Florida and Driver License Law

[ILH]

There has been a great deal of press coverage of a recently discovered issue in Florida. Apparently a new law was passed (effective January 1, 2013) that requires non-US drivers to have an international driver's license. There are approximately 3 million Canadians who visit Florida annually. Until this week, there hadn't been any publicity of the change.

The original intent of the law was to assist law enforcement - since many foreign licenses were not in English. However, since all Canadian licenses are in English, this was an apparent oversight by policymakers.

Since the news broke this week, State Troopers have announced that they will NOT enforce the new law - and anticipate that it will either be rescinded or amended to exempt Canadians. However, two additional factors are problematic... 1) there are 400 law enforcement agencies in Florida (of which the Troopers are only one), and 2) technically if you don't have the International license, you're not properly licensed and vehicle insurance could be voided.

The cost of obtaining an international driver's license is $25 plus passport photos.

If you're in doubt regarding the authenticity of this - check out the press

 

[Phatkd]

Re: Florida and Driver Licence Law

Thanks for the info. We have a family condo in Orlando that my brothers and I take our families to. I will be sure to alert them to this.

 

[twohappycampers]

It was announced on the news this morning (or yesterday evening) that this international license law now does not apply to Canadians. So all those Canadians who ran out and waited in line for hours and spent $25 for an international license, can now apply for a refund of their $25. How the logistics of this will work, I don't know. Sure makes one scratch one's head, doesn't it?

 

[ILH]

Yes, but until the law is actually repealled, the insurance companies may not cover an accident. There's a distinct difference between not enforcing a law, and having it repealled.