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Best Moving Truck Rental Companies in Florida of 2023
By Kat Tretina MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Residential, commercial, auto, interstate
Storage, packing, unpacking
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Residential, commercial, auto, interstate
Storage, re-delivery, packing, unpacking, online tracking
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Local, long-distance, commercial
Packing, storage, piano moving
N/A
Residential, corporate, government/military
Full-service packing and unpacking, disassembly and reassembly, auto transportation, and storage in route
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It’s no secret that people are flocking to Florida. According to Florida’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research, the state’s population grew by over 700,000 people between 2020 and 2023. In fact, four out of 10 of the most popular destinations for homebuyers who relocate are cities in Florida.
But plenty of people are also moving from one place to another within the Sunshine State, and from Florida to other states. If you’re moving from a Florida location, handling the move yourself and renting a moving truck can help you save thousands of dollars. Whether you’re looking to get a moving truck in Miami, Sarasota or Tallahassee, here are the best moving truck rental companies in Florida.
Our top picks for best moving truck rental companies in Florida
Table of Contents
- Best Overall : Penske
- Best for Multiple Truck Sizes: Budget
- Best for Earning Loyalty Points: Enterprise
- Best for Small Moves: Home Depot
- Best for Long-Distance: U-Haul
Reviews of the best moving truck rental companies in Florida
Best Overall: Penske
Why We Chose It: With most moving truck rentals, you have to pay not only a truck rental fee but a mileage charge of as high as $0.99 per mile that significantly adds to your overall cost. By contrast, Penske offers unlimited mileage included in its price on longer moves, so there are no surprises if you need to take a detour during your trip. Plus, Penske is one of the few that guarantees its reservations.
- Multiple discounts
- Additional equipment and supplies available
- No cancellation fees or deposit
- Minimum age 18
- Limited locations in south central Florida
- Some locations are owned by third parties
Penske operates several discount programs, including discounts for college students. So if you’re heading to the University of Florida in Gainesville or Rollins College in Orlando, you can qualify for a lower rate.
In addition to a range of trucks and vans, Penske also offers equipment and supplies that can make moving easier, such as dollies, packaging and towing equipment. Penske can also connect you to third-party providers of moving labor to help you load and unload your truck.
Penske doesn’t charge cancellation fees or deposits, and the minimum age to rent a truck is just 18 — far lower than the minimum of other companies.
However, Penske doesn’t operate as many locations as its competitors. Particularly in south central Florida, in such places as Port Charlotte, Sebring or Okeechobee, it can be difficult to find a location with trucks available. And many Penske locations are operated by third-party partners, so service levels and policies can vary.
Best for Multiple Truck Sizes: Budget
Why We Chose It: With Budget Truck Rental, you can find the right moving truck for your needs. Whether you’re moving from a small studio apartment or a large three-bedroom home, Budget has moving trucks to suit the volume of your belongings. It also offers moving accessories like car carriers, tow dollies and hand trucks to transport your things.
- Multiple van and truck options
- Moving and packing help available
- Car towing accessories available
- Fewer locations in Florida than others
- High deposit of $150
- High cancellation fee
- Bookings not guaranteed
With Budget, moving truck options include cargo vans, 12’ box trucks, 16’ box trucks and 26’ box trucks. If you have a smaller move, you can also rent pickup trucks through Budget.
Budget works with third-party organizations to connect you with moving and packing help, and it has a variety of insurance options to protect you and the moving truck during the rental period.
Budget has fewer locations in Florida than companies like U-Haul, and it charges a $150 deposit. It also has a high cancellation fee; if you don’t cancel at least 48 hours before your reservation, you’ll be charged a $75 fee.
Finally, Budget’s reservations aren’t guaranteed. If the truck you reserved is delayed because another renter is behind schedule, you may not be able to get a vehicle when you need it.
Best for Earning Loyalty Points: Enterprise
Why We Chose It: As a company that also rents cars, Enterprise has something most moving truck rental outfits lack – a loyalty program. For those who also rent cars from Enterprise, it allows you to earn points for both car and truck rentals that can be redeemed for free rental days.
- Loyalty program for frequent Enterprise customers
- Pickup trucks, vans and moving trucks available
- Sells moving supplies and packing materials
- Roadside assistance
- One-way rentals typically not permitted
- Drivers must be 21 or older
- Truck rentals not available everywhere
A distinction compared with most other truck rental companies, Enterprise’s loyalty program likely won’t pay off with the occasional moving truck rental. But if you also frequently rent cars from Enterprise, the combined points (awarded at one per dollar spent) may eventually help you earn extra days of free rentals.
Another car-rental company on our list, Budget, also has a loyalty program. But the Enterprise program is more acclaimed, including being ranked the best rental-car loyalty program by personal finance website ValuePenguin.
Through Enterprise, you can rent pickup trucks, cargo vans and box trucks for your next move. Besides its trucks, Enterprise also sells moving supplies and packing materials, and it offers a comprehensive roadside assistance protection plan. Since many roadside assistance programs won’t cover large moving trucks, Enterprise’s truck roadside assistance program can provide peace of mind.
Enterprise truck rentals are only available for local, round-trip moves; your rental must be dropped off at its pickup location.
Enterprise also has a higher age minimum than other companies. While some moving truck rental companies allow customers as young as 18 to rent a truck, Enterprise requires drivers to be 21 or older.
Enterprise moving truck rentals aren’t available everywhere, and many sites are operated by third-parties, so truck availability may be limited.
Best for Small, Short Moves: The Home Depot
Why We Chose It: If you are moving with roommates or into a studio apartment, you don’t need a massive box truck. You can save money — and minimize stress — by renting a cargo van or small box truck instead. With Home Depot, you can rent vehicles for smaller moves by the hour, day or week.
- Rent by hour, day or week
- Vans and small box trucks available
- Unlimited mileage
- Deposit required
- Must be returned to pickup location
- Limited availability
If you don’t have much to move, you don’t need a large box truck or days to drive and unload your belongings. You can often transport your things in just a few hours. With Home Depot, you can rent a cargo van or small box truck for only the time you need, making it a more affordable option. Home Depot’s rentals include unlimited mileage, so you don’t have to worry about watching the odometer.
Home Deposit does require a $150 deposit on moving truck or van rentals, and the vehicle must be returned to its pickup location; one-way moves aren’t permitted. Not all Home Depots have vehicles available for rent, or there may only be a few trucks, so there may not be a van or truck ready for when you need it.
Best for Long-Distance Moves: U-Haul
Why We Chose It: If you’re moving across the state, you don’t want to worry about returning the rental truck. With U-Haul, you can turn in the truck at your new destination, eliminating unnecessary driving time.
- One-way and round-trip moves
- Multiple truck options
- Storage and accessories available
- Age minimum is 18
- Not all locations guarantee reservations
- Some locations run by third-parties
- Environmental fee added to your cost
- Fewer truck options
With U-Haul, you can rent cargo vans and box trucks for one-way or round-trip moves, and you can also purchase moving supplies and accessories. If you need to store your belongings until your new home is ready, many U-Haul locations also offer secure storage units.
U-Haul partners with third-party companies to offer moving and packing assistance. And while companies like Enterprise require drivers to be 21 or older, U-Haul’s age minimum is just 18. U-Haul doesn’t require a deposit if you pay with a credit card, and there are no cancellation fees as long as you cancel 24 hours or more before your reservation.
Other Companies We Considered
While these two companies aren’t our top picks, they could be good options for customers looking for alternatives:
FluidTruck
- 24/7 mobile access to moving vans and trucks
- Completely digital, contactless rentals
- Limited locations
- Sparse vehicle options
FluidTruck is a peer-to-peer platform that connects customers looking to rent a truck with truck and van owners. You can rent a truck entirely through FluidTruck’s app, and pick up your vehicle any time of the day or night; there’s no need to wait for a store to open. FluidTruck may also be more affordable; truck rentals cost as little as $6 per hour.
FluidTruck isn’t available everywhere. Currently, it’s only available in the following cities:
- Jacksonville
- Miami
- Naples
- Orlando
- Tampa
And because FluidTruck is a peer-to-peer platform, the availability of trucks is dependent on the owners, so you may struggle to find a truck for your desired moving day.
Ryder
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Large fleet of vehicles
- Not available for personal use
Ryder is a well-known transportation company, and it rents out its fleet of vans and trucks. However, its vehicles are only for business owners that need to rent a moving truck for work purposes, such as moving inventory or office equipment to a new location. It’s not available to customers looking to rent a moving truck for personal use.
Moving Truck Rental Companies in Florida Guide
Main Things to Know Before Renting a Moving Truck in Florida
Before you rent a moving truck in Florida, it’s important to keep the following things in mind:
- Size: Moving truck rentals can range in size from cargo vans to huge box trucks. Think about how much space you really need for your belongings, and how comfortable you are driving a large box truck. If you’re moving to an older community within Florida, such as Mount Dora or Annamaria Island, keep in mind that driving a large truck on those narrow streets can be very difficult. Also, while you can drive a smaller truck in Florida with a regular vehicle license, the same is not true of the biggest box trucks, which can reach the 26,000 pound weight at which a truck license is required.
- Community rules: In Florida, homeowners’ (HOAs) associations are very common. Many HOAs have restrictions on what vehicles can be parked on the street or even in driveways, so you may not be able to park your moving truck rental overnight. If you need more time before you are finished loading or unloading, you may need to find an alternative solution, such as hiring full-service movers.
- Insurance: Moving trucks can be incredibly expensive to repair or replace, and many personal auto insurance policies don’t cover moving truck rentals. Check with your insurance company to see what’s covered and, if necessary, explore your options for insuring the moving truck through the rental company.
- Mileage: With some companies, your mileage is included in your rental rate. With others, there are caps. If you exceed the cap, you’ll have to pay for every additional mile, which can substantially add to your overall cost.
What Is the Average Cost of a Moving Truck in Florida?
Your cost depends on the size of the truck you need, the distance to your new location and how long you’ll need the truck. According to move.org, the national average cost ranges from $130 for a one-bedroom apartment moving 50 miles to $1,030 for moving a five-bedroom home 450 miles.
We surveyed the cost of four moves within Florida for our five company picks. As the results below show, we found that prices range from $29.95 per day for local, round-trip moves — plus mileage — to over $1,300.
| Kissimmee, FL Local Move | Tampa, FL to Orlando, FL | Davenport, FL to Jacksonville, FL | Homestead, FL to Ocala, FL | |
| Budget (12’ truck) | $79.99/day (plus $0.99 per mile) | $499 (plus mileage fees after 128 miles) | $599 (unlimited miles) | $969 (unlimited miles) |
| Enterprise (12’ truck) | Not available in that location | Local moves only | Local moves only | Local moves only |
| Home Depot (12’ truck) | $139/day (unlimited mileage) | Local moves only | Local moves only | Local moves only |
| Penske (12’ truck) | $49.99/day (plus $0.99 per miles) | $202 (unlimited miles) | $297 (unlimited miles) | $1,356 (unlimited miles) |
| U-Haul (15’ truck) | $29.95 /day (plus $0.99 per mile) | $120 (plus mileage fees after 100 miles) | $159 (plus mileage fees after 208 miles) | $909 (plus mileage fees after 392 miles) |
| *Quotes assume a 12’ or 15’ truck (depending on availability) and a weekday pickup date | ||||
What Do You Need to Rent a Truck in Florida?
To rent a truck in Florida, you have to meet the following requirements:
- Age: Most companies require drivers to be at least 18 years old, though there are some moving truck rental companies in Florida that require drivers to be at least 21.
- Identification: You will have to provide the rental company with a valid, current driver’s license. (A regular license suffices for all but the very biggest box trucks – those that weigh 26,000 pounds or more.)
- Deposit: Typically, a deposit is required when you rent a moving truck. It’s often charged to a credit card, but some companies will allow you to pay with a debit card or cash.
How Do I Know If a Moving Truck Company is Legit in Florida?
When looking for a moving truck company in Florida, stick with the well-known names like our picks.These companies have been around a long time and are well-established within the state.
When evaluating whether a company is legitimate, you can look up the rental location near you with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and view customer reviews on TrustPilot.
Make sure any company you choose is licensed and registered with the state. You can search for a business license online with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Moving Truck Rental Companies in Florida FAQ
What truck size do you need for a move in Florida?
Everyone’s needs are different, so it can be difficult to know the truck size you need. Some moving truck rental companies like Penske have their own truck size calculators and tools to help you estimate what space you need. Enter your items, and the tool will give you a recommendation based on the information you provide.
You can use the following guidelines as a starting point:
| Pickup Truck | Cargo Van | 12’ Truck | 20’ Truck | 26’ Truck | |
| Home Size | Small loans/studio apartments | Studio apartments | Studios/one-bedroom apartments | Two-bedroom homes | Three-bedroom homes |
Do you have to pay a deposit when renting a truck in Florida?
In general, you will need to pay a deposit to rent a moving truck. Depending on the company, the deposit can be as much as $150.
How does a one-way truck rental work in Florida?
Some moving truck rental companies allow one-way moves, meaning you pickup the truck in one city, drive to your new destination, and deliver the unpacked truck to a rental center near your new home. One-way rentals make sense when you’re moving more than 50 miles and it would be at best inconvenient to return the truck.
How long can you rent a truck in Florida?
Truck rentals can be for days, weeks or even months. When you rent a truck, you have to pick a return date. If you exceed that date, you’ll have to pay an additional fee — often as high as $100 per day — for each day extra that you keep the truck.
How We Found the Best Moving Truck Rental Companies in Florida
To identify the best moving truck rental companies in Florida, we looked up companies that allow customers to rent a truck for do-it-yourself moves — full-service movers were not part of this evaluation.
We looked at eight moving truck rental companies that operate throughout the state of Florida, and evaluated each company based on their available trucks, ease of making a reservation, typical costs and added fees.
Summary of the Best Moving Truck Rental Companies in Florida
Whether you’re heading to a new home on the beach in Clearwater or enjoying county living in Auburndale, finding the right moving truck rental company can make your transition a smooth one.
Penske is our choice for the best overall company because of its truck options, pricing and included mileage, while U-Haul is our pick for the best long-distance rental company. If you need only a small vehicle to transport clothing or collectibles, Home Depot may be a good choice for you.
Regardless of which company you choose, be sure to do your homework and double check the rental agreements and fees to avoid any surprises on moving day.
