House passes bill striking international driver's license requirement for foreigners
Gray Rohrer, 03/13/2013 - 05:29 PM
Without discussion or debate the House unanimously passed HB 7059 on Wednesday to eliminate the requirement that foreign visitors have an International Driver’s Permit before driving on Florida roads.
The bill passed on a 116-0 vote and is poised for a swift review in the Senate. Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, said Tuesday he will move the bill forward quickly.
“I don’t know whether we’ll take it up in messages or whether we’ll let it proceed through the committees, but we’ll certainly take it up without a lot of delay,” Gaetz said.
Foreign tourists, especially those from Canada, have complained about being fined for driving without the permits and having to pay the fine before returning home. Also, the permits can only be obtained in one’s home country.
Florida’s tourism industry and business lobbies, including the Florida Chamber of Commerce, have asked lawmakers to eliminate the requirement, placed into law last year in HB 1223. Gov. Rick Scott has directed the Florida Highway Patrol not to enforce the license requirement, but some tourists are still concerned about local enforcement of the license.
The bill passed on a 116-0 vote and is poised for a swift review in the Senate. Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, said Tuesday he will move the bill forward quickly.
“I don’t know whether we’ll take it up in messages or whether we’ll let it proceed through the committees, but we’ll certainly take it up without a lot of delay,” Gaetz said.
Foreign tourists, especially those from Canada, have complained about being fined for driving without the permits and having to pay the fine before returning home. Also, the permits can only be obtained in one’s home country.
Florida’s tourism industry and business lobbies, including the Florida Chamber of Commerce, have asked lawmakers to eliminate the requirement, placed into law last year in HB 1223. Gov. Rick Scott has directed the Florida Highway Patrol not to enforce the license requirement, but some tourists are still concerned about local enforcement of the license.
