Car rental Clermont, FL

Top tips for renting a car in Clermont

Clermont driving is, for most, a smooth and enjoyable experience. The city has a mix of spacious streets and wide open freeways, many of which offer beautiful vistas of the surrounding lakes and hills. Before you get behind the wheel of your rental car in Clermont, take note of the local road rules and our top tips for navigating this relaxed slice of central Florida.

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What are the road rules and driving conditions in Clermont?

When you're driving in Clermont, FL, you'll need to adhere to Florida state road rules. This means driving on the right-hand side of the road, obeying posted speed limits and signage, using headlights when it's raining or at night time, and of course, wearing a seatbelt at all times. Florida law prohibits texting and driving, and mandates hands-free cell phone use in school and business zones. If you're traveling with kids, any child under five must be secured in a child safety seat.

By law, drivers in Florida must stop for a school bus when it has its stop sign extended and lights flashing, regardless of direction – unless there's a physical median separating the lanes. Another unique road rule in the area governs the use of headlights in wet weather, stating that if it's raining hard enough for you to have your windshield wipers on, then you must also turn your headlights on. Clermont is close to several lakes and nature parks, so you might occasionally notice a wildlife crossing – always stay alert in case an animal wanders across the road!

In Clermont, residential street and city road speed limits usually range from 25 to 35 miles per hour (mph), while highways and major roads can go up to 55-65 mph. If you’re heading east toward Orlando or jumping on the Florida Turnpike, you’ll be cruising at speeds up to 70 mph. Just be mindful: Florida law enforcement is strict about speeding, especially in school zones and construction areas.

Florida is a pretty sunny state, so there's usually no need for chains or snow tires in the winter. However, in the summer months, temperatures can rise significantly – make sure you always carry a spare with you in the unlikely event your tire blows out from the heat!

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What is parking like in Clermont?

Because Clermont is a small, friendly city, parking is pretty easy to find. In the downtown area, there's street parking on Osceola Street, Minneola Street, Montrose Avenue, Desoto Street, West Avenue, Lake Avenue, and 7th and 8th Streets. Public lots include the West Beach parking lot on Lake Minneola Drive, the Clermont City Hall on West Montrose Street, and the 5th and Carroll Street lot. If you plan on parking in a different location from these popular spots, always check street signage to confirm whether you need a permit or if there are any costs associated with parking there.

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Are there toll roads in Clermont?

With over 700 miles of toll roads in the state of Florida, you're unfortunately bound to encounter one during your time in Clermont and surrounds. However, once you know where they're located and how to pay them, navigating the Florida toll system is relatively easy. The main toll roads in Clermont are State Road 408, which notably connects Clermont to Orlando, State Road 417, and the Wekiva Parkway (also known as the Daniel Webster Western Beltway or State Road 429).

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Are there gas stations and EV chargers in Clermont?

Filling up your tank isn't hard in Clermont, where there are many gas stations from various providers available. The majority of your options will be dotted on either side of State Route 50, which runs through Clermont from east to west, or along South Highway 27, which goes from north to south. However, it's important to note that gas stations are few and far between in the actual downtown Clermont area near Waterfront Park – you'll have to drive five minutes or so toward the suburbs before they start popping up with more frequency.

As of 2024, Florida has the second-largest number of electric vehicle (EV) registrations of any state in the US – so it's understandable that EV charging stations are becoming more present to cope with the demand. In Clermont itself, there are over 20 EV charging stations, many of which are located in car dealerships like the Reed Nissan on State Route 50 and store parking lots like Costco on Collina Terrace. If you plan on driving into Orlando, expect a much wider range of options, with over 1,000 EV charging stations scattered across the city in convenient locations.

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Do I need to rent a car in Clermont?

The best way to see sunny Clermont is to rent a car. While there's some public transit available in the area – namely, fixed-route buses – a rental vehicle will give you unbridled flexibility and freedom to see 'the Gem of the Hills' on your own schedule.

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