What to expect when you rent from Sixt at FLL

Sixt has a rental location at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) in Terminal 2, on the ground level near the rental car center. You'll pick up your car after collecting your luggage and clearing the terminal, then return it to the same location when you fly out. The process is straightforward: present your driver's license, passport (if you're an international visitor), and a valid credit card at the counter, review the rental agreement, and drive off. Sixt's airport location operates during all terminal hours, so you can rent a car regardless of when you arrive.

Sixt is a German-owned rental company that operates in over 100 countries and competes directly with Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis. At FLL specifically, Sixt offers economy cars, SUVs, and premium vehicles. Prices vary by season and how far in advance you book—summer and holidays are more expensive than off-season travel. You can reserve online before you arrive, which locks in your rate and lets you choose your vehicle class ahead of time.

Key Takeaways

  • Sixt's FLL location is in Terminal 2 on the ground level, open during all airport hours, and you pick up and return to the same spot.
  • You need a valid driver's license, passport (for international visitors), and a credit card in your name to rent; some countries' licenses may require an International Driving Permit.
  • Booking online before arrival locks in your rate and lets you choose your vehicle type, which is cheaper than booking at the counter.
  • Damage waivers and additional insurance are optional add-ons that increase your daily rate; your personal auto insurance or credit card may already cover rental cars.
  • Return the car with a full tank of fuel to avoid Sixt's fuel surcharge, which is significantly higher than local gas station prices.

Documents you need to bring

You must have a valid driver's license in your name. If you're renting as a U.S. resident, a standard state-issued license works. If you're visiting from outside the United States, bring your passport and your home country's driver's license. Some countries' licenses—including those from Australia, Canada, and most European nations—are recognized without additional paperwork. Others may require an International Driving Permit (IDP), which you obtain from your home country's automobile association before you travel. Sixt's website lists which countries need an IDP; if yours is on the list and you don't have one, you won't be able to rent.

You also need a credit card in your name. Sixt does not accept debit cards for the rental itself, though some locations may accept them for the damage deposit. The credit card is used to authorize a hold for the rental cost plus a security deposit (usually $200 to $500, depending on the vehicle). This hold is released when you return the car in good condition. If you're paying with a card that isn't in your name, Sixt will not rent to you.

Booking online versus at the counter

Booking online through Sixt's website or app before you arrive is almost always cheaper than walking up to the counter at FLL. When you book in advance, you lock in a rate for your specific dates and vehicle class. At the counter, the agent quotes you the current rate, which may be higher if demand has increased since you landed. Online booking also lets you choose your exact vehicle type—compact, midsize, SUV, or premium—rather than accepting whatever the counter agent assigns.

The online process takes about five minutes. You enter your pickup and return dates, your age, your home country, and your driver's license number. Sixt shows you available vehicle classes and their daily rates, then asks whether you want additional insurance or a damage waiver. You pay with your credit card, and Sixt sends you a confirmation email with your reservation number. At the FLL counter, you present this confirmation, hand over your license and credit card, sign the rental agreement, and pick up your keys. The entire counter transaction usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Insurance and damage waivers explained

Sixt offers two optional protections: a damage waiver (sometimes called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) and additional liability insurance. The damage waiver reduces or eliminates your responsibility if the car is damaged, stolen, or in an accident. Without it, you're liable for all repair costs up to the car's full value. With it, you typically pay a small deductible (often $0 to $1,500, depending on the plan) instead of the full amount. The damage waiver costs $15 to $30 per day, depending on the vehicle class.

Additional liability insurance covers damage you cause to other people's property or injuries to other people. Florida's minimum liability requirement is $10,000 for property damage and $10,000 for bodily injury per person. Your personal auto insurance policy may already cover rental cars, and many credit cards (especially premium cards) include rental car coverage. Before you book, check your insurance documents or call your insurer to see what's covered. If you're already protected, you don't need to buy Sixt's add-on. If you're not, adding liability insurance costs $10 to $15 per day and is worth the cost.

Fuel and return procedures

Sixt rents cars with a full tank of fuel. You must return the car with a full tank, or Sixt will charge you for the missing fuel at a premium rate—typically $6 to $8 per gallon, which is two to three times what you'd pay at a gas station. To avoid this charge, fill up at a gas station near FLL before you return to the airport. Most rental car returns are within 10 to 15 minutes of the airport; you'll find gas stations on the way.

When you return the car, drive to the Sixt return lot in Terminal 2, park in a designated Sixt space, and leave the keys in the car or hand them to an attendant. Sixt inspects the vehicle for damage, checks the fuel level, and processes your return. You'll receive a final receipt by email within a few days. If there are any damage charges or fuel surcharges, they'll appear on that receipt and be charged to your credit card. If you disagree with a charge, contact Sixt's customer service within 30 days of your return.

Age requirements and additional driver fees

Sixt rents to drivers as young as 18 in Florida, but drivers under 25 pay a young driver surcharge of $15 to $25 per day. This fee is added to your daily rate and is non-negotiable. If you're 25 or older, you don't pay this surcharge. Drivers must be at least 18 to rent; there is no upper age limit, though drivers over 75 may be asked to provide additional documentation.

If you want to add a second driver, Sixt charges $10 to $15 per day for each additional driver. The second driver must present their own valid driver's license and meet the same age and documentation requirements as the primary renter. You can add a second driver when you book online or at the counter. If you're traveling with a spouse or friend and want to share driving, adding them as an additional driver is usually cheaper than renting two separate cars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I have an international driver's license but no passport?

No. Sixt requires a passport for all non-U.S. residents, even if you have a valid driver's license from your home country. If you're traveling internationally and forgot your passport, you cannot rent from Sixt. Bring your passport with you when you travel.

What happens if I return the car late?

Late returns are charged at Sixt's daily rate or hourly rate, depending on how late you are. If you're more than a few hours late, you may be charged for an extra full day. Contact Sixt as soon as you know you'll be late; sometimes they can adjust your reservation to avoid the extra charge.

Can I rent a car one-way and drop it off somewhere else in Florida?

Yes. Sixt offers one-way rentals to other Florida cities like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando. One-way rentals cost more than round-trip rentals because Sixt has to move the car back to FLL. The fee varies by destination; dropping off in Miami is cheaper than dropping off in Tampa. You can see one-way prices when you book online by selecting different pickup and return locations.

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

Call Sixt's roadside information number, which is on your rental agreement and in the car. Sixt will send a tow truck or arrange a replacement vehicle. You're not responsible for the breakdown unless you caused it through misuse. If you're stranded, Sixt will also arrange a hotel or rental car to get you to your destination while the original car is repaired.

Do I need to buy a damage waiver if I have good car insurance?

Check your insurance policy first. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies cover rental cars, and many credit cards include rental car coverage. If you're covered, you don't need Sixt's damage waiver. If you're not covered, the waiver is worth buying because repair costs for rental cars can be thousands of dollars.