🚗 Driving in Florida – Rental Cars, Licenses, Tolls & Rules

Wide roads, clear signage, and relaxed drivers – driving in Florida is usually stress-free for visitors. With a few key details in mind, you can explore the Sunshine State flexibly and comfortably.

🪪 Driver’s License & International Driving Permit

  • Visitors may drive in Florida with a valid EU or German driver’s license.
  • An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required, but it is useful as an official translation and may be recommended by rental companies.

🚘 Rental Cars & Minimum Age

  • Most companies rent cars to drivers 21 and older.
  • Under 25 years, expect a young driver surcharge of about $20–30 per day, depending on the provider.
  • Required: valid license, passport, and credit card.

⚖️ Traffic Rules & Safety Tips

  • Right-hand traffic, just like in Europe.
  • Stop signs: full stop required – even if no cars are around.
  • Right turn on red allowed, unless a sign says “No Turn on Red”.
  • Speed limits: strictly enforced; police checks are common.
  • Alcohol limit: 0.08%. Driving under the influence is heavily penalized.

🛣️ Toll Roads & SunPass

Florida has many toll roads (especially around Miami, Orlando, and Tampa). Here’s what visitors need to know:

  • No cash accepted at toll booths anymore – everything is electronic.
  • SunPass transponder: a small device on the windshield that deducts tolls automatically. Most rental cars come with one.
  • Alternative – Toll by Plate: if no transponder is present, cameras record the license plate and charge the toll plus an administrative fee via the rental company.
  • SunPass advantage: usually cheaper than Toll by Plate, and you can use express lanes.
  • Costs: tolls vary by road; typically just a few dollars. Orlando’s Turnpike and Central Florida Expressway are popular toll routes.

👉 Tip: Ask your rental company at pickup whether the car is SunPass-equipped and how billing works.

🆕 New Rules in 2025

  • School zone cameras: speeding more than 10 mph over the limit = at least a $100 fine.
  • Teen drivers: from August 2025, 50 practice hours are mandatory, with stricter night-driving restrictions.
  • Weather: headlights required in rain, longer braking distances, and avoid cruise control on wet roads.

✅ Conclusion

Driving is the best way to explore Florida flexibly and safely. With a rental car, you’ll reach beaches, restaurants, and shopping malls independently and without stress.

🏡 From Villa Romantic in Cape Coral, you can reach beaches, Fort Myers, or shopping malls in just minutes – with your rental car parked conveniently in your private garage.

✨ Ready to plan your dream vacation?

👉 Check the availability of Villa Romantic in Cape Coral and request your preferred travel dates – free of obligation. Check Availability Now