Budget Car Rental — Local services in Tampa

Avoid at all costs! The owner Ed has no business in the car rental industry or dealing with customers. Avis/Budget made a huge mistake allowing him to represent their brand. Thankfully, I called first to ask about modifying my existing reservation. The owner was rude from the beginning, telling me he doubts he will have any cars available on the days I inquired about. I said, “I don’t understand, I have a reservation. So you’re telling me if I come on the day of my reservation there’s a chance I won’t be able to get a car?” He proceeds to ramble on and on about nonsense; “this is Florida, all kinds of events go on in Florida” and “I’m just telling you reality instead of what “corporate” will tell you.” I was speechless. I immediately cancelled my reservation. That call was insanity level - can’t imagine how horrible my experience would have been if I actually went there. Save yourself a headache, book...

Absolutely awful customer service. I called ahead to ask if I could pick up my rental a little earlier than my scheduled time, and the woman who answered the phone was extremely rude and unprofessional. I could barely hear her — the phone connection was terrible — and when I asked her to speak up or repeat herself, she got defensive and rude.

When I asked to speak with the manager, she said she was the manager, then out of nowhere told me, “I’m not renting to you,” and HUNG UP on me. Completely uncalled for and outrageous behavior.

I have never experienced such blatant disrespect from a business, let alone someone claiming to be the manager. This person has absolutely no business being in a customer-facing role. Budget needs to seriously reconsider who they’re putting in charge at this location. She should be fired immediately.

Save yourself the stress — rent from literally...

Worst rental experience of my life!

Arrived at this location with confirmed rental email & text. Was told the only vehicle was a mini-van (reserved a pick-up truck) and to “take it or leave it” The agent was not willing to help in any way to locate another dealer to find a suitable replacement, or even call customer service. I was told I needed to call myself and to leave the location. I refused to leave until I got in touch with Budget customer service. While waiting to speak with a rep, the agent was talking with someone on the phone, (assume it was a boss) stating I was rude and refused to leave the location, then she called the Police stating I was refusing to leave! The police didn’t show up… Customer service could only say they were sorry for the experience. Customer service has deteriorated greatly...