In Florida, you must be at least 18 years old to legally rent a car. However, this is just the minimum legal threshold. In practice, most major rental car companies, like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis, set their minimum age at 21. Furthermore, if you are under the age of 25, you will almost always be charged a Young Renter Fee, a daily surcharge that can significantly increase the total cost of your rental.
This policy is primarily driven by insurance and risk management. Statistical data shows that drivers under 25 are involved in a higher rate of accidents, leading rental companies to implement these age restrictions and fees to offset the potential cost.
| Rental Company | Minimum Age to Rent | Young Renter Fee (Under 25) | Notes |
|---|
| Enterprise | 21 | ~$25 per day | May have vehicle class restrictions for under-25 renters. |
| Hertz | 20 (at select locations) | ~$27 per day | Standard minimum is 21; 20-year-olds may rent at certain airport locations. |
| Avis | 21 (18 for military) | ~$27 per day | Active-duty military personnel can rent from age 18 with valid credentials. |
| Budget | 21 | ~$27 per day | Similar policies to its sister company, Avis. |
| Alamo | 21 | ~$25 per day | Typically waives underage fee for spouses of eligible corporate accounts. |
Your best strategy is to always disclose your age when getting a quote online. The final price you see should include all applicable fees. Renting from an airport location can sometimes offer more flexibility for younger drivers, but the fees remain. If you're under 25, budgeting for this extra cost is the most important part of planning your trip.
