Low Prices
USA & Canadian
Car Hire
Sat Nav Rental
From just £15 When Booking
Your Car Hire With Us
No Deposit
No Deposit Required To
Secure Your Booking
No Fees
Free Cancellation -
No Amendment or Card Fees

Please read through our frequently asked Florida Car Hire questions below. Chances are we've answered your question below but it we haven't, just drop us an email and we'll be happy to help.

We'll update this page on a regular basis with any trending questions.

About Us
About Us
About Us

We've offered vehicle rental for a number of years through our Florida villa websites and in 2012 we created www.DiscountFloridaCarHire.co.uk. We work in partnership with a number of rental brokers to offer vehicle hire at great prices and as far as I'm aware we're am the only company to offer free sat nav rental.

Discount Florida Car Hire Ltd is a family run business and we believe in offering an unrivalled service at an affordable price. Please read through the reviews that some of our previous customers have left on ReviewCentre.com.

Opening Hours

Phone calls are welcome between 4:30pm to 9pm Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, Friday and between 9am to 9pm on a Wednesday, at the weekend and bank holidays. If I'm out of the office your call will come through to my mobile and if I'm available, I'll answer any questions.

I respond to emails at all hours of the day and night and usually within an hour or so. You'll never have to wait too long for a reply.

Office Address

50 Fairfield Avenue,
Kirk Ella,
East Yorkshire.
HU10 7UH

Contact Details

Use the Contact Us page
Tel: 01482 935118
Email: info@discountfloridacarhire.co.uk

We also operate a 24/7 emergency out of hours number. Details can be found on your rental voucher.

Booking Procedure
Booking Procedure
How to Book

Please complete the quote form at www.DiscountFloridaCarHire.co.uk and our automated system will provide you with quotes. Once you're ready to book, click on the 'Book' button and complete the requested details.

We also have a special offers search page which sends your requirements to us. We'll then manually search for the best possible price which often beats are online prices.

Deposit

No deposit required to secure your booking. The price is confirmed at the time of booking and won't increase. Shoudl prices drop, you can amend the booking to the cheaper price. The final balance is due 8 weeks prior to collection although due to Covid, we've removed the balance due date for 2021 bookings.

Making Payment / Balance

The balance due date is shown on your booking confirmation email which is 8 weeks prior to the rental start date. We'll send you a remind email once your balance is due.

You're able to make payment early, by installments and on different cards right up until the balance due date. Once the balance is due, you will only be able to make payment on one card.

Payment Methods Accepted

We accept online payments using Visa & MasterCard Debit & Credit Cards.

If you wish to pay with American Express, please get in touch.

We do not accept PayPal.

Payment can be made by installments up util 8 weeks before or you can pay the balance off earlier all in one go if you wish.

Young Drives Package

We offer a young drivers package with Alamo which makes hiring a vehicle more affordable if you have someone aged 21 to 24 years old wanting to drive in Florida.

When completing a quote, please enter the age of the young driver. The young driver must be entered on the booking form as the lead driver. Alamo will accept a Debit card with proof of a round trip ticket

Alamo: Three young drivers are included in this price. Maximum of four drivers in total.

How to Amend / Cancel a booking

To amend or cancel your booking, simply log in to manage your booking and click on the Amend or Cancel button.

Warning: Amending a booking resets the price to whats on the system at the time of the change. If its just a time change, amending a booking may not be necessary. Please get in touch with us.

Any overpayment is refunded the same day to the original payment method and takes around 3 or 4 business days for the banks to process.

The Price has Dropped. Can I amend my booking to the cheaper price?

Yes. Simply log in, click on Amend and follow through the booking process again. You can do this up until 4 days prior to collection. If its within 4 days, please get in touch. The system will process the refund of the overpayment.

Cancellation

We're able to cancel, amend and refund bookings up until 48hours prior to the collection day (please note this is 48hours before the collection date and not the collection time). We have to received the request by email from the email address on the booking within normal working hours.
You're able to cancel the booking yourself by looking in to the 'Manage Booking' link at the top of the website.

Refunds / Amendment Refunds

Refunds are processed the same day and take up to 5 business days for the banks to process. Refunds are processed back to the original payment method.

Driving Licence Requirements
Driving Licence Requirements
Required Documents

You must take your driving licence. If you have the old style (pre July 1998) licence you must take your licence and produce your passport. If you have the new style licence (photo card) you must produce this. Although rare, some locations may require you to present your passport as well as your photocard driving licence.

From the 8th June 2015, you no longer have to take your paper counterpart.

You do not a DVLA code.

Points on Licence

Budget: Three or more convictions for moving violations within 24 months (source)
Alamo: No Restrictions providing your licence is currently valid.

Please read through the source as some rental companies have other stipulations on other offences such as reckless / dangerous driving. Please consider using a member of your party who has a clean licence as the lead driver. The decision on whether to enforce these conditions will lie with the manager on the desk when you pick the vehicle up.

Drink Driving Conviction

You are required to show your driving licence when collecting your vehicle and the desk clerk may check your driving licence information on the DVLA website.

Budget: Unable to rent if convicted within the last 48 months (source)
Alamo: No Restrictions providing your licence is currently valid. We highly recommend obtaining this policy in writing from the collection location manager. We will do this on your behalf. Please get in touch with us.

The decision on whether to enforce these conditions will lie with the manager on the desk when you pick the vehicle up.

Lost Licence

You will not be allowed to rent a vehicle if you are unable to present in person your original driving licence at the time of collecting your rental. Photocopies will not be accepted. You will not be refunded if you arrive at the rental desk without your licence.

International Driving Permit

If you have a valid English written driving licence you do not need an International Driving Permit. If your licence is in any language other than English you will need to obtain an IDP and take it, along with your original licence.

A law was introduced in Florida in January 2013 stating all non US citizens would require an IDP. This law was cancelled in March 2013.

Minimum Time to have Held a Driving Licence

Budget / Avis: 1 year
Sixt: 1 year
Dollar / Hertz / Thrifty: 1 year
Alamo / National / Enterprise: No minimum

12 / 15 seater Special Licence Requirements

Providing you are driving the vehicle with your family / friends you do not need D1 on your licence to drive in Florida.

The only exception to this is if the booking is with Sixt.

Drivers aged 21 to 24 inclusive are unable to drive the 12 / 15 seater vehicles.

Vehicles
Vehicles
Can we pick the exact make, model & colour of the vehicle?

With Budget you will be assigned a vehicle.

With Alamo if you arrive at a Choice Location then once you have your rental agreement you walk to the parking lot which is arranged in to vehicle categories. You walk to your category and select a vehicle. The keys will be in the door. You simply load up your luggage and drive to the exit / security check point.

Can we upgrade our vehicle?

We suggest you pre book the vehicle category you want before you travel. However. The rental counter staff will offer you vehicle upgrades at a daily rate. Please read through the rental agreement carefully before signing.

Ford Mustang Guarantee

No rental company can guarantee a Ford Mustang unfortunately. We can put a request through with your booking specifically requesting a Mustang but again, it's no guarantee you'll get one as it ultimately comes down to what convertibles they have in the parking lot upon your arrival. The latest information we have is that Alamo use the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro in their convertible range so should offer the best possible chance of securing the car you want.

Collecting the Vehicle
Collecting the Vehicle
Vehicle Delivered to Us?

Unfortunately this is not possible. Please get in touch with us with your holiday address and we will locate the nearest rental office. You can then return the vehicle to either the same office or return it to a Florida airport location at no additional cost.

On Airport / Off Airport

On Airport means you walk to the rental desk / rental garage. Off Airport means you may need to catch a shuttle to the vehicle rental depot.

Orlando Int Airport:
All rental companies we offer are located on site.

Melbourne Int Airport:
All rental companies we offer are located on site.

Miami Int Airport:
All rental companies we offer are located in the transport hub which is accessed via the MIA mover.

Tampa Int Airport:
All rental companies we offer are located on site.

Can we upgrade our vehicle?

We suggest you pre book the vehicle category you want before you travel. However. The rental counter staff will offer you vehicle upgrades at a daily rate. Please read through the rental agreement carefully before signing.

Security Deposit Swipe - Debit / Credit Card

We recommend that the lead driver holds a credit card in their name however each rental company has a debit card policy. 

Alamo accept a debit card in the lead drivers name providing you can show your passport and proof of departure, i.e ticked flight / cruise itinerary within 24hours of the return of the vehicle, otherwise a credit card is required.

A block of $25 per day / $100 per week booked will be placed against the debit card to ensure its active. The security hold on a credit card is $1. (source)

A credit card is required if you book a standard sport (Dodge Challenger) vehicle category.

Budget & Avis accept a debit card for vehicles from economy cars to full size cars and the intermediate & standard 5 seater SUV in the lead drivers name. Premium vehicles such as Convertibles, luxury & premium sedans, 7 & 12 seater vehicles will require the lead driver to present a credit card in their name. A block of circa $250 will be placed against the card. (source)

Dollar, Thrifty & Hertz accept debit cards for vehicles from economy cars to full size cars only and will place a block against the card for $500. For premium and larger vehicles, a credit card in the lead drivers name is required and a $200 block will be placed against the credit card. 

Sixt requires the lead driver to present a credit card and will place a block on the card which ranges from $200 for cars up to $1,000 for premium SUV's.

Prepaid Cashcards such as Revolut are not accepted by any rental company.

Security holds will be removed once the vehicle is returned.

Please ensure you know the cards pin number as you will be required to enter this during the security swipe process.

Do All Drivers Need to be Present?

Yes. All drivers will need to be present and must show their driving licence to the rental desk clerk. If you need to add an additional driver to the rental part way through your contract, you'll need to return to a local office to have them added to the rental.

What Documents will I need to Collect Vehicle

You will need your rental voucher with confirmation number. Driving licence card and a Debit / Credit Card in the lead drivers name.

Emergency Contact Number

In the event of a breakdown or accident please call the rental company directly. Their number will be on the rental agreement.

If you are having problems with the collection of your vehicle, please use the emergency number on the voucher. Please leave your name, contact number and voucher number and a brief description of the problem and we'll get in touch asap.

Extending Your Active Rental
Extend your Budget Rental

If you have collected your vehicle and wish to extend the rental, its important that you let Budget know asap otherwise they will apply an additional $10 charge per day on top of the additional daily rate.

Please review your rental agreement. In the left column, you will see AD DY which stands for Additional Daily rate. 

To extend your rental, please go to https://www.budget.com/en/reservation/view-modify-cancel and log in using your name and confirmation number. You can then select the option to Amend your booking and extend the rental.

Extend your Avis Rental

If you have collected your vehicle and wish to extend the rental, its important that you let Avis know asap otherwise they will apply an additional $10 charge per day on top of the additional daily rate.

Please review your rental agreement. In the left column, you will see AD DY which stands for Additional Daily rate. 

To extend your rental, please go to https://www.avis.com/en/reservation/view-modify-cancel and log in using your name and confirmation number. You can then select the option to Amend your booking and extend the rental.

Rental Voucher
Rental Voucher
When Do I receive the Rental Voucher

The rental voucher is issued automatically once full payment has been received. If you choose to pay a deposit, you will receive confirmation of your booking only. The balance is then due 8 weeks prior to the collection date. You will receive a voucher at this point.

The voucher is usually delivered straight away however on some occasions, especially during peak rental periods or if you pick a high demand vehicle such as the 12 seater's and SUV's we have to confirm availability with the rental company prior to sending you the rental voucher. This can take up to 48 hours.

The Wording on my voucher is different?

Because we offer vehicle rental around the world the rental vouchers and conditions are generic templates so they sometimes state things such as "One Way Fee's May Apply" even though there are no one way fee's within Florida. If you have any doubt, please get in touch with me.

Online Check-In
Online Check-In
What is Alamo Online Check-In?

Speed up your rental with Alamo Online Check-In. Provide Alamo with all the driver details prior to travelling and when you arrive at the airport you use the Alamo kiosks to print out your rental agreement. No need to go to the rental desk. Then go pick your car from those available within the parking lot.

Once you've received your rental voucher please visit the Alamo Online Check-In website to pre-register.

Once you've received your rental voucher please visit the Alamo Online Check-In website to pre-register.

What are the Alamo Kiosks?

Alamo kiosks are located at all the major airports. Once you've registered with the Alamo Online Check-In website you can use the kiosks to print our your rental agreement. Once you have the rental agreement you can proceed to the parking lot and select your vehicle from those available within your category. The majority of UK customers renting with Alamo will have to queue up at the rental desk. Only a few companies are able to allow their customers to use the Alamo kiosks. We're one of them.

Budget Speedy Check-In

Budget do not offer a speedy collection process

Hertz Online Check-In

Hertz offer an Online Check-In service: Click Here

You must still go to the rental desk.

Optional Extras
Child Seats

Child seats are available to rent from the car hire companies. These are added on and paid for locally and are subject to local taxes.

Car Seat Rental Prices:
Alamo / National: $10 per day with a maximum fee of $70
Budget / Avis: $13 per day with a maximum fee of $70
Hertz / Dollar / Thrifty: $13 per day with a maximum fee of $91
Sixt: $11.49 per day with a maximum fee of $98

Toll Road Options

Each rental company offers a tolling option so we've put together a helpful guide at www.discountfloridacarhire.co.uk/toll-road-sunpass-guide.

If you're collecting from Orlando International Airport (MCO), you may want to consider using the VisitorTollPass.com system 

Sat Nav Rental
Sat Nav Rental
Do I have to book a vehicle in order to rent a sat nav?

No. Anyone from the UK can rent one of our devices.

Sat Nav Rental Prices

Please check our price section. A return pre-paid envelope is included in the price.

How and when will I receive the Sat Nav?

The Sat Nav is sent to you approximately 1 week before your holiday using Royal Mail 48 Tracked Delivery. You will receive an email once the Sat Nav is dispatched which will contain a tracking number. Someone will need to be at the address to sign for it. 

Our backup suppliers use Royal Mail 2nd Class parcel delivery.

How do I return the Sat Nav?

A pre-paid, pre-addressed postal bag will be included and will be delivered along with your sat nav. Once you return from your holiday, please return the sat nav by taking it to a post office and obtaining proof of postage.

Am I supplied with a Power Cable / Mounting Kit / Carry Case?

Yes

Can I select a Sat Nav Brand?

We only use Garmin devices as we've found them to be the most user friendly.

Are the Maps Up to Date?

All sat nav's come with the latest available maps from Garmin however it can take time for them to update their mapping for new roads and attractions. We cannot be held responsible for their accuracy.

Pre-set Sat Nav Home Location

We include instructions on how to add your holiday address to the home location. We're unable to do this for you due to the number of devices we send out.

Are the theme parks / water parks / restaurants pre-programmed?

Yes. The Sat Nav comes pre programmed with millions of POI (Points of Interest).

Eat and Play Card
Eat and Play Card
There are 5 or more people in our group

While Participating Merchants are only required to offer their discount to up to four people per card, we find that many are very accommodating to an extra person and still often (we can’t guarantee always) provide their discount to all five. Once a group becomes six people or more do we suggest you consider getting additional digital cards/PINs.

Userid Not Found

During the activation process, please ensure you enter your email address. This will be your User ID

PIN or Card Number?

The term PIN and card number are interchangeable.

What’s included in the discount?

The % discount is generally off your *total* purchase. For restaurants, this includes all food and beverages, except alcohol (unless otherwise stated). And quite a few restaurants also include alcohol. Several tours and activities include promo codes within the app that let you pre-book long before you even arrive in destination.

What happens if I lose my phone?

Once your PIN has been activated, your name, the card number, and expiry date will be hard coded in the app on your phone. These cannot be changed. If your phone is lost, unfortunately so too is your digital Eat and Play Card.

When we send you the Eat & Play Card

The Eat & Play card is emailed out 7 days prior to your rental start date. Please follow the instrctions in order to activate your card.

After Rental
Download your Rental Receipt
Submit Support Ticket

If you've experienced problems locally such as additional unexpected charges, please submit a ticket at http://www.dfch.co.uk/cs/index.php?a=add

...