By Ashley Robinson The baggage carousel stops, suitcases are collected, and a family arriving at Orlando airport is ready to begin its holiday. Several hundred miles away, a business traveller in Miami wants to leave the rental garage without standing in another queue. Both need a dependable car, but they may not need the same rental company.
Florida has one of America’s busiest car-rental markets. Major brands operate at airports, city centres, hotels and neighbourhood locations. The right choice depends on price, vehicle selection, loyalty benefits and how quickly customers can collect and return the car. Here are the top five car rental companies in Florida in 2026.
1. Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- Corporate headquarters: Clayton, Missouri, in the St. Louis area
- Parent company: Enterprise Mobility
- Major Florida locations: Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale and numerous neighbourhood branches
- Best for: Customer service and statewide availability
Enterprise takes the first position after ranking highest in overall satisfaction in the 2025 J.D. Power North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study. It is particularly useful in Florida because it has both airport counters and an extensive network of neighbourhood branches.
Customers can choose from economy cars, sedans, SUVs, minivans, pickup trucks and premium vehicles. Its neighbourhood locations are useful for local residents who need an insurance-replacement car or a vehicle for a weekend trip.
Some non-airport branches offer a complimentary local pick-up service, but this is not available everywhere and generally does not apply at airports. Enterprise Plus members can earn points on qualifying rentals. Enterprise may not always quote the lowest rate, but its location network and service record make it the safest overall choice for many renters.
2. National Car Rental
- Corporate headquarters: Clayton, Missouri, in the St. Louis area
- Parent company: Enterprise Mobility
- Number of Florida locations: Around 31
- Best for: Business travellers and quick airport collection
National and Enterprise are separate rental brands, but both belong to Enterprise Mobility. National is more strongly designed around frequent airport and business travellers.
Its biggest advantage is the Emerald Club loyalty programme. At participating locations, members who reserve a midsize car can bypass the counter, walk to the Emerald Aisle and select an available vehicle. This saves valuable time after a long flight. However, Emerald Aisle service is not provided at every National branch.
National operates at important Florida airports and travel centres, including Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Myers and Port Canaveral. Prices are often higher than those of leisure-oriented brands, but frequent renters may find the faster collection process and loyalty benefits worth the difference.
3. Sixt
- Global headquarters: Pullach, Germany
- North American headquarters: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Major Florida locations: Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Jacksonville and Fort Myers
- Best for: Premium and luxury vehicles at competitive rates
Sixt has strong Florida roots because its North American headquarters is located in Fort Lauderdale. Its first American branch opened at Miami International Airport, and Florida remains one of the company’s most important markets.
The company is known for offering a more premium-looking fleet than many traditional rental brands. Depending on the branch, customers may find vehicles from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and other upmarket manufacturers alongside standard cars, SUVs, convertibles and minivans.
Sixt ranked among the top three brands in the latest J.D. Power satisfaction study. It also offers one-way rentals without additional drop charges on selected Florida routes. Customers should still inspect the vehicle carefully and understand the security deposit, damage, fuel and toll conditions before leaving the branch.
4. Hertz
- Corporate headquarters: Estero, Florida
- Major Florida locations: Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale and numerous neighbourhood branches
- Best for: Broad airport coverage and varied vehicle categories
Hertz is the only major American rental company on this list with its worldwide headquarters in Florida. Its Estero headquarters is located near Fort Myers in Southwest Florida.
The company operates at major airports and in many neighbourhood locations. Its fleet includes compact cars, family sedans, SUVs, vans and selected luxury vehicles. Electric cars may be available at certain branches, but EVs should no longer be presented as Hertz’s main advantage because the company substantially reduced its electric fleet.
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards can make collection and return faster for frequent customers. Weekly and long-term rates may also be attractive, although the cheapest company changes according to the date and location. Renters should document the car with time-stamped photographs and retain the final return receipt in case a damage or fuel-charge dispute arises.
5. Avis
- Corporate headquarters: Parsippany, New Jersey
- Parent company: Avis Budget Group
- Major Florida locations: Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Tallahassee and Cape Canaveral
- Best for: Airport rentals and app-based account management
Avis has a substantial presence at Florida airports, hotels and tourist centres. Its fleet ranges from economy cars and minivans to SUVs, hybrids, electric cars and premium vehicles.
The free Avis Preferred programme allows members to bypass the standard counter at participating locations, earn points and manage reservations through the Avis app. Customers can use the app to book, modify or upgrade a rental and access receipts.
Avis often runs discounts for advance bookings and longer rentals. However, it is not accurate to promise that Avis always provides the best price or customer service. Rates and branch performance differ by location. Its reliable airport coverage and useful loyalty tools are the main reasons it remains in the top five.
Why Alamo Is the Closest Alternative
Alamo, another Enterprise Mobility brand, is a strong choice for tourists and families. It has major airport locations and a convenient facility at Walt Disney World’s Car Care Center. Its Accelerated Check-In and Skip the Counter options can simplify collection at participating locations.
Travellers focused mainly on an Orlando family holiday could reasonably choose Alamo instead of Avis or Hertz. The final five above offer a better balance of business travel, neighbourhood availability, premium cars and statewide coverage.
What to Check Before Booking
Compare the total price after airport fees, taxes, protection products, additional-driver costs and young-driver surcharges. Florida has many cashless toll roads, so renters should understand the company’s toll programme and administrative charges.
Photograph every side of the car, wheels, windscreen, fuel gauge and mileage before driving away. On return, obtain a written or electronic receipt confirming the time, fuel level and vehicle condition.
Conclusion
Enterprise is the strongest all-round choice, while National is ideal for frequent airport travellers. Sixt stands out for premium vehicles, Hertz combines statewide coverage with its Florida headquarters, and Avis offers convenient digital tools. Since rental prices change daily, customers should compare all five for their exact airport, dates and vehicle category before booking.