7 Mistakes to Avoid When Renting a Car in Florida
Most rental problems are cheap to prevent and expensive to fix. Nearly all of them are decided before anyone touches a key — in what you booked, wh...
Read more →Fort Lauderdale Airport Car Rental: What to Know Before You Book
You don't have to use an airport counter to rent a car at FLL. Atlas delivers across Fort Lauderdale and South Broward, so instead of queueing in the rental center you arrange a handoff that fits your landing time. A 2024 Volkswagen Jetta is $65 a day, and we charge no airport concession or facility fee — the surcharges that make on-airport rentals cost more than their advertised rate.
Here's what to sort out before you fly.
Can Atlas meet me at the airport?
Airport-area delivery may be available depending on timing, availability and airport rules, and we confirm the exact handoff point with you before your rental starts. Hotel delivery near FLL is the most common arrangement — if you're heading straight to a hotel, that's usually the simplest option.
Tell us your flight number when you book. If it's delayed, contact us as soon as you know and we'll adjust the delivery time where we can.
Book before you fly
The most common mistake is waiting until you land. Booking ahead gets you a better choice of vehicle and a delivery slot that matches your arrival, and Fort Lauderdale demand spikes around cruise sailings, spring break and the winter season. One to three weeks ahead is comfortable for most trips.
What it actually costs
Compare the total, not the daily rate. With Atlas, a Jetta is $65 a day, 200 miles a day are included and additional miles are $0.35. Delivery is free in Hollywood and Dania Beach, $20 in Fort Lauderdale and Hallandale Beach, and $30 in Aventura and Davie. A $300 security deposit is held and released after you return the car.
Tolls are tracked by SunPass and billed back after your trip — South Florida runs almost entirely on electronic tolling, so there's no cash lane to worry about.
Do you need insurance?
If you have your own auto policy and we can verify it, you pay nothing extra. If you can't, renter liability through Atlas is $33 a day. Optional damage waivers are $14.95 a day with a $1,000 deductible, or $24.95 with a $250 deductible.
How delivery works
We bring the car to your hotel, vacation rental, home, office or another agreed location, walk round it with you, and hand over the keys. No counter, no upsell desk, no shuttle to a remote lot.
What to have ready
- A valid driver's license — drivers must be at least 23, and we charge no young-driver fee
- A payment card in the renter's name; debit cards are accepted
- Your insurance details, if you're using your own
- Identity verification, which you complete online before delivery
International visitors: we can accept overseas licenses subject to verification, and may ask for extra documentation depending on the issuing country.
Choosing a vehicle
The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta suits couples and business trips and is easy to park on Las Olas. The 2023 Volkswagen Taos takes the luggage, the beach kit and the family. Both are on our fleet page.
Where you can get to
A car is the difference between seeing Fort Lauderdale and seeing South Florida. Hollywood Beach and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea are short drives; the Everglades, Boca Raton and Miami are comfortable half-days; the Keys are a genuine day trip if you leave early.
See also: Best Day Trips from Fort Lauderdale by Car and Best Beaches Near Fort Lauderdale You Can Drive To
Before you book
Our FAQ covers debit cards, tolls, additional drivers, delayed flights and mileage. Cancel at least 24 hours before your start time for a full refund.
Land, collect your bags, and have the car brought to you.
