Car rental Tallahassee, FL

Top tips for renting a car in Tallahassee

Unlike other major Floridian cities, Tallahassee is ruled by commuters in cars, which means roads are straightforward and usually well looked-after. However, traffic can be unreliable, and Florida's got its fair share of unique road rules. Here's what to brush up on before you drive.

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What are the road rules and driving conditions in Tallahassee?

Florida adheres to all the general road rules of the United States, like wearing a seatbelt at all times, sticking to the right-hand side of the road, and observing road signage and speed limits. In addition to these, you'll also notice some less common road rules in the Sunshine State. For example, you can get a ticket for driving too slowly, particularly if you're impeding the flow of traffic. Parking in intersections or on curbs also carries a hefty fine.

In Tallahassee, speed limits start at 15 to 20 miles per hour (mph) in school zones, followed by 30 mph in business districts and on residential roads, and 55 mph on all other roads. If you're found to be going over the signed speed limits by even a mile, you run the risk of receiving a ticket. Florida has also implemented the Super Speeder Law, which penalises drivers who go more than 50 mph over the limit with up to 30 days in jail and a monetary fine.

One thing that distinguishes Tally driving from other parts of Florida is its hilly terrain. The Red Hills region brings elevation changes, so always drive cautiously and within the speed limits when you're navigating the area for the first time.

Traffic in Tallahassee can be hit and miss depending on the day and whether there are any events happening. As a general rule, it builds up in peak hour and around areas of interest like Florida State University and downtown, then calms outside of key commuter times.

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What is parking like in Tallahassee?

With a growing population of over 200,000 residents, parking in Tallahassee has gotten busier over the years. It's characterized by a mix of metered street spots and parking garages, as well as open-air lots found at shopping malls, tourist attractions, and hotspots like Florida State University.

In the downtown area, a garage may be your best bet if you're visiting during the week, as street parks fill up fast – you'll find the Kleman Parking Garage at 306 S Duval Street, and the Calhoun Eastside Parking Garage at 215 S Calhoun Street. If you do choose to park on the street, you'll notice that inner-city street spaces have a 1-hour maximum, whereas others further out permit parking for 2 to 4 hours.

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Are there toll roads in Tallahassee?

There's just one toll road that runs near Tallahassee – the Orchard Pond Parkway, located north of the city center. It's a go-to for locals during peak commute times when traffic can back up, so you might find yourself driving on it if you're headed to a meeting or taking the kids to an early activity.

Other than the Orchard Pond Parkway, there are a few additional toll roads in Florida, but they're all well out of Tallahassee's bounds. You may encounter them if you plan on road-tripping through the state, so always check your navigation first.

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Are there gas stations and EV chargers in Tallahassee?

As the state's capital and a busy, growing city, Tallahassee, FL is well-equipped with both gas stations and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. If you're driving a fuel-based vehicle, find gas stations from major providers like Shell, Sunoco, and Chevron dotted along busy roads like Tennessee Street, U.S. Route 27, Monroe Street, and Gaines Street.

For eco-conscious EV drivers, chargers are easy to find in downtown Tallahassee in particular. Try the ChargePoint located in Cascades Park at 606 Suwannee Street, or the Blink charging station at the LeRoy Collins Leon County Main Public Library. There are also many charging options in major hotels, shopping malls, and community buildings in the Tallahassee city center and surrounding suburbs.

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Do I need to rent a car in Tallahassee?

Florida is a big place, so renting a car here is almost imperative. While Tallahassee has some public transit options, thanks to the StarMetro bus service, they're limited and don't reach every captivating corner of the city. So, the best course of action if you're seeking freedom and a flexible itinerary is to rent your own car. Use Turo to find car rentals at affordable prices and make the most of your time in Tallahassee.