Navigating car rental policies can often feel like deciphering a foreign language, especially after a long flight into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). To ensure a smooth and hassle-free car rental experience right after you land, understanding the renter requirements and payment policies is crucial. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about renting a car at Fort Lauderdale Airport, from age restrictions to accepted forms of payment, ensuring you can quickly get on the road and start enjoying your Florida trip.
Renter Requirements at Fort Lauderdale Airport
Like any reputable car rental service, renting a vehicle at Fort Lauderdale Airport comes with specific requirements to ensure both renter and company are protected. Let’s delve into the essential criteria you need to meet.
Age Policy: Minimum Age and Underage Surcharges
The minimum age to rent a car at Fort Lauderdale Airport is 21 years old. This is a standard policy across many rental companies. However, renters aged 21 to 24 are considered underage and are subject to a daily surcharge of $25. This fee is common practice and helps offset the higher insurance risk associated with younger drivers.
Vehicle Class Restrictions for Younger Renters: If you are between 21 and 24, your rental options might be slightly limited. You can typically rent vehicles from the Economy to Full Size car categories, as well as Cargo and Minivans, and Pickups. Compact, Small, and Standard SUVs with seating for up to 5 passengers are also generally available. However, larger SUVs and premium or luxury vehicles may be restricted for this age group.
Driver’s License Requirements: Valid and Up-to-Date
A valid driver’s license is mandatory for all renters and additional drivers. Learner’s permits or instructional permits are not accepted. The license must be valid for the entire rental period. Ensure your license is not expired and is the original document; photocopies are not permissible.
Debit Card Usage at Fort Lauderdale Airport Rentals
Using a debit card for car rentals at airport locations, including Fort Lauderdale, has specific conditions. Generally, debit cards are accepted at the time of rental only if you present a ticketed return travel itinerary. This means you need to show proof of a confirmed flight departing from the same airport.
Address Verification: The name and address on your driver’s license must match your current home address. This is a standard security measure. Active-duty military personnel are usually exempt from this address matching requirement with valid military ID.
Additional Drivers and Debit Cards: If you are using a debit card, keep in mind that additional drivers might be restricted. Typically, only a spouse or domestic partner is permitted as an additional driver when a debit card is used for payment.
Debit Card Transactions and Potential Fees: When using a debit card, be aware that the estimated rental total and any additional amounts, such as deposit or extra charges, will be deducted from your account immediately. Ensure sufficient funds are available to avoid overdraft fees, for which you will be responsible.
For complete details on debit card usage, always refer to the specific “Forms of Payment policy” of your chosen rental agency at Fort Lauderdale Airport.
Insurance Verification for Specific Vehicle Classes
For renters without a ticketed return travel itinerary and planning to rent certain premium vehicle classes, insurance verification is necessary. This typically applies to:
- Full Size Luxury Sedan
- Premium Luxury Sedan
- Midsize Sport Luxury Sedan
- Electric Luxury Sedan
- Premium Luxury SUV
- Extended Luxury SUV
- Electric Luxury SUV
- Limo Van
- Corvette
If renting one of these vehicle types without a return flight ticket, you must provide proof of a transferable auto collision, comprehensive, and liability insurance policy. This policy should cover the rented vehicle.
Forms of Payment Accepted at Fort Lauderdale Airport Car Rentals
Understanding the accepted forms of payment makes the pickup process at Fort Lauderdale Airport quick and efficient. Major credit cards are widely accepted, but debit cards and other forms of payment have specific conditions.
Accepted Payment Methods
The following forms of payment are generally accepted for rentals at Fort Lauderdale Airport:
- VISA®
- MasterCard®
- American Express®
- Discover Network®
- Debit Cards (under specific conditions as mentioned above with a return ticketed itinerary)
Prepaid cards and money orders are not accepted at the time of rental for either the rental cost or the deposit. Cash is also not accepted. However, money orders and prepaid cards might be used to pay any outstanding balance at the end of the rental upon vehicle return.
Rental Charges and Modifications
The estimated total for your rental, as shown during the online reservation process or in your email confirmation, will be charged to your provided payment method. If you modify your reservation, the rental total may change, and the updated amount will be charged to the same payment method.
Upon rental pickup, you will sign a rental contract outlining all terms and conditions, including a Rental Agreement Summary and Additional Terms and Conditions. It’s important to read this contract carefully before signing.
Deposit Amount Policy
A deposit is required at the time of rental to cover potential additional charges incurred during your rental period. The standard deposit amount is $400. However, a higher deposit of $850 applies to rentals of more premium and luxury vehicle classes, including:
- Performance Sport
- Full Size Luxury SUV
- Electric Luxury SUV
- Full Size Elite Electric Sedan
- Midsize Sport Luxury Sedan
- Full Size Luxury Sedan
- Premium Luxury Sedan
- Electric Luxury Sedan
- Premium Luxury SUV
- Extended Luxury SUV
- Limo Van
- Corvette
The deposit must be made using one of the accepted forms of payment listed above. This deposit is held and will not be available for your use until the vehicle is returned in satisfactory condition.
Additional Payment Information and Authorizations
Any additional charges incurred during your rental, such as extra mileage, late return fees, or damages, may be deducted from your deposit, if applicable. If not deducted from the deposit, these charges will be billed to the payment method provided at the rental start, unless you provide an alternative accepted payment method.
When you use a debit card, funds for the estimated rental cost and deposit are immediately held in your account, reducing your available balance. Be mindful of potential overdraft fees associated with debit card transactions.
Credit cards on file in loyalty program profiles (like Emerald Club, E Club, etc.) can also be used for all rental charges, provided they have sufficient available credit.
All charges will be processed as an authorization hold against your credit or debit card and subsequently charged, or directly charged to your debit card.
Conclusion: Renting with Confidence at Fort Lauderdale Airport
Understanding the renter requirements and payment policies at Fort Lauderdale Airport car rental agencies is essential for a stress-free start to your trip. By being prepared with the correct documentation, payment method, and understanding the deposit and age policies, you can quickly pick up your rental and begin your Fort Lauderdale adventure. Always double-check the specific policies of your chosen rental company for any location-specific nuances and enjoy the ride!
