Last Updated on October 8, 2026 by Mike
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.
Car rental is always a headache. At least for me. There are so many car rental agencies and all of them offer so much of great deals! I always get confused and puzzled! The rental agency search can start from surfing the internet and gathering information. Once done making a short list eases the process. The next step is to ask for a quotation online. The final step is then to choose the best deal among the quotes received. You should remember to read in between the lines, as many agencies have hidden costs which are unidentifiable. Always try to rent out a car that you need. Make the payment with your credit card to get some discounts. Credit cards can also earn you to have a rental car insurance policy that would save some extra dollars.
Good information here, never thought of renting a sports car for a vacation, but that’s a great idea. Good tips in the comments too, about checking for damage before driving off the rental car lot. It’s to indulge once in a while, the sports car thing I need to try out.
I think renting a car is often a stressful experience because of the long lines encountered at the check in desk, especially at airports. The process never seems to go quick and I’ve often been stuck waiting for one or two hours. The absolute best way to deal with this serious bummer is to sign up for the agency’s “rapid rental” program. For example, at Budget it is called “Fastbreak”. Basically you provide them with all your contact information and payment information in advance. When you arrive, since the agency has everything they need, you can obtain a car in as little as five minutes! These programs are generally free and will greatly help keep your vacation (or business trip) as stress free as possible.
I have one tip to offer: Before taking the rented car out of the garage of the rental company, check it well. Check for dents, check its engine, check whether there are any colour distortion. If you find something, point it out to the company representatives. Otherwise there is a chance that the rental company will charge you for the damage after you give it back. You would not want it, would you?
That’s a very good tip Doris. On a recent trip to Las Vegas, I noticed that Alamo stopped offering the small diagrams of the car that let you mark pre-existing damage (or at least that is what I was told). I have an additional tip to help cover your assets. If you do find any body damage on the car prior to rental, take some photos of it with your digital camera before you leave the rental lot. They may prove to be valuable evidence that the damage existed if there is a dispute later. Even a cell phone camera will do in a pinch, but the superior resolution of a “real” camera is preferable.
I agree that renting a car should be a fun experience rather than a stressful event. People think they rent a car when they have to. That is not right. Renting a car can be a lovely event provided you are getting the right car. If you desire a sports car, rent one. Do not look for a cheap deal. Looking for a cheap deal will cost you money but will not give you any satisfaction at the end. I realism that renting a car can be expensive at times, but hay who says you have to do it everyday? All I am saying here is, when you rent a car, feel the joy. May it be once a month, but enjoy the experience.