Where to find rental desks at FLL

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) has rental car desks in the ground level of the terminal building, accessible after you collect your baggage. The major companies operating there are Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, and National. Alamo also operates at FLL through a partnership arrangement. You can walk directly to the counter, or call ahead to reserve a vehicle before you land.

If you prefer to avoid the terminal, some companies offer off-airport locations within a few miles of FLL. These are typically cheaper than on-airport desks because they don't pay the airport concession fee, but you'll need ground transportation to reach them — either a rideshare, taxi, or shuttle provided by the rental company itself. The trade-off is usually 15 to 30 minutes of extra time versus $5 to $15 per day in savings.

Key Takeaways

  • On-airport rental desks are in the terminal ground level and open during all flight hours, but charge airport fees that off-airport locations do not.
  • You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (your own policy or the rental company's coverage) to complete the rental.
  • Reservation prices can change up to the day of pickup, so comparing rates across companies the day before you travel often saves money.
  • Damage waivers and liability coverage add $15 to $30 per day; your personal auto insurance or credit card may cover rental vehicles, so check before buying the rental company's coverage.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your valid driver's license — a state ID, passport, or international driving permit if you're from outside the United States. The rental agent will scan it and verify your name matches the credit card you're using to pay. If your license is expired, most companies will not rent to you, even if you have a renewal receipt.

You must present a credit card in your own name. Debit cards are rarely accepted, and prepaid cards are not accepted at all. The rental company will place a hold on the card for the rental cost plus a damage deposit, typically $200 to $500 depending on the vehicle class. This hold is released when you return the car undamaged, but it can take three to five business days to clear.

Proof of insurance is required. This can be your own auto insurance policy (check that it covers rental vehicles — most do, but some exclude them), your credit card's rental car coverage if it includes liability protection, or the damage waiver and liability package the rental company offers. If you have no coverage, you must purchase theirs or you cannot rent the vehicle.

Comparing rates and choosing a company

Prices vary significantly by company and by the day you book. A compact car might cost $35 per day with one company and $55 with another for the same dates. Check the major sites — Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, and National all have their own booking pages, and aggregators like Kayak, Autoslash, and Priceline pull rates from multiple companies at once. Book directly with the company if their rate is lowest; booking through a third party sometimes adds fees or complicates cancellations.

The quoted rate usually includes basic liability coverage required by Florida law, but does not include the damage waiver (called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW), which protects you from paying for collision or theft damage. It also does not include additional liability coverage beyond the state minimum. Read what's included in the base rate before comparing prices — a $40-per-day quote with LDW included is not the same as a $35-per-day quote without it.

Reserve at least a few days before you travel if you know your dates. Prices often drop as the rental date approaches, but they can also spike if demand is high. Check the rate the day before pickup; if it's lower, most companies allow you to rebook at the new price without penalty.

Understanding damage waivers and insurance coverage

The rental company's damage waiver (Loss Damage Waiver or Collision Damage Waiver) costs $15 to $30 per day and covers damage to the rental vehicle from collision, theft, or vandalism. Without it, you are responsible for the full repair cost if the car is damaged, which can easily exceed $5,000 for a major accident. However, you may not need to buy it if your own auto insurance or credit card covers rental vehicles.

Check your auto insurance policy or call your insurer before you rent. Most personal policies cover rental cars within the United States, but some exclude them or limit coverage to a certain amount. If your policy covers rentals, you typically pay your deductible (usually $500 to $1,000) if there's damage, and your insurer covers the rest. Credit cards often include rental car coverage, but it usually covers only collision damage, not liability, and it applies only if you charge the entire rental to that card.

If you have no coverage through insurance or credit card, or if your coverage is limited, buy the rental company's damage waiver. The daily cost adds up — $20 per day for a week-long rental is $140 — but it protects you from a much larger bill. Some credit cards marketed to frequent travelers include primary rental car coverage, meaning they pay first without requiring you to file a claim with your personal insurer.

Returning the car and avoiding extra charges

Return the car to the FLL airport location by the time stated in your reservation. Late returns are charged at the daily rate, sometimes at a higher rate than your original booking. If you're running late, call the rental company as soon as you know — they may extend your reservation without penalty if they have availability.

Return the car with a full fuel tank. If you return it empty or partially empty, the rental company will refill it and charge you for the fuel at a markup, typically $6 to $8 per gallon. Some companies offer a pre-purchase fuel option where you pay for a full tank upfront at a lower per-gallon rate; this is worth it only if you know you'll return the car nearly empty.

Inspect the car for damage before you leave the lot. Take photos of any dents, scratches, or stains and point them out to the agent. If damage is already noted on the rental agreement, you won't be charged for it. If you discover damage after you've left, contact the company when ready with photos; waiting until after you've returned the car makes it harder to dispute a damage claim.

Off-airport rental locations near FLL

Several rental companies operate locations in Fort Lauderdale and nearby areas outside the airport, typically saving $5 to $15 per day compared to on-airport rates. These include Enterprise, Hertz, and Budget locations on Federal Highway and in downtown Fort Lauderdale, usually 3 to 5 miles from the terminal. You'll need to arrange your own transportation to reach them — a taxi, rideshare, or the company's shuttle if they offer one.

The savings are real, but the time cost matters. If you're renting for three days, you might save $30 to $45 total, but you'll spend 30 to 60 minutes getting to and from the off-airport location. For a one-day rental, the savings are usually too small to justify the extra travel time. For a week-long rental, the savings can exceed $100, making the trip worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I'm under 25?

Yes, but most companies charge an underage driver fee of $15 to $25 per day for drivers under 25. Some companies have a minimum age of 21; a few require you to be 25 with no fee. Check the company's age policy when you book, as the fee is not always shown in the initial quote.

What if I need to extend my rental after I've already picked up the car?

Call the rental company as soon as you know you need more time. If they have availability at your return location, they can extend your reservation and charge you the rate for the additional days. Rates may be higher or lower than your original booking, depending on demand that day.

Do I need an international driving permit if I'm visiting from another country?

A valid driver's license from your home country is usually accepted if it's in English or has an English translation. An International Driving Permit is not required by Florida law, but some rental companies prefer it as additional proof of your driving record. Check with the specific company before you book.

Can I rent a car if I don't have a credit card?

Most companies require a credit card in your name to place a hold for the damage deposit. Debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted. If you don't have a credit card, you may not be able to rent from the major companies at FLL.

What happens if the car breaks down while I'm driving?

Call the rental company's roadside information number, which is on your rental agreement and key tag. They will arrange a tow to a repair facility or provide a replacement vehicle. You are not responsible for the repair cost if the breakdown is due to a mechanical defect, not driver error or lack of maintenance on your part.