SUV rental at Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS)

Multiple gas stations line Highway 85 both north and south of the airport, providing convenient fuel access for trips to Destin and Fort Walton Beach. The main commercial areas in Fort Walton Beach feature several fuel options within the downtown district. EV charging stations are available at select shopping centers and hotels throughout the Destin-Fort Walton Beach corridor, supporting electric vehicle travel in this Florida beach region.

To rent a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, have a valid driver's license, get approved to drive on Turo, and be 18 years old or older in the US, 21 years old or older in Australia, or 23 years old or older in Canada. In the UK, you must be 21 years old or older and have held a UK or EU license for at least one year, or another driver's license for at least two years. In France you must be 18 years old or older and have held a driver's license for at least 2 years, longer for certain makes and models of vehicles. When you're booking your first trip, you'll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver's license and some other information. In most cases, you'll get approved immediately, and you'll be set for all future road trips, day trips, and business trips!

The Emerald Coast Parkway connects Fort Walton Beach to Destin, showcasing sugar-white sand beaches and emerald waters that define this Florida region. Highway 85 leads north through Crestview into Alabama, offering access to state parks and inland attractions. The scenic route along Highway 98 hugs the coastline, passing through charming beach communities and providing stunning Gulf views perfect for a leisurely coastal drive.

SUVs provide excellent ground clearance and spacious cargo areas perfect for beach gear when exploring Destin and Fort Walton Beach. The elevated seating position offers better visibility of Florida's scenic coastal routes, while the robust build handles sandy parking areas common near beach destinations. Multiple passengers can travel comfortably with luggage for extended stays along the Fort Walton Beach area.

To rent a car on Turo in the US, you must be 18 years old or older.

The immediate Fort Walton Beach and Destin area features primarily toll-free highways and local roads for convenient travel. Major routes like Highway 85 and the Emerald Coast Parkway provide free access to popular beach destinations and rental accommodations. Florida's toll roads are located further east toward Panama City and Tallahassee, well beyond the typical driving range for Fort Walton Beach visitors.

Exit the airport and head south on Highway 85 toward Fort Walton Beach, following signs for the downtown area. The route takes you through residential neighborhoods before reaching the main commercial district near the waterfront. Downtown Fort Walton Beach features the historic landing area, local restaurants, and access to the beach, making it a popular destination for visitors to this Florida coastal region.

Florida requires headlights during rain and reduced visibility conditions, which are common during afternoon thunderstorms in the Destin area. Beach traffic increases significantly during peak season, particularly around Fort Walton Beach and popular rental areas. Parking meters are enforced in downtown zones, and many beach access points charge daily fees for vehicle parking throughout the Fort Walton region.

No, you don't need personal insurance coverage to rent a car on Turo. In the US, any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host's vehicle would kick in before your Turo protection plan. When booking a car in the US, you'll choose between three protection plans — Premier (eligibility requirements apply), Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of protection that's right for you. On each trip, you're covered with third-party automobile liability insurance provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company.* In New York state, you'll also choose between Premier (if available), Standard, or Minimum. With each plan, you're covered with liability insurance of $1,250,000.* Protection plans for New York trips also include access to roadside assistance, priority phone support, and 24/7 customer assistance.