Car rental Hollywood, FL

Top tips for renting a car in Hollywood

With its palm tree-lined roads and a different skyscraper to survey at every turn, driving in Hollywood, Florida can be lots of fun. Wide downtown roads make navigating the area pretty easy, but because it's a major tourist destination, traffic can build up, so it pays to stay across local conditions. Before you start driving in Hollywood, Florida, take in these tips for a seamless and smooth car rental journey.

What are the road rules and driving conditions in Hollywood?

Once you're buckled into your Hollywood rental car, all the Floridian road rules apply, including wearing a seatbelt at all times, obeying road signage, following local speed limits, and, importantly, driving on the right-hand side of the road. In Florida, it's illegal to text and drive, but there are no laws governing using your cell phone to make calls. For everyone's safety, consider going hands-free.

In Hollywood, speed limits start at 20 to 25 miles per hour (mph) in quiet neighborhoods and school zones, before climbing to 30 mph in business districts and other residential areas. Once you hit major roads, you'll notice Florida enforces a 55 mph speed limit. The only exceptions to this are major highways and interstates, where you can drive up to 70 mph.

While Florida's road rules are generally similar to those of other US states, there are a few unique road rules to be aware of. For example, you can make a right turn at a red light in Florida after coming to a complete stop first, but only if there's not a 'NO TURN ON RED' sign present. Drivers in Hollywood and other parts of Florida must pull over to the right-hand side of the road when an emergency vehicle with sirens and lights flashing approaches. If you're not able to pull over due to traffic, merge into the furthest right-hand lane possible to allow the vehicle to pass. Florida also has more roundabouts than many states – when faced with one, yield to drivers already in the roundabout and those approaching from your left.

Hollywood receives millions of annual visitors, so traffic can really build up in peak times, especially in the middle of summer. To avoid any accidents, keep your wits about you when navigating traffic, and always practice defensive driving.

What is parking like in Hollywood?

The City of Hollywood has made parking for both locals and visitors a very easy feat, with over 4,000 street spaces and upwards of 20 parking garages and surface lots available in the area. If you're happy leaving your vehicle on the street while you explore or grab a quick bite to eat, try Hollywood Boulevard, Van Buren Street, and Tyler Street in the downtown area to snag an easy spot. Or, if you'd prefer the security of a parking garage, there are a few to choose from close to hotspots, such as the Radius Garage in the city center (251 N 19th Avenue) and the Summit Parking Garage (1200 Block South Surf Road) or the Nebraska Garage (327 Nebraska Street) up by Hollywood Beach.

Are there toll roads in Hollywood?

You'll find a couple of major tollways near Hollywood, Florida – Florida's Turnpike and the Sawgrass Expressway (SR 869) – so some routes around the area and to neighboring cities are tolled. It's worth knowing they're there so you can factor them into your plans when you map out your drives.

Are there gas stations and EV chargers in Hollywood?

You'll have no trouble finding a place to fill up your tank or charge your rental car while you're in beautiful Hollywood, Florida. Gas stations are pretty abundant, with plenty of options from go-to providers like Mobil, Chevron, and Sunoco within the downtown area and surrounding Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport. Try the Shell at 2635 Hollywood Boulevard for 24/7 convenience, or the Shell or Circle K outlets on Johnson Street as you make your way to the beach.

Florida is leading the charge for electric vehicles, as the state with the second-highest number of EV registrations after California. You'll find no fewer than 160 chargers and charging stations in Hollywood, many of which are easily accessible within parking garages downtown. These include the Van Buren Garage at 251 S 20th Avenue, and the Garfield Garage at 300 Connecticut Street, which is handily located right near Hollywood Beach. Other destinations for chargers include popular hotels and resorts like the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, shopping centers like the Walmart Supercenter at 301 S State Road 7, and local landmarks like Hollywood City Hall.

Do I need to rent a car in Hollywood?

It's always a good idea to rent a car for maximum freedom and flexibility, and in Hollywood, it's imperative! With your own set of wheels, you'll be able to explore the local area and see hotspots in surrounding cities like Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach, and West Palm Beach. Cruising down to the nearby Florida Everglades is also easy when you have a rental car, as this area isn't fully serviced by public transit.