Chapter 1
Choosing the Right Vehicle
The vehicle you choose shapes your entire Orlando experience. A couple spending a week at theme parks has very different needs than a family of six doing a two-week Florida road trip. Here is how the main categories compare:
Pro tip: If you are visiting theme parks with children, a minivan is almost always the best value. The sliding doors make car seat installation easier, and the flat cargo floor fits strollers without folding them. An SUV looks more exciting, but a minivan is more practical for daily park logistics.
At GS Car Rental, we help you choose the right vehicle based on your itinerary, group size, and budget. Our fleet includes everything from economy sedans to premium SUVs, minivans, electric vehicles, and exotic cars.
Chapter 2
Understanding Insurance
Rental car insurance in the US can be confusing, especially for international visitors. Here is a plain-English breakdown of what each type covers:
CDW / LDW
Collision / Loss Damage Waiver
Covers damage to the rental car itself. This is not technically insurance but a waiver that limits your financial responsibility if the car is damaged or stolen. Most rental companies charge $15-$30/day for this. Your travel credit card may already include CDW coverage.
SLI
Supplemental Liability Insurance
Covers damage you cause to other people or their property. Florida law requires minimum liability coverage, but the state minimum ($10,000/$20,000) is dangerously low. SLI bumps this to $1 million, which is strongly recommended.
PAI
Personal Accident Insurance
Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers. If you already have travel insurance or health insurance that covers you in the US, you can safely skip this one.
PEC
Personal Effects Coverage
Covers theft of personal belongings from the car. Your homeowner's or renter's insurance may already cover this. Coverage limits are typically low ($1,000-$2,000), so it is rarely worth the extra cost.
Before you decline all coverage
Check your credit card benefits and travel insurance policy carefully. Many cards only cover CDW, not liability. Some require you to decline the rental company's CDW to activate the card benefit. And coverage may exclude certain vehicle types (SUVs, luxury, exotic). When in doubt, ask us and we will help you understand your options.
Chapter 3
Toll System in Florida
Florida has one of the most extensive toll road networks in the US. The major highways around Orlando, including the 408 (East-West Expressway), 417 (Central Florida GreeneWay), 528 (Beachline), and the Florida Turnpike, are all toll roads. Most toll plazas are cashless, meaning there are no toll booths to stop at.
Here is how the system works:
Our recommendation: At GS Car Rental, we include a SunPass transponder with every rental. You pay only the actual toll charges at the discounted SunPass rate, with no daily admin fees. This alone can save you $50-$100 on a two-week trip compared to the PlatePass programs at major rental chains.
Chapter 4
Airport Pickup
Florida has several airports that serve the Orlando area. Your arrival airport affects your rental logistics:
The main gateway. GS Car Rental headquarters are minutes away. We offer complimentary pickup at the terminal. The new Terminal C handles many international flights.
Smaller airport north of Orlando, popular with European charters (TUI, Jet2). Less crowded, faster pickup. About 40 minutes from the parks.
If you are starting in Miami and driving to Orlando, we can arrange pickup at MIA. The drive to Orlando takes about 3.5 hours via the Turnpike.
Often has cheaper flights than MIA. About 3 hours to Orlando. We offer pickup at FLL for guests doing a Miami-to-Orlando itinerary.
What to expect at MCO: After clearing customs and collecting your bags, head to the arrivals level. We will meet you at the designated pickup zone. The entire process takes about 15-20 minutes from the moment you text us that you have landed. No shuttle buses, no waiting in line.
Chapter 5
Costs to Expect
The sticker price on a rental car listing is never the final cost. Here is what actually goes into your total:
Base daily rate
Varies by vehicle class and season. High season (June-August, December-January) rates can be 2-3x low season.
Taxes and fees
Florida charges a rental surcharge ($2/day), plus state sales tax (6%), county tax (varies, 6% in Orange County), and a $2.05/day vehicle license recovery fee. These add roughly 20-25% to the base rate.
Insurance
CDW/LDW ($15-$30/day), SLI ($12-$20/day). Can double your daily cost if you opt in to everything.
Security deposit
Typically $200-$500 held on your credit card. Released 5-14 business days after return.
Tolls
Budget $30-$60 for a two-week stay with moderate driving. More if you commute on toll roads daily.
Gas
Regular gas in Orlando averages $3.20-$3.80/gallon in 2026. A full tank for a mid-size SUV costs about $55-$65.
Parking
Theme park parking runs $25-$30/day (Disney, Universal). Hotels outside the parks usually include free parking.
Real-world example: 14-day SUV rental
At a major chain, a mid-size SUV might advertise $45/day but end up costing $1,200+ after taxes, fees, insurance, and PlatePass tolls. With GS Car Rental, you get transparent pricing, SunPass included, and no surprise charges at return. Message us on WhatsApp for an instant, all-inclusive quote.
Chapter 6
Tips for International Visitors
Driving in the US for the first time can feel different. Here is what international visitors should know:
Driver's License
Florida accepts foreign driver's licenses for tourists. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not legally required. Bring both your original license and IDP if you have one.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right. Right turn on red is allowed unless posted otherwise. Speed limits are in miles per hour (65 mph on highways, 30-45 mph in cities). School zones drop to 15-20 mph when lights flash.
GPS Navigation
Use Google Maps or Waze. Both work excellently in Florida and account for tolls. Download offline maps for your area before arriving, in case of spotty data coverage in rural areas.
Payment
Most US rental companies require a credit card (not debit) in the renter's name. International cards with chip-and-PIN work fine. Notify your bank you will be in the US to avoid fraud blocks.
Weather note: Florida afternoon thunderstorms are intense but short (June through September). They usually last 20-40 minutes. Reduce speed, turn on headlights, and pull over if visibility drops. Flooded underpasses clear within an hour.
FAQ