Did an online snafu cause car rental companies in FLA to deny CT residents rides?

CONNECTICUT — State Attorney General William Tong has sent a letter to Avis Budget Group seeking clarification about reported denials of vehicle rentals to Connecticut license holders in Florida.

The inquiry follows consumer complaints that rental locations operated by Avis, Budget, and Payless have refused to rent vehicles to drivers holding Connecticut licenses marked “Not for Federal Identification.” These licenses are valid under Connecticut law and have been issued to residents—including citizens and documented individuals—since at least 2011.

The websites for the rental companies indicate that such licenses are not recognized as valid identification in Florida and may not be accepted to operate a vehicle on public roads. However, the Office of the Attorney General noted that these disclaimers are limited to FAQ sections online and are not clearly communicated during the reservation process or when consumers enter personal and payment information.

Some affected consumers reported paying deposits or providing personal data before being denied rentals upon arrival.

Tong’s office contends that the denials appear to misapply a Florida statute which targets licenses issued solely to undocumented immigrants. The statute does not apply to the Connecticut-issued licenses in question, which serve as valid proof of driving eligibility.

"To the extent Avis Budget Group has a policy or practice of refusing service to Connecticut consumers without a basis in law, and/or not clearly and conspicuously disclosing such policy and practice to Connecticut consumers, this may represent a violation of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act…" Tong warned in the letter.

The Attorney General is requesting detailed information about Avis Budget’s rental policies, consumer disclosures, and any related complaints involving Connecticut residents.