, Brickell and South Beach are well covered by the free Metromover and trolleys. See our guide to public transportation in Miami. A car makes sense for the Everglades, the Keys and the suburbs.

Where do I pick up a rental at the airport?

At the MIA Rental Car Center, a free train ride from the terminal. Our guide to renting a car in Miami covers what to bring.

Is parking hard in Miami Beach?

It is tight and enforced closely, but manageable if you use the city garages. The Miami Beach parking guide lists rates and how to avoid a tow.

I just moved here. Do I need a Florida license?

New residents have 30 days to get a Florida license. If you need to take the knowledge exam, a practice site such as DMV Written Test is a quick way to review the handbook.

The bottom line

Plan for tolls before you leave the rental lot, stay out of the express lanes unless you mean to use them, put the phone in a mount, and give yourself extra time at rush hour and in the rain. Do that and driving in Miami is no harder than in any other large American city.

Laws and limits were checked against Florida statutes and FLHSMV in October 2026. Rules change, so confirm anything that affects your trip.

Business, Drivers, Lifestyle, Limo Service, Miami Attractions, Transportation

Special Occasions Call for Special Transportation

October 8, 2013 Mike 4 Comments

Special occasions call for special transportation. Therefore, if you are looking for luxurious, reliable, and affordable limo service in Miami, then Miami Limo Service is the right choice to meet your every limousine need.

Limousines are synonymous with elegance, fun, and celebration. Once upon a time, Cinderella had her regal coach. Well, for today’s sophisticated brides, a limousine represents that fairytale coach of folklore. In addition to the dreamy and romantic aspects of being whisked away in a limo on your special day, limousines make fulfilling the wedding transportation needs of your family and bridal party easier and safer.

Booking a limousine for your teen prince or princess and attending homecoming or prom, offers them secure transportation, too. You may hope they do not drink, but if they do, you will be assured they will have a safe and dependable way home.

And are you married couples looking to liven up date night? When you whisk your beloved significant other off in a limo, you will be making your date night extraordinary.

Of course, limos are not only for brides and promgoers. You have finally established the date for that long-awaited reunion beach weekend with your former college sorority sisters. What could be more fun and convenient than renting a limousine for the weekend? And a getaway weekend should be all about relaxation and fun. A weekend like this should not be about stressing over navigating your way around an unfamiliar city.

Travel writers have crowned Miami with the honor of being the “Cruise Capital of the World.” So, with the hope of experiencing the cruise of your dreams, you are now Miami-bound. To make this occasion more momentous, consider renting a limo to transport you from the airport to the cruise terminal. When you hire an affordable airport limo service to take you to your cruise ship, you are kicking off your cruise celebration in high style, and all you have to do is relax and enjoy the Miami scenery.

As a business owner, when you need to impress a prospective client, nothing says success and refinement like personalized limousine service.

Whether it is the fairytale wedding, the girls’ weekend in South Beach, the grand cruise of a lifetime, or the breakout business deal, when you rent a limo, you will be giving your event that touch of class that only a limousine can provide.

Drivers, Legal

What Issues are Involved in Your DUI Case?

October 23, 2012 Mike

What Issues are Involved in Your DUI Case

A reckless driver and the alcohol are the two main issues always present when the driving under the influence leads either to accident or legal liabilities. But they’re not the prime concern if the case is already being tried and the accused is gravely praying for the judgment of acquittal which the court can hardly grant due to the gravity of the offense and its corresponding consequences. However, that doesn’t mean that everything is over for the offender; there are some issues which are not imputable to him but can turn the verdict into something that he might have never expected.

It’s the errors committed by the police officers during DUI search and arrest that may free the accused from any liability. You may argue about the clemency of the law, but when the evidences of the prosecution were illegally taken, they can’t be admitted by the court in the trial, except perhaps for justifiable and exempting reasons. Thus, when the essential proofs were not admitted, the state prosecutor could hardly establish the guilt of the offender beyond reasonable doubt, and that may then lead to a favorable judgment for the liberty and financial liability of the accused. Specifically, the issues involved in the search or arrest which may end up to such outcome are the following:

No Probable Cause – this is the issue when the police officers have stopped you along the way without any justifiable cause relative to their suspicion. If they have suspected you for DUI, then the causes of the stop order should be reasonable enough on the part of the law enforcers so as to avoid violating your privacy. Hence, in the case where the officers have no probable cause, you should be wise in refusing to allow them to search you to avoid further abuses or errors they might commit against your will. And don’t ever forget that, without any valid cause, their search is limited only to “plain view.”

Improper Procedure in DUI Tests – when the procedure prescribed for by the law was not properly followed in the administration of the tests, then the results are ultimately void, and can never be used to prosecute the accused. Thus, you should always be aware of the right process in taking the DUI tests; otherwise, you’ll be victimizing your own self.

Defective Machine – the results of the defective machines can really not be used as evidence to prove your guilt for DUI for obvious reason: it would be an injustice to you. But how can you know that the machine is defective? Well, if it gives an inconsistent or irregular result, then your doubt for its deficiency may be true, and that then could be your reason to question the reliability of the results. How about in field sobriety test? Obviously, there’s no machine, but the result may still possibly be erroneous especially when there are some circumstances such as the night time or your physical condition.

Violation of the Miranda Rights of the Accused – it’s one irregularity which you should always look out for especially when the officers forgot to inform you with the consequences of your act, the refusal in taking any test, and other statutory rights safeguarded by law for the benefit of the accused. Top of it all are your rights to be informed, remain silent, and hire a lawyer of your own choice. If the officers have willfully or negligently violate these rights, then it could be favorable to the status of your case or its judgment which may be mitigated due to the attending errors committed by the officers.

The issues are not just really limited to the commission and the penalties of DUI, but is also extended to the irregularities that can violate the rights of the accused. Hence, from now on, you should be cautious enough to avoid making yourself an “issue” under the law!

David Haenel is a Tampa DUI Attorney. He practiced in several courts like New Jersey, District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and the State Courts of Florida. He has an extensive experience in dealing with traffic related crimes.

Car Rental, Drivers, Miami

Renting a Car in Miami: 9 Things You Should Know

April 16, 2011 Mike 6 Comments

Renting a car in Miami is simple if you arrive with the right documents and a few decisions already made. Most problems at the counter come down to the same short list: the wrong card, an age surcharge nobody mentioned, insurance bought twice, or toll charges that show up weeks later.

Here are nine things to know before you book. Laws and fees were checked in October 2026. Company policies differ, so confirm the details with yours.

1. Your license

Visitors can drive in Florida with a valid license from their home state or country, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Bring the physical license. Photos and photocopies are not accepted.

International visitors should carry their passport as well.
If your license is not in English, some companies ask for an International Driving Permit or an official translation to go with it. Check your company’s requirements before you travel.
The license must be valid for the whole rental.

2. Your age

Most companies in Miami rent to drivers 21 and older. Renters under 25 usually pay a daily young-driver surcharge and may be limited to certain car classes. The surcharge varies by company, so compare a few, including local independent agencies, several of which list rates for drivers 21 to 24.

3. The card you pay with

The renter’s name must match the driver’s license and the payment card.
A credit card is the easy option. The company places a hold for the estimated rental plus a deposit, and releases it after you return the car.
Debit cards are accepted by many companies but with conditions, such as a larger hold, proof of a return flight or a credit check. Ask in advance.
Cash and prepaid cards are rarely accepted at pickup.

Make sure your card has room for the hold on top of the rental itself.

4. Insurance

The counter will offer several products. The usual ones are:

Collision or loss damage waiver (CDW or LDW). Covers damage to or theft of the rental car.
Supplemental liability. Raises the coverage for damage or injury you cause to others.
Personal accident and personal effects. Medical costs for you and your passengers, and belongings in the car.

Before you travel, call your auto insurer and your credit card issuer and ask what they cover on a rental in Florida. Many personal policies and cards cover damage to the car. Liability is the one to check carefully, because Florida’s required minimums for vehicle owners are low: $10,000 in personal injury protection and $10,000 in property damage liability.

If you have no other coverage, which is common for international visitors, buy it. Decide before you reach the counter.

5. What is in the price

The daily rate is not the total. Expect these on the bill:

Florida’s rental car surcharge of $2 per day, on the first 30 days
7 percent sales tax in Miami-Dade County
At airport locations, a customer facility charge and a concession recovery fee
Small vehicle license and waste tire and battery fees
Optional extras you accept: additional driver, child seat, GPS, toll plan, fuel plan

Always compare the final total. Our 7 tips for saving money on a Miami car rental show where to cut.

6. Where you pick up

At Miami International Airport, the major brands are in the Rental Car Center, reached by a free train from the terminal. See our MIA Rental Car Center guide.

Other agencies are located near the airport and pick customers up. If you booked one of these, confirm the pickup point and the number to call when you land. Private flyers can read about car rental at Opa-locka Executive Airport.

7. Tolls

Miami’s expressways take no cash, so tolls are billed to the rental company and passed on to you with a service fee. The fee structure differs by company and can cost more than the tolls themselves.

Ask how the fee is charged, whether there is a cap, and whether you can use your own transponder. The full comparison is in our guide to rental car tolls in Miami.

8. Before you drive away

Five minutes in the garage can save a dispute later.

Walk around the car and photograph every panel, the wheels, the windshield and the roof.
Photograph the fuel gauge and the odometer.
Make sure existing damage is noted on the agreement.
Check that the air conditioning works. You will need it.
Read the agreement for the return time, the fuel policy and any mileage limit.

Specialty and luxury cars often come with a daily mileage allowance. If you are renting one, for example from Luxury Cars Rentals Miami, ask about the allowance and the charge per extra mile, and read A Luxury Seeker’s Guide to Car Rental.

9. Returning the car

Refuel a few miles before the return location. The stations closest to the airport tend to cost the most.
Return on time. Rentals are billed in 24-hour periods, and a late return can add an extra day.
Wait for the check-in and get a receipt, on paper or by email, before you leave.
Keep your agreement and receipt for a couple of months, in case toll charges or other items post later.

Driving and parking

If this is your first time on Miami roads, read Driving in Miami: 7 Fast Facts You Need to Know. If you are staying on the beach, the Miami Beach parking guide explains garages, rates and towing.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to rent a car in Miami?

A valid driver’s license, a payment card in the same name and, for international visitors, a passport. Most companies require drivers to be at least 21.

Can I rent a car in Miami with a debit card?

Often, but with conditions such as a larger hold or extra documents. Policies differ by company and by location, so ask before you book.

Can I rent a car in Miami at 21?

Yes, with most companies. Expect a daily surcharge until you are 25.

Do I need an International Driving Permit in Florida?

Florida lets visitors drive on a valid license from their home country. Some rental companies ask for a permit or translation when the license is not in English, so check with yours.

Is rental car insurance required in Florida?

You are not required to buy the rental company’s coverage, but you are responsible for damage to the car and for harm you cause. Make sure your own policy, your card or a purchased waiver covers both.

The bottom line

Bring your license and a matching credit card, know your insurance before you land, compare total prices, and settle the toll question at the counter. Photograph the car at both ends of the rental and keep the paperwork.

Laws and fees were checked against Florida statutes and FLHSMV in October 2026. Rental policies differ by company, so confirm with yours before you book.