Compare Florida car hire

With the key in the ignition and a full tank of gas, the Sunshine State is yours for the taking. If you’re renting a car in Florida, you’re free to head off to swing through the sleepy seaside towns of the Panhandle, spot alligators in the Everglades, defy gravity at the Kennedy Space Center and fling yourself into a bikini contest (if that’s your thing!) on Palm Beach.

Further south, you can scoot along the Florida Keys Scenic Highway all the way to Key Largo, crossing the stunning Seven Mile Bridge. Just be sure to stop for a stack of pancakes drenched in maple syrup en route.

Fly-driving is the done thing in these parts, so it’s easy to rent a car in Florida from all the international airports and main city centres. However, for the cheapest car hire deals, it’s best to shop around in advance, checking for hidden costs and sneaky extras as you go.Booking ahead will also allow you to dodge queues, making the pick-up process far less painful after a long-haul flight. Double check – and then triple check – that the cheap Florida car rental rate you have been quoted includes third party insurance, airport fees, breakdown cover, local surcharges and a collision damage waiver.

To further cut costs, it’s also worth buying your car hire excess insurance in advance.

Orlando is one of the biggest car hire hubs in the world, while Miami International Airport is home to an ingenious setup that guarantees to make any Florida fly-drive holiday a stress-free affair. On arrival, the elevated MIA Mover will whisk you from the 3rd level train station straight to the airport’s own RCC (Rental Car Center).

Here, you’ll find a whopping 6,500 rental cars from 15 different car hire outfits, including big hitters such as Budget, Avis and Hertz. The RCC can wash and refuel up to 300 vehicles per hour, while its state-of-the-art Quick Turnaround Area includes 120 gas pumps to get you on the road.

1. Save some pennies by bringing your own GPS and child seat. These pricey add-ons to Florida car hire will feel all the more frustrating if you’ve got both items sitting at home.
   
   
2. It’s illegal to visibly carry alcohol in your car in the state of Florida, so even an unopened six-pack can cause you a lot of trouble. Never drink and drive, and be sure to stash your liquid goodies in the trunk until you reach your destination.
   
   
3. Keep some coins and small notes handy for toll booths. They cost from 50c to $2, so pool your loose change and cruise on through.