What you need to rent a car in Fort Lauderdale

To rent a car in Fort Lauderdale, 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. You'll also need to show your passport or state ID if you're renting from a major chain like Enterprise, Hertz, or Avis.

The credit card must be in the renter's name — they won't accept a card belonging to someone else, even if that person is paying. Debit cards are rarely accepted as the primary payment method, though some locations may use them for the damage deposit. Proof of insurance can be your personal auto policy, a credit card's rental car coverage, or the rental company's own insurance product, which you can purchase at the counter.

If you're an international visitor, bring your home country's driver's license along with an International Driving Permit (IDP), available from your country's automobile association before you travel. Some rental companies in Fort Lauderdale will rent to international drivers with just a passport and home license, but having an IDP removes any ambiguity.

Key Takeaways

  • You must present a valid driver's license, credit card in your name, and proof of insurance to complete a rental in Fort Lauderdale.
  • Rental companies typically charge extra daily fees for drivers under 25, and some have minimum age requirements of 21 or higher.
  • Fort Lauderdale has rental desks at the airport (FLL), downtown, and in beach areas, with prices varying significantly by location and season.
  • Damage waivers and insurance add $15 to $30 per day to your rental cost and are worth comparing against your personal auto policy or credit card coverage.
  • Booking directly with the rental company often costs less than third-party booking sites, especially if you have a membership or loyalty account.

Where to rent a car in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) has rental desks for all major companies — Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, and Alamo — in the ground transportation level. Airport rentals are convenient but typically cost 10 to 15 percent more than off-airport locations because the airport charges concession fees to the rental companies, which they pass to you.

Off-airport locations are scattered throughout Fort Lauderdale: downtown near the courthouse, along Las Olas Boulevard in the beach district, and in commercial areas near I-95. These locations often have lower daily rates and may offer better vehicle selection. You can reach them by taxi, rideshare, or hotel shuttle, which adds time to your rental process but saves money on the rental itself.

Smaller companies like Turo (peer-to-peer car sharing) and regional chains like Fox Rent A Car operate in Fort Lauderdale but have fewer locations and vehicle options than the major chains. They can be cheaper for short rentals or specific vehicle types, but availability is less predictable.

How rental rates work in Fort Lauderdale

Daily rates for economy cars in Fort Lauderdale range from $25 to $60 per day depending on the season, day of the week, and how far in advance you book. Winter (December through March) is peak season and costs more. Weekends cost more than weekdays. Booking 14 days or more ahead usually locks in a lower rate than booking a few days before pickup.

The quoted daily rate does not include taxes, airport fees, or insurance. Florida adds 6 percent sales tax to car rentals, and if you rent from the airport, you'll pay an additional 10 percent airport concession fee. A $40-per-day rental becomes roughly $52 per day after taxes and airport fees. Insurance, fuel charges, and damage waivers are separate line items on your final bill.

Weekly rentals (seven days) often cost less per day than daily rates — you might pay $180 for a week instead of $50 per day ($350 for seven days). Monthly rentals drop the per-day cost even further. If you're keeping the car for more than five days, always check the weekly rate before confirming a daily rate.

Insurance and damage coverage options

Rental companies offer a damage waiver (called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) that costs $15 to $30 per day and removes your responsibility for damage to the rental car. Without it, you're liable for any dents, scratches, or major damage up to the full value of the vehicle. The waiver does not cover theft, so you'll still need coverage for that.

Before buying the rental company's waiver, check what your personal auto insurance covers. Most personal policies extend to rental cars at no extra cost, though some exclude certain types of rentals (like luxury vehicles). Call your insurance company before you rent and ask them to confirm coverage in writing or via email. If your policy covers rentals, you don't need to buy the rental company's waiver.

Credit cards often include rental car damage coverage as a cardholder benefit. American Express, Visa Signature, and Mastercard Premium cards typically cover collision and theft damage if you charge the entire rental to that card. Read your card's terms carefully — some exclude certain vehicle types or require you to decline the rental company's insurance to set up the card's coverage. Combining your personal insurance with credit card coverage gives you the most protection and usually means you can skip the rental company's waiver.

Fuel and mileage charges

Most Fort Lauderdale rentals come with unlimited mileage, so you won't pay extra for driving distance. A few budget companies charge per mile (typically $0.10 to $0.25 per mile), so confirm the mileage policy before you book.

Fuel is almost always charged on a "full-to-full" basis: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. If you return it with less fuel, the rental company charges you for the missing gas at a premium rate — usually $5 to $8 per gallon, which is 50 to 100 percent higher than gas station prices. Some companies offer a pre-purchase fuel option where you pay for a full tank upfront at a slightly better rate, but you forfeit any unused fuel. Unless you're certain you'll return the car empty, skip the pre-purchase option and just fill up at a gas station near the return location before you drop off the car.

Booking directly versus third-party sites

Booking through the rental company's website (Enterprise.com, Hertz.com, Avis.com) often costs less than Kayak, Expedia, or Priceline because the rental company avoids paying commission to the booking site. You also have direct access to customer service if something goes wrong, and you can modify or cancel your reservation without going through a middleman.

Third-party sites can occasionally offer lower rates, especially if they have negotiated bulk discounts with a particular company. However, if you need to change your reservation or dispute a charge, you'll contact the booking site first, which adds a layer of delay. Read the cancellation policy carefully — some third-party bookings are non-refundable or have strict change fees.

If you have a loyalty account with a rental company (Enterprise Plus, Hertz Gold, Avis Preferred), book directly to earn points and access member-only rates. These accounts also let you skip the counter and go straight to your car, which saves 10 to 15 minutes at busy times like airport pickups.

What to inspect before you drive away

Before you leave the rental lot, walk around the car with the agent and document any existing damage. Take photos or video of dents, scratches, stains, and mechanical issues. The agent should note these on your rental agreement — if they don't, take a photo of the agreement showing the damage section and email it to the rental company's customer service with your reservation number.

Check that the fuel gauge reads full, the spare tire is in the trunk, and the jack and lug wrench are present. Test the lights, wipers, air conditioning, and brakes before you leave the lot. If anything doesn't work, tell the agent when ready and ask for a different car. Once you drive away, the rental company will assume any new damage is your responsibility.

Keep your rental agreement and all receipts. If you're charged for damage you didn't cause, you'll need proof of the car's condition when you picked it up. Photos taken at pickup are your strongest evidence in a dispute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car in Fort Lauderdale if I'm under 21?

No. All major rental companies in Fort Lauderdale require renters to be at least 21 years old. Some companies allow drivers as young as 18 to rent, but they charge a daily underage driver fee of $15 to $25 per day on top of the standard rate. Check the rental company's website for their specific age policy before booking.

Is it cheaper to rent from the airport or downtown Fort Lauderdale?

Downtown and off-airport locations are typically 10 to 15 percent cheaper because they don't charge the airport concession fee. However, you'll need transportation to reach an off-airport location, which may cost $20 to $40 in taxi or rideshare fees. For rentals under three days, the airport is often cheaper overall. For longer rentals, an off-airport location usually saves money.

What happens if I return the car late?

Late returns are charged at the daily rate or a higher hourly rate, depending on how late you are. Most companies allow a grace period of 30 minutes to an hour before charging kicks in. If you're running late, call the rental location as soon as you know — some will waive a small overage if you notify them in advance. Check your rental agreement for the specific late fee policy.

Do I need to buy a GPS or can I use my phone?

Using your phone with Google Maps or Apple Maps is free and works well in Fort Lauderdale. Rental companies charge $10 to $15 per day for a built-in GPS unit, which is not worth the cost. Make sure your phone is fully charged and consider bringing a car charger. If you're renting a newer car, it likely has Apple CarPlay or Android Auto built in, which lets you run your phone's navigation through the car's speakers and screen.

Can I rent a car one way, returning it in a different city?

Yes. One-way rentals are available but cost significantly more — typically 50 to 100 percent more than a round-trip rental of the same length. If you're returning the car in Miami or West Palm Beach (both within 30 miles), the fee is usually $30 to $50. Returning it in a different state costs $100 to $300 or more. Book one-way rentals directly with the rental company to see the full cost before you commit.