Florida Car Rental Deals – Save Big on Your Sunshine State Adventure

Quick Search & Book
Ready to hit the road in Florida? Use the search form above to find your ideal rental car. Enter a pickup location (city or airport, e.g., MIA for Miami International, MCO for Orlando International, or any neighborhood location), select your dates, and search. In seconds, you’ll see real-time offers from our network of Florida rental partners, from budget-friendly compacts to family SUVs and convertibles perfect for beach cruising. Refine results by car type, price, or rental company using our filters. Most reservations don’t require prepayment, you can reserve now and pay at pickup, with free cancellation if your plans change. We make renting a car in Florida fast, easy, and worry-free, so you can focus on enjoying the journey.

Why Rent a Car in Florida?

Florida is a large state with attractions spread across hundreds of miles. Having a car unlocks the full Florida experience. Here’s why a rental car is the way to go in the Sunshine State:

• Freedom to Explore: Public transport in Florida is limited (aside from major city centers), and many of Florida’s gems, from Everglades National Park to hidden beaches, are unreachable by train or bus. With a rental car, you can easily drive from Orlando to Miami, hop over to the Gulf Coast, or take that impromptu detour to a quaint Old Florida town. No tour schedules or rideshare surge pricing, you set the itinerary.
• Theme Parks & Beyond: Orlando’s theme parks (Disney World, Universal Studios, etc.) are easier with a car. While resorts have shuttles, a car lets you visit multiple parks, dine off-property, or drive to the Kennedy Space Center for a day trip. Likewise, in South Florida, you can hit Miami Beach in the morning and be in the Florida Keys by sunset, only possible with your own wheels.
• Coastal Cruising: Florida boasts 1,100+ miles of coastline. Some of the best spots, like Sanibel Island’s shell beaches or the secluded sands of Caladesi Island (reachable via ferry after driving to Honeymoon Island), require a drive. A car lets you beach-hop with ease: pack your sunscreen, throw your gear in the trunk, and chase the sunset from the Atlantic to the Gulf in the same week.
• Avoiding Transit Hassles: Outside of maybe Miami’s Metrorail or Orlando’s I-Ride trolley, public transit isn’t the go-to for visitors. Taxis and rideshares can get expensive over a week-long trip, and they won’t always be readily available in less populated areas. Rental cars are often very affordable in Florida (high competition means low rates), so it can be cheaper and far more convenient to rent a car, especially for families or groups. Plus, you won’t be lugging bags around or waiting in the humid heat for a ride.
• Weather Flexibility: Florida’s weather can be unpredictable (quick rainstorms, etc.). With a car, you can easily alter plans, if an afternoon storm rolls in at the beach, drive to an indoor mall or museum. Got a cool, dry day? Road trip out to the Everglades or up the coast. You have a climate-controlled space (blessed AC!) and shelter whenever needed, which is a relief in sudden downpours or intense sun.

Our Florida Car Rental Benefits

AirportVanRental brings you a superior rental experience in Florida, combining extensive choice with quality service. Here are advantages of booking your Florida car through us:

• Huge Selection, Statewide: Florida is one of the busiest rental markets, and we partner with 100+ top suppliers statewide. From national brands at every major airport to local specialists in resort areas, we aggregate them all. Need a convertible in Miami, an SUV in Orlando, or a 12-passenger van in Tampa? You’ll find it here. Compare options from multiple vendors in one place to snag the best deal.
• Lowest Rate Guarantee: We’re committed to finding you the cheapest rates. Our system hunts for promotions like Florida resident specials, weekend discounts, AAA/AARP rates, and more, automatically applied to your search results. If there’s an early-booking deal or a drop in price, we show it. In Florida’s competitive market, that means you often see economy cars from as low as $10–$20/day in off-peak seasons. (And if you somehow find a lower direct price, let us know, we’ll match it whenever possible.)
• Transparent Toll Programs: Florida is known for its toll roads (more on that in Driving Tips). We make tolls hassle-free by clearly indicating each rental company’s toll policy. Many Florida rentals offer SunPass programs, enabling you to use express lanes and have tolls billed automatically. We explain the fees (typically a small daily fee plus tolls) upfront. No surprise $15 admin fee for a $1 toll months later, you’ll know how toll billing works before you drive. Prefer to use your own SunPass transponder? That’s usually allowed, and we can guide you on how to avoid rental toll fees if you bring your device.
• No Pre-Pay Commitment: Most of our Florida deals let you book without any pre-payment. This gives you flexibility, lock in a great rate now, pay at the counter when you arrive. Plans change? Cancel for free up to 24-48 hours in advance (see each deal’s terms). You won’t be stuck paying for unused days, and you don’t have to worry about refund delays. It’s essentially risk-free booking, which is great when planning around potential hurricanes or shifting travel dates.
• Unlimited Mileage & One-Ways: All standard rentals in Florida come with unlimited miles, drive up and down I-95 or I-75 as much as you want. Many visitors do one-way trips (e.g., fly into Miami, out of Orlando). We specialize in one-ways; we display any drop fees clearly and often have promotions waiving the drop fee between popular city pairs. Florida’s long, slender shape means one-ways are common, like Miami to Key West or Jacksonville to Tampa, and we’ve made sure you have plenty of hassle-free options if that’s your plan.
• Local Driving Perks: Through our platform, you sometimes get extras that make your Florida drive easier. For instance, some partners offer free second driver (great for couples who both want to drive), or free GPS inclusion (useful if you want offline nav for areas with spotty signal). We’ve even negotiated kids car seat rentals at a discount with certain Florida airport locations, a big help for family travelers. We highlight these perks in the search results so you can choose a deal that saves you money on add-ons.
• 24/7 Support & Roadside Assistance: Florida never sleeps, and neither do we. If you run into any issues, say your flight to Orlando gets in at 2 AM and you need to ensure the rental counter stays open, or you pop a tire on Alligator Alley, our customer support is on-call 24/7. We liaise with the rental company or roadside assistance so you’re not left stranded under a Florida thunderstorm. Our goal is to keep your trip smooth from start to finish.

Today’s Top Florida Car Rental Deals

(Check out some sample deals in Florida, updated frequently. These give an idea of prices you might snag. Remember to search your exact dates for the latest rates!)

• Compact Car from $15/day, Example: Nissan Versa or similar. Perfect for zipping around town or maximizing fuel economy on longer drives (35+ MPG).
• Midsize SUV from $30/day, Example: Toyota RAV4 or similar. Great for a family of 5 with luggage, or if you plan to drive the length of Florida comfortably.
• Convertible from $45/day, Example: Ford Mustang Convertible or similar. Enjoy Florida’s sunshine as you cruise South Beach or Ocean Drive with the top down..
• Minivan from $39/day, Example: Chrysler Pacifica or Dodge Grand Caravan, 7-passenger. Ideal for larger families or group trips, plenty of room for beach gear or Disney souvenirs.
• Luxury Sedan from $55/day, Example: BMW 3 Series or Cadillac XTS. Travel in style for business or a special occasion.

(Rates exclude taxes/fees. “From” price indicates base rate recently observed, actual prices depend on dates and location. Florida’s rental car taxes average ~10–15% plus any local surcharges; total price shown at booking will include these. Search now to get an exact quote for your trip!)

Driving in Florida: What to Know

Florida offers a generally easy driving experience, flat terrain and well-marked roads, but it has its quirks. Here are essential tips and local insights for driving in Florida:

Traffic & Rush Hours: In metropolitan areas like Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville, be prepared for heavy traffic during rush hours (weekdays ~7:00–9:30 AM and 4:00–7:00 PM). Orlando’s I-4 is notorious for congestion (and construction) between downtown and the attractions area, if you can, avoid I-4 during peak times or use alternate routes like SR-417 (toll) around the city. Miami’s I-95 and expressways can also back up; Miami drivers are known to be fast and aggressive, so stay alert, use your signals, and don’t be afraid to let others merge (a little patience goes a long way). On weekends, beach routes can jam up (e.g., causeways to Miami Beach on Saturdays, or US-1 into the Keys on holiday weekends). Plan extra travel time if you’re heading to a popular beach or event. Many Florida highways have express lanes (toll lanes you can choose to use for a quicker ride), they’re indicated by signage (like I-95 Express in Miami).

Tolls & SunPass: Florida has numerous toll roads, especially around Orlando (Beachline Expressway SR-528, Florida’s Turnpike, Central Florida Greeneway SR-417) and in South Florida (Florida Turnpike, Miami-Dade Expressways like SR-836). Most tolls are cashless. They use either SunPass (the local electronic toll tag) or Toll-By-Plate (they photograph your license plate). Rental car tolls: Rental companies offer toll programs, typically you pay a fee (~$3–$5 per rental day, capped at say $20/mo) plus the actual tolls incurred. This allows you to use SunPass lanes and breeze through. If you decline and drive through a toll without paying (since no cash booths), the toll will still be billed via your plate to the rental company, who will then charge you later with an extra admin fee (often $15-$25 per toll event). Our advice: Opt into the rental’s toll program if you’ll be using toll roads (likely in Orlando or South FL). It’s convenient and often cheaper than a big admin fee surprise. Alternatively, if you have your own SunPass Portable transponder, you can use that in the rental, just make sure to turn off the rental’s built-in toll transmitter if instructed (some cars have them). Avoiding toll roads is possible (use GPS settings to “avoid tolls”), but you might end up on much slower routes. For peace of mind, many visitors just take the toll roads for speed and accept the small extra cost.

Rain & Weather: Florida’s tropical weather means two things for drivers: sudden heavy downpours and the potential for hurricanes (in season June–Nov, peak Aug–Oct). Rain: especially in summer afternoons, thunderstorms can be intense but brief. When it rains hard, slow down, turn on headlights (Florida law requires headlights on when wipers are in use), and be aware that roads can flood in low-lying areas. If visibility is very poor, put your flashers on and pull over somewhere safe to wait it out, storms usually pass within 20-30 minutes. Never drive into flooded roads; even a few inches of moving water can sweep a car. Hydroplaning is a risk on highways during downpours, keep a light touch on steering and avoid hard braking. Hurricanes: if a hurricane or tropical storm is forecast, heed local advisories. Rental companies allow you to return cars to different locations in evacuations without penalty typically, but safety first, don’t attempt to drive through a hurricane. On a brighter note, Florida weather is a driver’s friend most of the year: no snow or ice (except the very rare flurry in North FL). Just keep that AC on and stay hydrated during long sunny drives!

Driving Laws & Etiquette: Florida’s rules of the road are similar to other states. A few notes: Seat belts are mandatory for all front-seat occupants and all passengers under 18 (primary law). Child car seats: Florida requires children 5 and under to be in a proper car seat or booster (rent these or bring your own). Right on Red: You can turn right at a red light after a complete stop, unless a sign specifically says “No Right on Red.” Left on Red: Florida allows left turns on red only when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street (not common for tourists to encounter, mostly downtown areas). Move Over Law: If an emergency vehicle (police, ambulance, tow truck) is stopped on the roadside with lights flashing, you must either move over a lane away or slow down to 20 mph below the posted limit if you can’t change lanes safely. Cell Phones: Texting while driving is illegal in Florida (primary offense, you can be pulled over for it). Talking on a handheld phone was recently made a primary offense in school and work zones. Best practice, use hands-free or just avoid phone use while driving. U-Turns: Generally legal at intersections unless a sign prohibits them, Florida has many wide roads with U-turn lanes/medians, which visitors might find unusual; just make sure you have a green light or arrow and yield to oncoming traffic when making a U-turn.

Parking: Parking in most Florida destinations is plentiful but can be pricey in tourist cores. In downtown Miami or Miami Beach, parking garages or lots will charge anywhere from $2 to $10 per hour. Orlando’s theme parks have large lots but at a cost (around $25–$30 for daily parking at Disney/Universal, consider hotel shuttles or rideshare if you want to avoid that fee each day). In beach areas, street parking can fill up on weekends; look for public lots or garages near popular beaches. Many beach towns have parking kiosks (pay stations) rather than meters, note your space number and pay at the machine or via a phone app like ParkMobile. Importantly, do not park on the sand unless explicitly allowed (only a few places like Daytona Beach allow driving/parking on the beach, and even then only in designated sections). In most places, it’s illegal and you will get stuck/ticketed. Watch out for “No Parking” signs, especially in residential streets near beaches (they do enforce to keep streets clear). If staying at a hotel in a city, ask about parking fees, some Miami/Orlando hotels charge $20+ per night for parking, which might influence whether you keep your rental car every day or not. Finally, always lock your car and don’t leave valuables visible, Florida’s tourist spots are generally safe, but an ounce of prevention (especially at trailheads or beach lots) is wise.

Road Trip Ideas from Florida

Florida isn’t just a single destination, it’s a launchpad for diverse road trips, from tropical islands to historical cities. Here are three fantastic itineraries showcasing different sides of Florida, complete with distances, routes, and highlights:

1. Overseas Highway Adventure (Miami to Key West)
Distance: ~165 miles one-way (265 km), roughly 3.5–4 hours of driving (but plan a full day with stops).
Route: Start in Miami. Take US Highway 1 South, which becomes the Overseas Highway (US-1) at the gateway to the Keys (around Key Largo). Follow US-1 through the Florida Keys island chain all the way to Key West, the southernmost city in the continental US.
Highlights: This is one of America’s most iconic drives. You’ll literally drive over the ocean on a series of bridges connecting islands. Key Largo offers John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, consider a glass-bottom boat tour or quick snorkel stop. As you drive through Islamorada, treat yourself to a lunch of fresh conch fritters or key lime pie at a roadside cafe. Don’t miss the historic Seven Mile Bridge between Marathon and Big Pine Key, pull over at the Sunset Grille on the north end or Veterans Park on the south end for photos of the turquoise water. On Big Pine Key, watch for the tiny endangered Key deer, especially near dawn/dusk. Finally, Key West: explore Mallory Square’s sunset celebration, Hemingway’s House, and the vibrant Duval Street nightlife. Park your car (streets are narrow; many opt to park and walk or rent bicycles/golf carts in town). Advice: Start early to beat traffic leaving Miami. There’s essentially one road in/out of the Keys, so weekends can back up. Also, fuel up in Florida City or Key Largo, gas prices creep up in the lower Keys. This road trip is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace (it’s the journey, not just the destination!). Plan to stay overnight in Key West or Marathon because you’ll want to soak up the island vibes and not rush back.

2. Atlantic Coast Cruise (Jacksonville to Miami via Scenic A1A)
Distance: ~350 miles (563 km), about 7–8 hours total drive time, but split into 3–5 days to savor stops.
Route: Begin in Jacksonville, in North Florida. Head east to the coast and take A1A South, the historic coastal byway, as much as possible (it occasionally merges with US-1 or I-95 in parts). Pass through St. Augustine, continue down past Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, through the Space Coast, then follow A1A along the Treasure Coast and Gold Coast, eventually reaching Miami. (You can hop to I-95 if you need to speed up between sections, but the scenic route is A1A/local coastal roads.)
Highlights: St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, is a gem, tour the Castillo de San Marcos fort, stroll the old Spanish streets, maybe take a ghost tour at night. Continue to Daytona Beach, drive your car on the hard-packed sands of Daytona (a unique experience) and maybe visit the Daytona International Speedway. Farther south, stop at Cocoa Beach to see the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop or catch a wave. Near Cape Canaveral, you can detour to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to see rockets and the Space Shuttle Atlantis (allow a half-day for this). As you reach the Treasure Coast, enjoy quieter beaches around Vero Beach or Jupiter (check out the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse). The Gold Coast brings you into glitzy Palm Beach (drive by the mansions on Ocean Blvd), then Fort Lauderdale with its boat canals and lively Las Olas Blvd. Finally, arrive in Miami, celebrate with some Cuban food in Little Havana or a swim in South Beach. Note: Portions of A1A were damaged in past hurricanes, check ahead for any detours. This route offers a mix of history, beach relaxation, and city fun. It’s a great winter road trip when northern climates are cold, you can enjoy mild to warm temps all along the Florida coast.

3. Gulf Coast Getaway (Tallahassee to Tampa via the Panhandle & Gulf Beaches)
Distance: ~480 miles (772 km), suggest 5–7 days to fully appreciate, with ~8–9 hours driving total.
Route: Start in Florida’s capital, Tallahassee, then head west briefly on I-10 to pick up US-98 Coastal Highway at Port St. Joe. Follow US-98 East/South as it hugs the Gulf of Mexico through the Panhandle “Forgotten Coast” (Mexico Beach, Apalachicola). Continue on 98/US-19 down through Cedar Key (a detour off 98), Crystal River, and Tarpon Springs. Finish by taking the bridge onto Pinellas Peninsula, ending in the Tampa Bay area (St. Petersburg/Tampa).
Highlights: This off-the-beaten-path trip starts with Tally’s Southern charm (moss-draped oaks, the old Capitol building). Once on the coast, enjoy the Forgotten Coast, quiet, undeveloped beaches and small fishing towns. Apalachicola is famed for oysters, grab a dozen fresh Apalachicola oysters and stroll the quaint downtown. Nature lovers can stop at St. George Island or Cape San Blas for pristine beaches and maybe spotting dolphins. As you drive down, consider a swim or kayak at Wakulla Springs (just south of Tallahassee), one of the largest freshwater springs, often with manatees in winter. Cedar Key is a lovely little island town to watch sunsets and eat great seafood, feeling like Florida decades ago. Further south, Crystal River is a must-do if you like wildlife, it’s the manatee capital; take a guided tour to swim with gentle manatees in the springs (winter months see hundreds of manatees). On the final stretch, Tarpon Springs offers a taste of Greece, a historic sponge-diving town with a Greek community; try the baklava and take a boat tour to learn about sponge harvesting. Ending in Tampa Bay, you can relax on the award-winning beaches of Clearwater or St. Pete Beach, visit the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, and enjoy the vibrant city of Tampa (Busch Gardens for thrill rides, Ybor City for nightlife). This road trip shines in spring or fall when the Gulf Coast weather is sublime and not too humid. (Fun fact: This route is part of the longer “Big Bend Scenic Byway” and US-19 is known for its roadside ice cream shops, perfect road trip treats!)