Category Archives: Miami

Business, Events, Miami

Book a Banquet Hall in Miami for Your Next Celebration

Miami is famed for many things, the beaches, the people, the culture and the nightlife. The city is so lively and exhilarating that just being inside can make you feel alive and ready to party all night long. Is it any wonder therefore, why booking a banquet hall here will give you the best parties ever?

The Works

Banquet halls are supposed to be the ultimate examples of luxury and grandeur when it comes to presentation, ambiance, services, food and the over-all feel that the place inspires in the guests. Plenty of banquet halls in Miami provide all of these and more, making sure that every guest who enters the establishment are never left wanting for anything.

From the drapes on the walls, to the utensils on the tables, the best banquet halls in Miami will make sure that everything will fit perfectly with your desired outcome. Every kind of event will also be accommodated and you will not be limited to any particular theme that you would want. Of course if you prefer, there can even be that special Miami spin while keeping true to your original plans.

The Atmosphere

While Miami is pretty much blanketed by the sun during the day, the night also retains that heat and passion that permeates throughout the city with the bustling population. Everywhere you look there is life, there is energy and there is zeal which tends to make any party that much more exciting.

This leaves no worries if you are picking a very dull location since even the banquet halls in the quietest spots in the city are surrounded by music and laughter. Of course, this does not mean that Miami banquet halls cannot accommodate those who a desire a more sober atmosphere for their parties. But no matter how rustic, how restrained or how temperate the feel might be the guests will still feel that tingle of energy that will make them feel good.

The Music

Miami is a city that breathes music and culture from the extremely diverse set of people and the history that is attached to it. This translates quite well to any performance that you might want which can give it a distinctive Miami taste. Even if you feel no love towards up-beat drums and fiery guitar strumming, a nice complement between Miami music and your kind of music is quite achievable.

These are just a few of the reasons why booking a banquet hall in Miami can turn your next event, into an experience.

Grand Salon Reception Hall is one of the top banquet halls in Miami, and they would like to share their experiences with hosting parties, corporate events, and wedding receptions in the Magic City.

Entertainment, Miami, Restaurants, Shopping

Have a Mojito in Miami

Miami is really the American version of Rio de Janeiro, equally beachy, even more posh and with similar sunny weather to boot! Florida is a quite spectacular and tropical part of the world, with orange sunsets, picturesque Everglades (do go on an airboat ride the first chance you get and look out for gators) and a very interesting cultural mix, with a large Cuban expat community spicing things up in many ways, especially when it comes to the local cuisine. Your first night out in Miami should involve a mojito and amazing live music and dancing in Little Havana. During the day, you’ll love the neighbourhood’s art galleries and funky souvenir shops.

cc flickr licenced photo by fabiomiami

The other number one Miami thing to do, of course, is to get yourself a pair of rollerblades, and skate away along the beach boulevard: a toned and oiled body in a most minimal state of dress is obligatory. If you are not the type, people watching while indulging in chocolate sorbet is fun too (I know I belong in the latter group myself!).

What I found lovely around Miami as well, is so many people increasingly interested in a healthy lifestyle: there are plenty of eateries serving fresh, organic food, smoothies galore, and even raw food cafés springing up everywhere.

For architecture buffs Miami has some real gems to look at. Make time to stroll around Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District, which has almost a thousand listed and well-preserved hotels and residential buildings  to ogle! For those with a celebrity bent, you’ll also find Gianni Versace’s mansion here, now revamped as a posh boutique hotel. If you’re on the artsy side, drop by the  Wolfsonian-FIU located in the district, which houses a library and an impressive museum dedicated to art and design, with collections of fabulous items spanning between 1885 to 1945.

Another great place to visit is the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, leisurely sprawled on Biscayne Bay in Miami’s Coconut Grove district, one of the city’s oldest and full of fantastic looking homes of the rich and famous. It is lovely to finish off your day here on a sunset dinner cruise around the bay.

While Miami itself has plenty to offer, if your itinerary allows for it time-wise, do explore more of Florida if you can. Key West is a famous daytrip destination, where you can indulge in Caribbean pursuits of coral reef exploration, snorkelling, and parasailing. Another nearby attraction is the Kennedy Space Center, where you can have a look at shuttle launch pads and explore all things space-related.

Author Bio: Patricia Bieszk+ is a freelance writer and globe-trotting adventurer.So consider booking some cheap flights to the USA and visit Miami for your next holiday.

Business, Events, Miami

Miami Multicultural

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Make A Date With Multicultural Miami – Learn About The Cuban & Jewish Culture, Festivals, Architecture and Much More!

Miami is an iconic American city – a rich melting-pot of cultures and lifestyles. Here are the places to visit if you want to see some of the diverse cultures that make Miami the vibrant city that it is.

Cuban culture

When Fidel Castro came to power in Cuba, political refugees flooded into Miami seeking a new life. The cupola tower, originally built in 1925 in the style of the Giralda Tower in Seville, the building took on the office of a makeshift lighthouse over Miami Bay whilst housing the Miami News.

The newspaper went out of business in the mid-fifties and the tower lay vacant for a number of years. When Cuban refugees began arriving in Miami, the tower was reopened and served as a hub for processing refugees, offering advice and relief aid to those arriving in the US with nothing. It was then that the cupola tower was re-named Freedom Tower, and with good cause.

The prominent Cuban-American activist Jorge Mas Canosa raised the money to buy the tower in the 1990s after it had fallen into ruin for nearly 30 years. Today, the Freedom Tower is a museum and monument to the trials and tribulations of Cuban-Americans in America, their arrival in Florida and life pre- and post-Castro.

Having gotten a taste of Cuban-American at the Freedom Tower, bring yourself right up to date with a visit to Viernes Culturales. The last Friday of every month is Cultural Friday in Little Havana, and a large festival of art and culture takes over the streets in the heart of Calle Ocho. Music, art and Cuban cuisine spill onto the streets, while free walking tours departing at 7pm from the Tower Theatre my a famed local historian give you a full flavour of Cuba in Miami.

Jewish life in Florida – 250 years of immigration:

Second only to the Hispanic population of Miami is the Jewish community. The first synagogue on Miami Beach was built in 1929 on Washington Avenue, the location chosen for the fact that Jews were not at the time permitted to live north of Fifth Street.

The synagogue is now home to the Jewish Museum of Florida, which has a permanent collection that tells the story of universal immigration. The museum is also home to a number of visiting exhibits, including fine art by Jewish artists and collections of artifacts charting the history of particular parts of the Jewish immigrant community in Florida.

International festivals in Coconut Grove

The neighborhood of Coconut Grove is the oldest in Miami, with a hugely multicultural population. Hispanic, African-American and many other immigrant nations have made The Grove their home.

The Goombay Festival is staged in the month of June each year. This Caribbean Carnival is staged on Grand Avenue and celebrates the culture of immigrants from the Bahamas now naturalized in the USA. With Bahamian music, food and dancing on the streets, the tropical tree-lined avenues become a mini-Caribbean beyond the seas.

Outside of the festival, The Grove remains one of the most multicultural parts of the city. Enjoy the mixture of races and nationalities that converged in the neighborhood through your stomach – the area has Italian, Peruvian, Indian, Mexican, Japanese, Mediterranean, French, Italian, Argentine, Pan and good old fashioned American fare, all within a few blocks.

Distinctively Miami – MiMo architecture:

Popular since the 16th century, Biscayne Bay was the location where the Spanish galleons stopped to replenish their water tanks before crossing the Atlantic. More recently, the area around Biscayne Boulevard from 50th Terrace to 77th Street as become popular for Miami Modern Architecture – known as MiMo – a style of post-war buildings that grew up around the area.

Long-neglected and plagued by drugs and prostitution, the Boulevard was given a new lease of life in the mid 2000s  with the opening of a number of popular restaurants and bars.

Much of the original architecture has been preserved and restored. The New Yorker Boutique Hotel, for instance, has been built in the shell of a motel designed by the famed post-war architect Norman Giller.

Wherever you choose to spend your time in Miami, there’s no escaping its thriving multicultural heritage that makes the city beautiful. If you need good the best accommodation and car hire Miami has to offer there are plenty of deals online.

Miami, Travel and Leisure

South Beach Miami

Miami is known for its beautiful beaches and exciting nightlife, and nowhere is that more apparent than South Beach. South Beach Miami is filled with beautiful people, gorgeous beaches, and nightlife that is second to none. With a variety of the world’s most luxurious hotels to choose from, South Beach Fl has a lot of great options for accommodation. Additionally, South Beach has plenty of activities to offer visitors. There’s shopping at luxury boutiques and designer stores, dining at upscale restaurants, relaxing on the beach or at the spa, partying the night away at a chic nightclub, or taking part in some intense water sports. The area is also great for a relaxing stroll, as South Beach Miami is famous for its Art Deco architecture. No matter what visitors want to do, South Beach has it.

Beaches

No trip to South Beach Miami would be complete without a visit to the gorgeous beaches. The main beach is obviously South Beach, stretching from South Pointe Park to Collins Park. This area is walkable to a variety of shops, restaurants, and nightlife, and is great for everyone from college students to adults with children. The beach itself is very wide, and there’s a 1.6 mile path that runs along the beach that’s great for rollerblading, biking, walking, or jogging.

Water Sports

Not only is it a great place to be a beach bum, South Beach is also a great place to take part in a variety of water sports. There are a number of areas in South Beach where visitors can go snorkeling, parasailing, water skiing, surfing, kayaking, and much more. If it can be done in or around the water, chances are good that it can be done in South Beach Miami.

Miami’s  South Beach Travel Guide & Tips

Learn about the hot spots to visit in South Beach Florida. Americas #1 vacation and party destination.
This short travel guide features the key locations to visit. From Lincoln road to Ocean drive it’s all outlined here. Find out where to go and what to see on your next visit to Miami.

Dining

Miami is a very multi-cultural city, and nowhere is it more evident than in the food. Many of the restaurants in the area take their cues from the locals and their Latin American roots. South Beach also has a variety of restaurants that offer excellent fusion food, such as French-Latin American, or Japanese-Latin American. The food isn’t just Latin American or fusion, though. Miami has a fantastic international food scene, and it’s easy to find nearly any ethnic cuisine in South Beach Fl. Since Miami is right on the ocean, it’s also a great place to get excellent, fresh seafood.

Car Rental, Miami Beach, Travel and Leisure

Miami Beach Choices for Car Rentals

Miami Beach Choices for Car Rentals

Because it is such a wonderful vacation destination there are many choices for car rentals in Miami Beach.  The major chains such as Enterprise, Thrifty, Alamo, Avis, Hertz, and Budget are all available.  Smaller companies such as Miami Beach Rent A Car and Miami Rent A Car also provide quality vehicles and great service for all your car rental needs.  These companies offer discounted rates, some starting as low as ten dollars a day.  Since the area is so popular to tourists and businessmen, be sure to get a reservation in advance by either contacting the company directly or by going through a third party company such as Orbitz, Kayak, or Expedia.

And why not treat yourself?  A rental car does not have to mean an economy car, especially in Miami Beach.  Why not check out a Luxury car and drive the car of your dreams!  Even if it is only for a few days, it will be worth the extra few dollars to rent a nice Lamborghini, Porsche or Aston Martin.  Miami Beach is a perfect place for luxury car rentals.  Enjoy the feel of a new Ferrari or Jaguar as you drive along the beach.

Many companies offer car rentals right at the airport so there is no need for a taxi or bus service.  Most companies offer a pick-up service that will bring your rental car to you. Even while enjoying this convenience, be sure to take the opportunity to try out a vehicle that you might actually purchase one day. A few days or even a week of a car rental will teach you more about the car than a short test drive from the dealership, and you’ll find everything imaginable if you’re looking for car rentals in Miami Beach.   Enjoy your trip to Miami Beach and enjoy putting miles on someone else’s car!

choices for car rentals

Car Rental, Florida Travel, Miami

7 Tips for Saving Money on a Car Rental in Miami

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The daily rate is only part of what a Miami car rental costs. Taxes, airport fees, insurance, tolls, fuel and parking can add as much again, and most of that is avoidable if you decide before you reach the counter.

These seven tips cover where the money actually goes. Fees and laws were checked in October 2026.

1. Compare the total, not the daily rate

A $35 a day car and a $45 a day car can end up costing the same. Before you book, open the price breakdown and look for:

  • Florida rental car surcharge. $2 per day, charged on the first 30 days of every rental in the state.
  • Sales tax. 7 percent in Miami-Dade County.
  • Airport charges. Rentals at the airport usually carry a customer facility charge, which pays for the rental car building, and a concession recovery fee.
  • Vehicle license and waste tire and battery fees. Small daily amounts that most companies pass along.

Search results often show the base rate first. The figure that matters is the one on the final screen, just before you pay.

2. Price a pickup away from the airport

The airport’s Rental Car Center is the most convenient place to rent and often not the cheapest, because of the airport charges above. Check two alternatives:

  • Neighborhood branches of the national brands, in places such as downtown, Miami Beach or Coral Gables.
  • Local independent agencies near the airport, such as Miami Rent A Car, many of which pick customers up for free. Our guide to independent car rental agencies in Miami lists several.

Do the whole sum. A cheaper rental that needs a $30 ride each way is not cheaper. If you do rent at the airport, the MIA Rental Car Center guide explains pickup and return.

3. Do not pay for insurance twice

Coverage sold at the counter can add a large share to the bill. You may already have some of it:

  • Your own auto policy often extends to a rental car in the United States.
  • Many credit cards include collision damage coverage when you pay for the rental with that card and decline the company’s waiver.
  • Travel insurance sometimes includes rental car damage.

Call your insurer and your card issuer before the trip and ask exactly what is covered, what is excluded and whether the coverage is primary or secondary. If you have none of the above, such as many international visitors, buying coverage is the sensible choice. Decide at home, not at the counter.

4. Handle tolls on purpose

Miami’s expressways are cashless, and every rental company bills tolls in its own way. Some charge a fee only on the days you use a toll. Others sell an unlimited plan that is charged for every day of the rental, used or not.

For a short trip with mostly local driving, the unlimited plan rarely pays off. Our guide to rental car tolls in Miami compares the major companies and shows how to use your own SunPass or E-ZPass.

5. Bring the car back full

Refueling charges are among the easiest fees to avoid.

  • Skip the prepaid fuel option unless you are sure you will return the tank nearly empty.
  • Fill up a few miles from the airport. Stations closest to it tend to charge the most.
  • Keep the receipt and photograph the fuel gauge when you park.

6. Book early, then check again

Rental prices move with demand. Winter, spring break, holiday weekends and big events push them up.

  • Reserve as soon as your dates are set, and choose a rate you can cancel for free.
  • Look again a week or two before the trip and rebook if the price has dropped.
  • Check the weekly rate. Five or six days can cost more than seven.
  • Rent the size you need. A compact is cheaper to rent, fuel and park.
  • Watch the extras: additional driver fees, one-way fees, and the daily surcharge for drivers under 25.

7. Rent only for the days you need a car

In Miami Beach, parking alone can cost more than the car. If part of your stay is in South Beach, downtown or Brickell, you may not need a car on those days.

A common plan is to go car-free for the city days and rent for one or two days to see the Everglades or the Keys.

Frequently asked questions

Is it cheaper to rent a car at Miami airport or off airport?

Off-airport locations often have lower totals because they do not carry the same airport charges. Compare the full price for your dates and include the cost of getting there.

What taxes and fees apply to a Miami car rental?

Every rental carries Florida’s $2 per day rental surcharge and 7 percent sales tax in Miami-Dade County. Airport rentals add a customer facility charge and a concession recovery fee, and most companies add small vehicle license and tire and battery fees.

Do I need the rental company’s insurance in Florida?

Not if your own auto policy or credit card already covers the rental. Confirm before you travel. If you have no other coverage, buy it.

How can I avoid the under-25 fee?

You usually cannot, but the amount differs by company. Compare a few, including local agencies. See what to know about renting a car in Miami.

The bottom line

Compare totals, price a pickup away from the airport, know your insurance before you travel, and make a plan for tolls, fuel and parking. Those four decisions account for most of the difference between a cheap Miami rental and an expensive one.

Fees and tax rates were checked against Florida statutes and county sources in October 2026. Rental companies set their own charges, so read your rental agreement.

Florida Travel, Miami, Transportation

Miami Transportation Services: Every Way to Get Around

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Miami has more ways to get around than most visitors expect: two rail systems run by the county, free trolleys, two regional trains, taxis, ride apps, rental cars and shared bikes. The trick is knowing which one fits the trip in front of you.

This overview covers each service, what it costs and when to use it, with links to our detailed guides. Fares and rates were checked against official sources in October 2026.

Miami transportation at a glance

ServiceBest forCost
MetrorailAirport, downtown, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables$2.25 per trip
MetromoverGetting around downtown and BrickellFree
MetrobusMiami Beach and everywhere rail does not go$2.25 per trip
City trolleysShort hops within Miami and Miami BeachFree
Tri-RailFort Lauderdale and West Palm BeachBy distance on weekdays, $5 flat on weekends
BrightlineFast trips to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and OrlandoVaries by train
TaxiAirport and port trips, late nightsMetered
Ride appsDoor-to-door trips anywhereVaries with demand
Rental carEverglades, Keys, suburbs, day tripsDaily rate plus fees

Public transit

Miami-Dade Transit runs the core of the system.

  • Metrorail is the elevated train, with a line from the airport and a line from the northwest suburbs that meet and run through downtown to Dadeland South. It operates from 5 a.m. to midnight.
  • Metromover is a free automated train that loops through downtown and Brickell.
  • Metrobus covers the rest of the county. Route 150, the Miami Beach Airport Express, links the airport with Miami Beach.

You can pay by tapping a contactless bank card or phone at the gate or farebox. Fares are capped at $5.65 a day when you use the same card or device.

The City of Miami and the City of Miami Beach also run free trolleys on neighborhood routes. They are separate systems with their own maps and hours.

Read more: Public transportation in Miami: fares, routes and free rides and Free trolleys in Miami and Miami Beach.

Regional trains

  • Tri-Rail is the commuter train through Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. It stops at the Miami airport station and at Fort Lauderdale’s airport station.
  • Brightline is the faster intercity train from MiamiCentral station downtown to Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Orlando.
  • Amtrak runs long-distance trains north from its Miami station.

Taxis

Taxis are easiest to find at the airport, the cruise port, major hotels and taxi stands in busy areas. Elsewhere, call or book ahead.

Miami-Dade County sets the meter rates:

  • $2.95 for the first sixth of a mile
  • $0.85 for each additional sixth of a mile up to one mile
  • $0.55 for each sixth of a mile after that
  • $0.40 per minute of waiting time

Trips that start at Miami International Airport add a $2 airport fee and have a $15 minimum. SUVs and vans may charge 30 percent above the meter. At the airport, use the official taxi stands outside baggage claim on the arrivals level and ignore anyone offering a ride inside the terminal. The airport posts current rates on its taxi page.

Ride apps

Uber and Lyft operate throughout the county and are usually the simplest way to go door to door. At the airport, pickups are on both the arrivals and departures levels, and the app shows the door number.

Prices rise with demand. Expect higher fares on weekend nights in South Beach, on cruise mornings, after big events and during heavy rain. If the quote looks high, compare it with a metered taxi.

Rental cars

A car is the right tool for the Everglades, the Keys, the suburbs and any day with several stops. In South Beach and downtown it can be more trouble than it is worth, because parking is expensive and limited.

If you rent, these guides will save you money:

New to the roads here? Start with Driving in Miami: 7 Fast Facts You Need to Know.

Private cars and limousines

For weddings, corporate travel or a group heading to the port, a pre-booked car service gives you a fixed price and a driver who is waiting when you arrive. Book with a licensed company, get the total in writing including tolls and gratuity, and confirm the pickup spot.

Related reading: Miami airport luxury transportation and Special occasions call for special transportation.

Bikes

Citi Bike Miami has more than 160 stations across Miami and Miami Beach, available around the clock. It works well for short trips along the beach and through neighborhoods such as South Beach and Brickell. Ride in bike lanes where they exist and take extra care on the causeways.

Getting to and from the airport and the port

From Miami International Airport, the free MIA Mover connects the terminal to the Miami Intermodal Center, where you find Metrorail, Tri-Rail, buses and the Rental Car Center.

  • Downtown or Brickell: Metrorail Orange Line, $2.25.
  • Miami Beach: Route 150 Miami Beach Airport Express, $2.25, or a taxi or ride app.
  • PortMiami: A ride app or taxi is simplest. See how to get to PortMiami from the airports.

Accessibility

Miami-Dade’s trains, buses and trolleys are wheelchair accessible. The county also runs Special Transportation Service, a door-to-door paratransit service for eligible riders at $3.50 a trip, and wheelchair-accessible taxis are available on request at the airport.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest way to get around Miami?

The Metromover and the city trolleys are free. Metrorail and Metrobus cost $2.25 a ride and no more than $5.65 a day when you tap the same card.

Do I need a car in Miami?

Not for a stay centered on downtown, Brickell and Miami Beach. You will want one for the Everglades, the Keys and most suburbs.

Are taxis or ride apps cheaper in Miami?

It depends on demand. Ride apps are often cheaper at quiet times and more expensive when demand surges. Taxis charge the same metered rate at any hour.

Is there a train from Miami airport to downtown?

Yes. The Metrorail Orange Line runs from the airport station to Government Center and Brickell.

The bottom line

Use the free Metromover and trolleys for short trips, Metrorail and Route 150 for the airport, a ride app or taxi late at night, and a rental car for the days you leave the city.

Fares and rates were checked against Miami-Dade County and Miami International Airport sources in October 2026. They change, so confirm before you travel.

Florida Travel, Miami, Travel and Leisure

Miami Travel Information for Tourists: What to Know Before You Go

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Miami rewards a little planning. The city is spread out, the weather has two very different seasons, and where you stay decides how you get around. This page gathers the practical Miami travel information most first-time visitors look for, with links to our detailed guides.

Details were checked against official sources in October 2026.

Getting here

Airports

Private and charter flights often use Opa-locka Executive Airport, about 7 miles north of MIA.

Trains

Amtrak serves Miami from the north. Brightline runs fast trains between Orlando, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and MiamiCentral station downtown.

Cruises

PortMiami sits on an island beside downtown. If you are sailing, read how to get to PortMiami from MIA and FLL.

When to visit

SeasonMonthsWhat to expect
Dry seasonDecember to AprilWarm, sunny and less humid. The busiest and most expensive time.
Shoulder monthsMay and NovemberWarm, with fewer crowds and better prices.
Wet seasonJune to OctoberHot and humid, with short, heavy afternoon storms. Lower hotel rates.

Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Most trips in those months go ahead without trouble, but book flexible rates, consider travel insurance and watch forecasts from the National Hurricane Center in the week before you fly.

Where to stay

  • South Beach. Beach, Art Deco hotels, restaurants and nightlife, all walkable. Parking is scarce and expensive.
  • Mid-Beach and North Beach. Quieter stretches of Miami Beach with larger resorts and more space.
  • Downtown and Brickell. High-rise hotels, the bayfront, the arena and museums, with the free Metromover at the door. A short ride from the cruise port.
  • Wynwood and Midtown. Street art, galleries, breweries and restaurants.
  • Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. Leafy, relaxed neighborhoods south of downtown, both on the Metrorail line.

Miami Beach and Miami are separate cities, joined by causeways across Biscayne Bay. Getting between them takes 15 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.

Getting around

You can cover downtown, Brickell and South Beach without a car. For the Everglades, the Keys and the suburbs you will want one.

Money

  • Sales tax is 7 percent in Miami-Dade County, added at the register.
  • Hotels add taxes on top of the room rate, and many charge a daily resort fee. Check the total before you book.
  • Tipping is expected: around 18 to 20 percent in restaurants, 15 to 20 percent for taxis, and a few dollars for valets and housekeeping.
  • Check the bill before you tip. Many restaurants, especially in Miami Beach, add a service charge automatically.
  • Cards and contactless payment are accepted almost everywhere, including on Metrorail and buses.

Language

English and Spanish are both used everywhere, and you will hear Haitian Creole and Portuguese as well. Most hotels, restaurants and attractions have staff who speak both English and Spanish.

Beach basics

Miami Beach enforces its beach rules. The city prohibits:

  • Alcohol in public, including on the sand
  • Glass containers
  • Smoking on beaches and in parks
  • Coolers, tents, tables and inflatable devices
  • Styrofoam, plastic straws and balloons
  • Loud music

The full list is on the city’s visitor rules page. Swim near a lifeguard tower and check the warning flags. Rip currents are the main hazard, and the flags tell you when the water is rough.

Sun, heat and storms

  • The sun is strong all year. Use sunscreen and drink water, even on cloudy days.
  • In summer, plan outdoor time for the morning. Storms usually arrive in the afternoon and pass quickly.
  • Lightning is common in summer storms. Leave the beach or pool when you hear thunder.
  • Streets in low areas can flood during heavy rain and seasonal high tides. Do not drive through standing water.

Staying safe

Miami is a major city and ordinary city sense applies. Keep valuables out of sight in a parked car, watch your phone and bag on the beach and in nightlife areas, and use official taxi stands or a ride app at the airport. In an emergency, call 911.

Useful official links

For trip ideas, the Miami pages from Frommer’s, Lonely Planet and Tripadvisor are good starting points, and our own Miami: Explore the Magic City covers the main sights.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to visit Miami?

For weather, December through April. For lower prices with good weather, try May or November.

Do I need a car in Miami?

Not if you are staying in South Beach, downtown or Brickell. Rent one for day trips to the Everglades or the Keys.

Which airport is better for Miami, MIA or FLL?

MIA is much closer to Miami and Miami Beach. FLL can be cheaper to fly into, but it is about an hour away by car.

Can you drink alcohol on the beach in Miami Beach?

No. Drinking alcohol in public is illegal in Miami Beach, and that includes the beach.

The bottom line

Pick your neighborhood first, because it decides whether you need a car. Come between December and April for the best weather, or in the shoulder months for value, and read the bill before you tip.

Details were checked against Miami-Dade County, City of Miami Beach and airport sources in October 2026. Prices and rules change, so confirm before you travel.

Car Rental, Drivers, Miami

Renting a Car in Miami: 9 Things You Should Know

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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.

  1. Walk around the car and photograph every panel, the wheels, the windshield and the roof.
  2. Photograph the fuel gauge and the odometer.
  3. Make sure existing damage is noted on the agreement.
  4. Check that the air conditioning works. You will need it.
  5. 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.