Florida’s Roads: A Guide to Renting a Car and Safely Exploring the Sunshine State

If you’re planning a trip to Florida and need a car to get around, renting a car may be the perfect solution. With so many rental car companies to choose from and a wide variety of vehicles available, it’s easy to find the perfect car to suit your needs and budget.

Before you start the rental process, it’s important to understand a few key things about renting a car in Florida. First, you will need to be at least 25 years old to rent a car in Florida. Additionally, you will need to have a valid driver’s license and credit card, as well as proof of insurance.

Once you have everything you need to rent a car, you can begin the process by finding a rental car company. There are many companies to choose from, including Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and more. You can find rental car companies at most airports and in many major cities throughout the state.

When you’ve selected a rental car company, you can then choose the car you want to rent. There are many different types of vehicles available, including economy cars, SUVs, vans, and luxury cars. You can also choose from a variety of rental packages, such as daily, weekly, or monthly rentals.

Once you’ve selected your car, you will need to fill out a rental agreement. This will include your personal information, such as your name, address, and driver’s license number, as well as the details of your rental, such as the type of car, the length of your rental, and the cost.

After you’ve completed the rental agreement, you’ll be ready to pick up your car and hit the road. Before you do, however, it’s important to familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and regulations. Florida laws may vary from other states and countries, so it’s a good idea to brush up on them before you start driving.

Rental Car Companies That We Suggest

If you are arriving in MIA airport;

1. Alamo: Alamo offers a wide range of vehicles, from economy cars to SUVs and vans. You can find their rental counter on the first level of the MIA rental car center.
2. Avis: Avis offers a wide range of vehicles, including luxury cars and green-friendly options. You can find their rental counter on the first level of the MIA rental car center.
3. Budget: Budget offers a variety of vehicles, including economy cars, SUVs, and vans. You can find their rental counter on the first level of the MIA rental car center.
4. Dollar: Dollar offers a wide range of vehicles, from economy cars to SUVs and vans. You can find their rental counter on the first level of the MIA rental car center.
5. Enterprise: Enterprise offers a wide range of vehicles, from economy cars to SUVs and vans. You can find their rental counter on the first level of the MIA rental car center.
6. Hertz: Hertz offers a wide range of vehicles, including luxury cars and green-friendly options. You can find their rental counter on the first level of the MIA rental car center.
7. National: National offers a wide range of vehicles, from economy cars to SUVs and vans. You can find their rental counter on the first level of the MIA rental car center.
8. Thrifty: Thrifty offers a variety of vehicles, including economy cars, SUVs, and vans. You can find their rental counter on the first level of the MIA rental car center.

How Tolls works in Florida

Tolls in Florida are collected electronically using a system called SunPass or Toll-by-Plate. SunPass is a prepaid toll program that allows drivers to pay tolls electronically by opening a SunPass account and mounting a small electronic device, called a transponder, on their vehicle’s windshield. When a vehicle with a SunPass transponder passes through a toll plaza or ramp, the toll is automatically deducted from the account.

Toll-by-Plate is a system that uses cameras to capture the license plate of vehicles that pass through toll plazas or ramps without a SunPass transponder. The toll is then billed to the registered owner of the vehicle via mail. Toll-by-Plate customers may also pay their tolls online or by phone.

There are also some toll roads in Florida that require cash payment, which means you’ll have to have the exact change to pay the toll.

It’s important to note that toll rates vary depending on the time of day, the type of vehicle, and the specific road or bridge. And If you’re planning on driving on toll roads in Florida, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the toll rates and payment options before you hit the road.

Also, if you rent a car, rental companies may offer different options for you to pay the tolls, you may want to inquire with them before your trip.

Carpool or HOV Lanes

In Florida, certain lanes on the highway, such as carpool or HOV (high-occupancy vehicle) lanes, are reserved for vehicles with multiple passengers. These lanes are typically marked with signs and are separate from the regular lanes on the road. Drivers with two or more passengers (or three or more in some cases) are allowed to use these lanes and can help to avoid traffic congestion.

It’s important to note that the number of passengers required to use the carpool lanes and the rules may vary depending on the specific location and the time of day. Also, there are some carpool lanes that are reversible, meaning they change direction during different times of the day to help manage traffic flow. So it’s always a good idea to check with the local authorities or the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for the most up-to-date information.

Please also note that certain vehicles, such as motorcycles and electric vehicles, are also allowed to use carpool lanes regardless of the number of passengers.

Florida Traffic Laws

Be careful, because Florida has several specific traffic laws that may be different from other states. See below what i mean:

1. Move Over Law: Florida has a “Move Over” law that requires drivers to move over one lane when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights flashing. If it is not possible to move over, drivers must slow down to a speed that is 20 mph less than the posted speed limit.
2. Texting and Driving: Florida has a law that prohibits drivers from texting while driving. This includes reading, writing, or sending text messages, emails, or instant messages while behind the wheel.
3. Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety: Florida has several laws to protect bicyclists and pedestrians. For example, drivers must give at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist on the road and must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
4. Right on Red: Florida law allows drivers to make a right turn on red after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign specifically prohibits it.
5. Seatbelt laws: Florida law requires all drivers and passengers in the front seat to wear a seatbelt. Children under the age of 6 must be in a child safety seat or booster seat.
6. DUI laws: Florida has strict laws against driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs. The legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% for drivers 21 and older, and 0.02% for drivers under 21.