Escaping Florence ZTL Zone

It has been written several times: traffic cameras flash you when you are entering ZTL, but there are no checks if you are exiting. Are you going to Siena on SR 222 or via the motorway?

Thank you for explaining that, it clears up the confusion for me. I am trying to work a route out of town without inadvertently driving into another zone. I would prefer to take SR2.

The easy way, getting you immediately out of ZTL:
Borgo Ognissanti - straight on Il Prato - turn right via Bernardo Rucellai - turn left via della Scala - turn left when you meet the "viali" ring at Porta a Prato and work your way to Porta Romana

The short way, but you have to be careful:
Borgo Ognissanti - turn left to via Curtatone - turn left to Lungarno Vespucci - turn right on Vespucci bridge (do not go straight, ZTL camera!) - turn right, Lungarno di S. Rosa - turn left, via lungo le Mura di S. Rosa - work your way straight at the next crossing, the S.Frediano door is on your right - viale Ariosto - at the traffic light turn left in viale Pratolini and straight to Porta Romana

@lachera- THANK YOU for the invaluable info! I really appreciate your help.

No rookie mistake.
Besides Avis has only that location, unless you want to go all the way to Via Palagio degli Spini, at the airport, which might be even more confusing.
The ZTL fear has been propagated by Internet terrorists and by people who shouldn't be driving at all. It is impossible to enter the ZTL in Florence and not seeing that you are entering it. There is a red light, there are signs in English, there is very conspicuous camera apparatus overhead. I guess some people need a railroad barrier that goes up and down to stop.
Just follow either direction by lachera and you can get out with no fear. I usually choose the second direction (via Ponte Vespucci to San Frediano), which is shorter to Porta Romana.
Just be aware, if you return the car at the same location, that via Senese northbound from Via Del Gelsomino to Porta Romana is bus only lane, so you must turn right on via Del Gelsomino then left at viale Del Poggio Imperiale.
To me the biggest risk with driving in Italy is the speed cameras, not the ZTL.

@roberto Thanks for the comparison and perspective. Gives me some confidence that I'll be able to navigate the situation with relative ease. I have been informed that the speed signs are posted and to slow when I see the boxes. Thanks for your help!

Unfortunately, sometimes, by the time you see the 'autovelox' camera boxes, it's too late for you to slow down to 50 km/h, and those pesky City authorities place those where the speed limit is yes only 50 km/h (or whatever), but where the road is such that it really calls for higher speeds (and I have a heavy foot).

Luckily, the cameras aren't always inside the boxes. Only some actually have them inside. They rotate them in the various boxes and usually a policeman is nearby to make sure nobody vandalizes or even steals the camera equipment (which Italians often used to do, whenever they had a chance).

Also be aware of the Speed Tutor system on many highways. Those work differently. There are cameras overhead (which nobody can't reach) every so many km. They photograph every car passing below, then the license plate numbers are automatically entered in a database which calculates the average speed of every car on that stretch of freeway (based on the time it takes you to cover the distance). Every time the average speed is above the limit existing on that stretch, a fine is issued automatically to the owner of the car. Some Italians have collected dozens of fines on the same trip.

ZTL's and speed cameras had me freaked before we went to Italy last December. ZTL's are well marked. I'm sure Avis will give you adequate instructions on how to leave and return unscathed.

Yes, 50kmh (31mph) can seem awfully slow, but when you see how small these towns are you'll understand why that's the speed limit. I just looked at it as an excuse to soak in the scenery at a relaxed pace! Country speed limits are usually 90kmh (55mph). The Autostrada is usually posted at 130 (80), but watch for speed reductions in congested areas. We took our Garmin and it displays the current speed limit. It was very accurate overall, but we always checked road signs.

We returned with no ZTL penalties or speeding tickets.

waiting until you see the camera box (and you won't see them all) is almost guaranteed to get you a souvenir.

Thanks to all for tips, I will breathe easier traveling with this info!!