What you need to rent a car in Orlando

To rent a car in Orlando, you need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance. Most rental companies require you to be at least 21 years old, though some charge an extra daily fee for drivers under 25. Your driver's license can be from any U.S. state or an international license if you're visiting from abroad — bring your passport as well if you're not a U.S. citizen.

The credit card must be in the renter's name and have enough available credit to cover the rental cost plus a hold (usually $200 to $500) that the company places while you have the car. Debit cards are rarely accepted, even if you have the cash available. Your proof of insurance can come from your personal auto policy, a credit card that covers rental cars, or the rental company itself — you'll choose one of these options when you pick up the vehicle.

Orlando has rental desks at Orlando International Airport (MCO), at downtown locations, and at off-airport sites. Airport locations are convenient but typically charge a 6% airport facility fee on top of the daily rate. Downtown and off-airport locations are usually cheaper but require you to arrange your own transportation to the lot.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance — either your own policy, credit card coverage, or the rental company's plan.
  • Drivers under 25 usually pay an extra daily fee, and some companies have a minimum age of 21 while others require 25.
  • Airport rental locations charge a 6% facility fee on top of the daily rate, so off-airport sites are cheaper if you can reach them.
  • The rental company will place a hold on your credit card for $200 to $500 in addition to the actual rental charge.
  • Damage waivers and additional insurance options are sold at pickup and are not included in the quoted rate.

Where to rent in Orlando and what each location costs

Orlando International Airport (MCO) has rental desks for all major companies — Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, National, and Alamo — in the ground transportation level. Picking up at the airport is the most convenient option if you're arriving by plane, but you'll pay the 6% airport facility fee plus the daily rate. A mid-size sedan might cost $35 to $50 per day before fees at an airport location, then jump to $40 to $60 after the facility charge is added.

Downtown Orlando locations, usually on or near Orange Avenue, have lower daily rates because they don't charge the airport fee. The same mid-size sedan might run $30 to $45 per day. You'll need to take a rideshare, taxi, or public transit (Lynx bus system) to reach the lot, which adds time and cost to your rental process.

Off-airport locations in neighborhoods like Kissimmee or near the theme parks often have the lowest daily rates but are farthest from the airport. Some travelers rent from these locations if they're staying nearby and don't need the car when ready upon arrival. Compare the daily rate savings against the cost of getting to the lot — sometimes the airport location ends up cheaper when you factor in transportation.

Insurance and damage coverage: what's included and what costs extra

The rental rate you see quoted does not include damage coverage. You have three options: decline coverage entirely, use your own auto insurance, or buy the rental company's damage waiver.

If you decline coverage and damage occurs, you pay for all repairs out of pocket — this can easily exceed $1,000 for significant damage. Most personal auto insurance policies cover rental cars, but you should call your insurer before you rent to confirm the coverage limits and whether there's a deductible you'd pay. Some credit cards (usually premium cards like American Express Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve) include rental car damage coverage if you charge the entire rental to that card — read your card's benefits guide or call the issuer to verify.

If you buy the rental company's damage waiver (called a Loss Damage Waiver or LDW), you typically pay $15 to $25 per day. This shifts responsibility for damage to the rental company, though you may still pay a small deductible ($500 to $1,000) for major damage. Read the contract carefully — some waivers exclude damage from off-road driving, towing, or mechanical failure.

Additional fees and charges beyond the daily rate

The daily rate is only the starting point. You'll also encounter a fuel charge, mileage limits, and optional add-ons.

Fuel: Most rentals use a "full-to-full" model — you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. If you return it empty or partially empty, the company charges you for fuel at a premium price (often $5 to $8 per gallon). Some companies offer a pre-purchase fuel option where you pay for a full tank upfront at a slightly better rate; this makes sense only if you'll use most of the tank.

Mileage: Some companies charge per mile over a daily limit (usually 100 to 150 miles per day). Others offer unlimited mileage. If you're driving to the theme parks and back to your hotel, you'll use 20 to 40 miles per day, so unlimited mileage may not matter. If you're driving to Daytona Beach or the Gulf Coast, you'll exceed daily limits quickly and unlimited mileage becomes important.

Optional add-ons: GPS rental ($5 to $15 per day), additional drivers ($10 to $15 per person per day), and child seats ($10 to $15 per day) are all charged separately. Most phones have free navigation apps, so GPS rental is rarely worth the cost. Additional drivers are necessary only if you're sharing driving duties.

How to compare rates and book your rental

Use a rental comparison site like Kayak, Autoslash, or Priceline to see rates from multiple companies at once. Enter your pickup location, date, and time, then return date and time. The sites show the daily rate, total cost, and what's included — this makes it straightforward to spot which company offers unlimited mileage or includes a damage waiver.

Book directly with the rental company's website if you find a better rate there than on comparison sites. Some companies offer loyalty discounts or corporate codes that don't always show up on third-party sites. Read the cancellation policy before you book — most allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup, but some charge a fee.

When you arrive to pick up the car, the agent will walk you through the contract and offer you additional insurance and add-ons. This is where many people buy coverage they don't need because the agent makes it sound essential. You've already decided what coverage you want — stick to that decision.

What to inspect before you drive away

Before you leave the lot, walk around the car with the agent and point out any existing damage — dents, scratches, stains, or mechanical issues. The agent will note these on the contract. Take photos or video of the car's condition with your phone and email them to yourself; this creates a timestamped record if there's a dispute when you return the car.

Check that the fuel gauge reads full, the spare tire is present, and the jack and lug wrench are in the trunk. Test the lights, wipers, and air conditioning. If anything is broken or missing, tell the agent when ready — you don't want to be charged for damage you didn't cause or equipment you never had.

Keep your rental agreement and the emergency contact number in your wallet or phone. If you have an accident or breakdown, call the number on your agreement, not a random tow truck. The rental company will direct you to an approved repair shop and handle the insurance claim.

Returning the car and avoiding extra charges

Return the car on time and with a full tank of fuel. If you're even 30 minutes late, some companies charge you for an extra day. Fill up at a gas station within a mile or two of the rental lot — fuel prices near the airport are higher, but still cheaper than the rental company's per-gallon rate if you return the car empty.

Return the car during business hours if possible. If you return it after hours, the agent won't inspect it until the next day, and any damage discovered later may be attributed to you even if you didn't cause it. Take photos of the car's condition at return time, just as you did at pickup.

The rental company will charge your credit card for any damage within a few days to a few weeks after you return the car. If you disagree with a damage charge, contact the company when ready with your photos and the pickup inspection notes. Keep your rental agreement and all receipts for at least 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I'm under 21?

No, Florida law requires renters to be at least 21 years old. Some companies set their minimum at 25. If you're 21 to 24, you can rent from companies with a lower minimum, but you'll pay an extra daily fee (usually $15 to $25 per day) for being a young driver.

What happens if I get in an accident?

Call the rental company's emergency number when ready — the number is on your agreement. Do not leave the scene. Exchange information with the other driver, take photos, and get contact details from any witnesses. The rental company will direct you to a repair shop and handle the insurance claim. If you bought their damage waiver, you may owe only a small deductible; if you declined coverage, you'll owe the full repair cost.

Can I rent a car with an international driver's license?

Yes, if your license is valid in your home country and you bring your passport. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required in Florida, but some rental companies prefer to see one alongside your national license. You can obtain an IDP from your home country's automobile association before you travel.

Is it cheaper to rent from an off-airport location?

Usually yes, because you avoid the 6% airport facility fee. However, you have to pay for transportation to the off-airport lot, which can cost $20 to $40 depending on the location. Calculate the total cost — daily rate plus transportation — before you decide. For a one-day rental, the airport location might actually be cheaper.

What if I need to extend my rental?

Call the rental company as soon as you know you need the car longer. If the car is available, they'll extend your rental and charge you the daily rate for the extra days. If the car is already booked by another customer, you may not be able to extend and will need to return it on time and rent a different car.