Car rental in Florianópolis

Picking up your car at Florianópolis airport

Hercílio Luz international airport operates from a new terminal, modern and comfortable, in the south of the island. From there you are close to the southern beaches and a short drive from the northern ones.

Depending on the company, the rental desks are in the arrivals area or they tell you how to reach their car park. Your voucher shows the exact pickup point and what to do after baggage claim. If anything is unclear when you land, message us on WhatsApp.

A question we get often: we don't offer meet-and-greet at the terminal door. We only work with official rental companies, which is what guarantees the car is there, the contract is right and you have support if something happens.

Drive down or rent there?

Many visitors from Argentina and southern Brazil reach Florianópolis driving their own car. It works, but it means many hours on the road each way, vacation days lost to the trip and wear on your car.

Flying in and renting locally lets you arrive rested, start your holiday the same day and get around the island in a new car, with roadside support from the rental company. For one or two weeks at the beach, it often makes more sense.

What you need to pick up the car

Just a few things, and all of them are mandatory. Without any of them the rental company won't hand over the car.

A physical, valid driver's license. A license on your phone, photos or copies won't work. It has to be the plastic card, valid for the whole rental.

A valid passport. Visitors from Mercosur countries such as Argentina can also travel with their national ID card.

A credit card in the main driver's name. The rental company blocks a security deposit. Debit cards, cash and someone else's card are not accepted.

The minimum age is 19, although it may vary by rental company or category. Drivers under 25 usually pay a young driver fee, and there is no maximum age. That's why we ask your age before quoting.

The island: north, south and east

Most of Florianópolis is on an island, and the beaches change a lot from one area to another. In the north you'll find Canasvieiras, Jurerê and Ingleses: calmer water, plenty of services and a favorite with families.

In the east and south there's Lagoa da Conceição, with its restaurants and nightlife, and more open beaches such as Campeche, with waves and wilder scenery.

With a car you can stay in one area and explore the rest without depending on transfers or bus schedules. It's the best way to enjoy the island.

Traffic, bridges and parking in high season

In January especially, the island fills up. There are traffic jams on the roads to the north, around Lagoa and at the entrances to the best-known beaches, above all in the afternoon.

The island is linked to the mainland by bridges, and queues build up there too at rush hour and on the days tourists arrive and leave. If you're leaving the island, go early.

A simple tip: head to the beach in the morning, come back before or after everyone else, and always allow more time than your GPS says.

At the most popular beaches space is limited and fills up early. Near the sand there are private paid car parks, the easiest option, and on the street you may find informal parking attendants.

Respect no-parking signs, because fines arrive later. And don't leave anything visible inside the car: take only what you need to the beach.

Speed cameras and fines: they arrive later

Florianópolis and the roads around it have many speed cameras, some in places you wouldn't expect. Speed limits change often, so keep an eye on the signs.

Fines aren't paid on the spot: they reach the rental company weeks later, when you're already home. The rental company charges them to your card and adds an admin fee. The same goes for any unpaid tolls.

Trips along the BR-101 and tolls

With the car you can visit other spots on the Santa Catarina coast. To the north, Bombinhas and Balneário Camboriú; to the south, Garopaba. You get there on the BR-101 highway, usually in a couple of hours or less, longer in high season.

There are toll plazas on the BR-101. Have a way to pay or ask whether the car has an electronic tag. The toll pass offered at the desk is an extra paid there: if something doesn't match your booking, message us before you sign.

If you want to cross into another country or return the car in another city, tell us when you ask for a quote: not every rental company allows it and, when it's possible, there is a fee that we include in your quote.

Fuel: ethanol or gasoline

In Brazil the pumps offer etanol (ethanol) and gasolina (gasoline). Many rental cars take both, but not all. Ask at the desk which fuel your car takes before you leave, or check the fuel cap.

Return the car with the same fuel level you got it with. The rental company charges missing fuel at a much higher price than a gas station. Fill up near the airport and keep the receipt.

Book early for January and February

January and February, with Carnival, are the busiest months. Cars sell out, especially automatics, SUVs and minivans, and prices rise as the date gets closer.

For two people, a compact is enough. For a family with suitcases, ask for an intermediate or an SUV. We guarantee the category, not the model: the rental company assigns that at pickup.

Insurance, taxes and unlimited mileage are almost always included. If a rate doesn't include them, we tell you before you book.