Do you need a car in Florida?

More and more Floridians are choosing to live without owning a car. Similarly, there has been an drop in the amount which Floridians drive gas-powered vehicles. About 1 out of 10 families is now meeting its transportation needs without a car. And the benefits are great.



Whether you need a car in Florida depends heavily on your specific destination. In Orlando, while theme parks offer shuttles and ride-shares are plentiful, a car provides freedom from rigid bus schedules and the high cost of airport transfers. In walkable areas like the 30A coastal communities (Rosemary Beach, Seaside) or South Beach (Miami), you can easily rely on bicycles, trolleys, and walking. However, Florida is a sprawling state with limited intercity public transit; if you plan to visit multiple regions, such as driving from Miami to the Everglades or exploring the Gulf Coast, a rental car is almost essential. Without one, you may find yourself stranded or spending a fortune on long-distance Ubers. In 2026, the Brightline high-speed rail has improved connectivity between Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando, but for "last-mile" travel to specific beaches or natural springs, four wheels remain the most practical choice.

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Renting a car can be cheaper than flying because the travel expenses look a lot like driving your own car. You'll pay for the use of the car, fuel, and e-Toll service (if you use it)—but you don't have to pay for depreciation or insurance (unless you opt for add-on protections/insurance).

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The 202 largest cities in Florida (the most populous cities in FL are Jacksonville, Miami, and Tampa) have an average Walk Score of 30. The best cities in Florida ranked by Walk Score are Miami, Miami Beach, and Hialeah, while the least walkable cities are The Acreage, Poinciana, and Oakleaf Plantation.

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With all these car hire companies looking to replenish their fleets all at once, demand is outstripping supply, thus the increase in prices. Some visitors are just swallowing the increased car hire pricing and paying up, but the increased cost is out of reach for many planning their Florida holiday.

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Car rentals cost more than they did a few years ago due to many different factors, but primarily because of supply chain issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As demand for rental cars fell, rental car companies sold segments of their fleets to stay in business during the lean times.

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You can probably save a lot of money driving one car down to Florida instead of paying hundreds of dollars EACH to fly there with your family. Sure, that price at the gas tank might make you wince, but hundreds of dollars on gas for a road trip might be better than thousands of dollars on flights!

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You can definitely park your car at your Walt Disney World Resort on your checkout date! It's a sad time knowing that your vacation is nearing its end but you can squeeze in as much fun as possible by fully enjoying the Parks, eating a delicious Table Service meal, and saying goodbye with a nighttime spectacular!

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Freedom of Having Your Own Car You also have the ability to go park at the actual theme park, which allows you to arrive and leave whenever you want, and it can also help you park hop faster. Keep in mind that if you're staying at a Disney World hotel, you can park at the theme parks for free.

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