Well having done the telephone tango with Avis for the last few days over this I finally spoke to somebody today who, although not in MCO, said she was responsible for speaking on their behalf.

She said it wouldn't be a problem returning to a different location but I would need to call Avis once in Florida and let them know it would be returned to TPA instead of MCO. She was pretty sure there'd be no charge for this.

I'm an airline employee on a discounted rate (though not much difference) and will have to show my ID to prove this on arrival. I'll mention that I may have to return it to a different location, saying that I won't know for a couple of days, and if they question this at all I'll just head over to Hertz for the one I have booked with them. I know travel industry employees are not as respected as they were years ago, but hopefully the combination of my Avis Preferred membership and airline employment will work in my favour on this occasion.

Susan - I'm sorry to say I couldn't get a direct number for MCO, only that which is shown on your confirmation. When you press the numbered options this trips to central reservations, but after perseverance I was put through to the lady who was responsible for speaking on behalf of MCO.

IAHtraveler - if I have any problems, I'll ask for Brian as it sounds like he could be very helpful.

Thanks everyone for your help.