Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Fort Walton Beach
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Fort Walton Beach
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Fort Walton Beach
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Fort Walton Beach
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Fort Walton Beach is a captivating coastal city with pristine beaches, family-friendly attractions, and vibrant local culture. While alternative transport options exist, renting a car offers the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Unrestricted Exploration. With a rental car, you are not bound by bus routes or taxi availability. You can effortlessly reach secluded beaches, state parks, and nearby towns, experiencing the true essence of the Emerald Coast.
Family Comfort and Convenience. If you’re travelling with family, especially with kids and beach gear, a rental car provides ample space and comfort, making beach trips hassle-free.
Cost-Effective for Longer Stays. For extended vacations, renting a car becomes more economical than relying on taxis or ride-sharing services, offering unlimited travel within the region.
Personalised Itineraries. A rental car empowers you to create your own itinerary, visiting attractions when you want and staying as long as you like, without the constraints of guided tours or public transport schedules.
Before booking a rental car in Fort Walton Beach, ensure you meet the necessary requirements. These include age, licensing, and understanding the rental agreement’s terms and conditions.
Area
Approximately 8.5 square miles
Population
Around 21,000 residents
Time Zone
Central Standard Time (CST)
Ideal for
Family vacations and beach trips
Rush Hours
Expect traffic during peak tourist seasons, especially around midday and late afternoons.
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Fort Walton Beach require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur additional surcharges.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsRentals typically include basic insurance. Additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is usually required and will be refunded upon the safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies usually require you to return the car with the same fuel level as when you picked it up.
5. Additional FeesAdditional charges may apply for add-ons like GPS, child seats, additional drivers, or late returns. Be aware of potential airport surcharges as well.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14 per day
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
To book a car in Fort Walton Beach, follow these simple steps to ensure a smooth and cost-effective rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies, considering your dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s a compact car for solo travel or an SUV for family adventures.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and vehicle availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Present your driver’s licence, credit card, and any required documentation at the rental counter to collect your vehicle.
Fort Walton Beach offers a delightful mix of natural beauty and local attractions, making it ideal for tourists. Navigating the area with a rental car requires familiarity with local traffic regulations and parking options.
Fort Walton Beach, located on Florida’s Emerald Coast, is renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches and family-friendly atmosphere. While the city is easily navigable, having a rental car enhances your ability to explore nearby attractions. Driving within Fort Walton Beach is generally straightforward, but awareness of local traffic laws and parking regulations is important.
Top Attractions to Discover
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
An aquatic wonderland featuring dolphin and sea lion shows.
Okaloosa Island Boardwalk
A lively area with shops, restaurants, and direct beach access.
Emerald Coast Science Center
An interactive museum perfect for families with kids.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several parking garages are available, especially near popular attractions and the beach.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available but can be limited during peak seasons.
Park & Ride
Consider parking further from the main attractions and using local transport to avoid congestion.
Gas Stations in Fort Walton Beach
Major Brands Available
Find brands like Shell, Chevron, and ExxonMobil along major routes.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are easily accessible throughout the city and along main roads.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to find nearby stations and current fuel prices.
Useful Tips for Visiting Fort Walton Beach
Plan for Traffic Delays
Traffic can be heavy during peak tourist season, especially around midday and late afternoons. Plan your trips accordingly.
Stay Hydrated
Keep water with you, especially when spending time outdoors in the Florida heat.
Check Beach Conditions
Before heading to the beach, check local conditions, including water quality and any advisories.
Use Navigation Apps
Use GPS navigation to help you navigate the area, locate amenities and attractions, and identify any traffic delays.
Airports
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS)
Located approximately 16 miles from Fort Walton Beach, VPS is the closest major airport, serving domestic flights.
Renting a car in Fort Walton Beach is straightforward, but you’ll need to meet a few essential requirements to get behind the wheel.
You’ll need a valid driver’s licence. International visitors may require an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 might face additional fees.
A credit or debit card in the renter’s name is needed for the security deposit. Some companies may only accept credit cards.
A passport or other official ID might be required, especially for international renters.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Fort Walton Beach as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Quick business trip, easy car rental, beautiful beaches!
David Lee
Reviewed: 28.12.2024
Chill beach vibes
Kevin Brown
Reviewed: 12.10.2024
Summer vacation in Fort Walton Beach was perfect! Having a car made getting around so simple. Beautiful beaches!
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 07.06.2025
Great visit! Meeting friends in Fort Walton Beach was easy thanks to having a car. Beautiful beaches!
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 11.01.2025
Fort Walton Beach was perfect for my quick business trip. Having a car made everything so convenient!
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 05.09.2024
So glad I returned to Fort Walton Beach after all these years! Having a car made exploring so much easier, and the beaches are stunning.
Christopher Davis
Reviewed: 23.03.2025
First trip, loved Fort Walton! Easy to get around.
Maria Garcia
Reviewed: 22.04.2025
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Fort Walton Beach was a delightful surprise! Exploring the area with a rental car was so easy, and the beaches were gorgeous. Definitely going back!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 21.05.2025