Sunshine Matters

On behalf of the entire Florida tourism industry, I would like to thank those in the Governor’s Office and with the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles who acted quickly this week to address concerns about the International Driving Permit.  I would especially like to commend Julie Jones, Executive Director of DHSMV and two key members of her communications staff, Courtney Heidelberg and Kirsten Olsen-Doolan.

As you may know, a new law went into effect on Jan. 1, 2013 that required international visitors driving in Florida to have an International Driving Permit (or IDP) in addition to their regular driver’s license in order to drive legally in the Sunshine State.  It has been reported that the intent behind the law was to assist law enforcement officers with being able to correctly read the information provided on foreign driver’s licenses.  For international visitors already in Florida or planning trips in the near future, the ability to comply with this new law on short notice caused great concern.

Over the course of the last few days, state officials addressed the issue and DHSMV issued a statement that enforcement of the new law has been delayed pending further study.  International visitors who plan to drive in Florida going forward now need only a valid driver’s license from their own country in order to legally operate a personal vehicle or rental car in the state.

In 2011, Florida’s tourism industry welcomed 12.6 million international visitors who spent nearly $14.1 billion.  Our overseas and Canadian travelers make up a significant portion of the state’s annual visitation and we want to ensure they know how much we value and appreciate their loyalty.

It is anticipated that as this issue is studied further, there will be substantive revisions made to the law.  VISIT FLORIDA and our tourism industry partners will continue to monitor this issue throughout the upcoming legislative session and will communicate any additional changes to the law as they develop.