Florida's minimum age to rent a car is 18, but most rental companies charge extra if you're under 25
You can legally rent a car in Florida at 18 years old. However, the rental company itself sets the actual rules—and nearly every major company (Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, National) charges a daily surcharge called a young driver fee if you're under 25. This fee typically ranges from $15 to $30 per day, though the exact amount depends on the company and location. Some smaller or regional rental agencies may have different age policies, so it's worth calling ahead.
The reason for the surcharge is insurance risk. Drivers under 25 have higher accident rates statistically, and rental companies pass that risk back to you through the fee. It's not a penalty—it's how they price the rental. If you're 25 or older, you usually avoid this fee entirely.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 18 years old to rent a car in Florida, but you'll pay extra if you're under 25.
- Young driver fees range from $15 to $30 per day and are added to your total rental cost by most major companies.
- You'll need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card in your own name to complete the rental.
- Some rental locations have stricter age policies than others, so confirm the exact terms when you book.
- Damage waivers and additional insurance options are available but add to your cost, especially for younger renters.
What documents you need to bring
Bring your valid driver's license—Florida's or from another state or country. The rental agent will check that it's not expired and that you have no active suspensions. If you're renting with an international license, bring your passport as well.
You'll also need proof of insurance. This can be your own auto insurance card, or you can purchase the rental company's coverage at the counter. Many younger renters don't have their own policy, so rental insurance becomes necessary. The company will ask which option you're choosing before they hand you the keys.
Finally, bring a credit card in your own name. The rental company will place a hold on it—usually $200 to $500—as a security deposit. This isn't a charge; it's released when you return the car undamaged. Debit cards are rarely accepted, and the card must match the name on your driver's license.
How young driver fees work and what they cover
The young driver fee is a daily charge added to your rental rate. If you rent for three days and the fee is $20 per day, you'll pay an extra $60 on top of the base rental cost. This fee does not include insurance, damage coverage, or any protection—it's purely a surcharge for your age group.
The fee covers nothing specific. It's the rental company's way of adjusting the price to account for higher insurance costs they face when renting to younger drivers. You still have to decide separately whether to buy their damage waiver or decline coverage. The young driver fee applies whether you take their insurance or bring your own.
Some companies offer discounts if you're a member of AAA, a military veteran, or a frequent renter with their loyalty program. These discounts may reduce the base rental rate but typically do not waive the young driver fee. Check at booking time whether any discount applies to you.
Insurance and damage coverage for renters under 25
If you have your own auto insurance, check your policy before you rent. Some personal policies cover rental cars; others don't. Call your insurance company and ask specifically whether rental vehicles are covered under your policy and what the deductible is. If you're covered, you can decline the rental company's insurance and save money.
If you don't have personal insurance or your policy doesn't cover rentals, you'll need to buy coverage from the rental company. The most common option is a damage waiver (sometimes called a Loss Damage Waiver or LDW), which costs $15 to $25 per day and protects you from paying for damage to the car. Without it, you're responsible for the full repair cost if the car is damaged, even in a minor accident.
Credit card companies sometimes offer rental car coverage as a cardholder benefit. Check your card's terms before you rent. If your card covers rentals, you may not need to buy the rental company's waiver. However, credit card coverage often has limits and exclusions, so read the fine print carefully.
Age policies that vary by rental location
While 18 is the legal minimum across Florida, individual rental locations can set their own policies. Some airport locations are stricter than off-airport branches. For example, a rental desk at Miami International Airport might require drivers to be 21, while a location five miles away might rent to 18-year-olds. The company's website usually shows the policy for each location when you search.
Luxury or specialty vehicles often have higher age requirements. If you want to rent a sports car or a high-end SUV, the company may require you to be 25 or older, regardless of the standard policy. Budget and economy cars are typically available to 18-year-olds, but confirm when you book.
If you're renting near a college campus or in a tourist area, some locations may have more flexible policies to attract younger renters, while others are stricter. Always check the specific location's terms before you commit to a booking.
What happens if you're under 18
You cannot rent a car in Florida if you're under 18. No rental company will hand you the keys, and no workaround exists. If you're 17 or younger and need a vehicle, you'll need an adult 25 or older to rent it in their name and be the primary driver on the contract.
Some rental companies allow an additional driver under 25 to be listed on the contract if the primary renter is 25 or older. However, the under-25 driver will still incur the young driver fee, and the primary renter remains legally responsible for the vehicle. This arrangement is common for families or groups traveling together.
How to book and what to expect at pickup
Book online or by phone through the rental company's website. During booking, you'll enter your age and driver's license number. The system will show you the young driver fee (if applicable) and the total cost before you confirm. Some companies let you add insurance at booking; others require you to decide at the counter.
At pickup, arrive with all your documents: driver's license, proof of insurance or credit card for coverage, and your credit card for the security hold. The agent will inspect the car with you, noting any existing damage on the contract. This step is critical—photograph or video the car's condition yourself as backup. The agent will explain the fuel policy (usually "full to full," meaning you return it as full as you picked it up) and walk you through the contract.
The entire process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. If you're renting at an airport, allow extra time for lines. Read the contract carefully before signing, especially the damage and insurance sections. Ask questions about anything you don't understand—rental agents expect this and won't rush you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car at 18 without a credit card?
No. Rental companies require a credit card in your name for the security deposit hold. Debit cards are not accepted. If you don't have a credit card, you cannot rent a car in Florida, even if someone else pays for it.
Does my parents' insurance cover me if I rent a car?
Not automatically. Your parents' policy covers their vehicles, not rentals in your name. You need your own insurance policy, or you must buy coverage from the rental company. Call your parents' insurance agent to ask if they can add you to their policy temporarily, though this is uncommon for rental situations.
Will the young driver fee go away when I turn 25?
Yes. On your 25th birthday, you no longer may have access to for the surcharge at any rental company. If you're renting on or after your 25th birthday, bring your ID to prove your age and the fee will not explore. Some companies may require you to update your reservation if you book before your birthday.
What if I damage the car and I'm under 25?
If you declined the damage waiver and the car is damaged, you're responsible for the full repair cost regardless of your age. The young driver fee does not protect you from damage liability. This is why buying the damage waiver is especially important for younger renters—the daily cost is small compared to a repair bill that could be thousands of dollars.
Can I rent a car if I have a suspended license?
No. The rental agent will run your license through the system and see any suspension. You must have a valid, active driver's license to rent. If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive anyway, so no rental company will rent to you.