If you are planning a trip to Florida anytime soon, do not pass GO, do not collect $200, but go directly to your local CAA office with $25 and passport photos.
A new Florida state law was enacted on January 1, 2013 requiring all international visitors have an international driving permit before getting behind the wheel on state roads.
The law is intended to help local police interpret foreign drivers’ licenses. That is why there is hope that eventually visitors with English-language driver’s licenses will be exempt from this law, but for now the international permit is required.
You can obtain the necessary permit application and information on the new legislation at your local Canadian Automobile Association office. CAA has done a good job of summarizing related information on their website here.
If you are already in Florida, applications can be processed by mail.
UPDATE: Canadians told not to worry. See updated details here.
This information is of a general nature and should not be considered professional advice. Its accuracy or completeness is not guaranteed and Queensbury Strategies Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability.
