Caribbean National Weekly

Florida considers giving driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants

By Natalie Greaves··1 min read
Florida considers giving driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants
Key Points(3)
  • <span style="font-weight: 400;">Recent bills introduced in the Florida Legislature, if passed, would allow undocumented immigrants to get a state Driver’s License.
  • </span> <b>One million undocumented residents and unlicensed drivers</b> <span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s estimated that there are currently some one million or more immigrants living in the state who don't have access to a legal Florida Driver's License.
  • Contact your state Representatives and Senators to let them know you support safer Florida roads by giving all immigrants in Florida the right to obtain a Driver’s License.

Recent bills introduced in the Florida Legislature, if passed, would allow undocumented immigrants to get a state Driver’s License.

These renewed efforts to provide immigrants with legal driving privileges were introduced by Democrats in part to lower insurance premiums and make Florida’s roads and highways safer, so that all Floridians driving in the state are licensed and insured.

Bill tabled by legislators from Miami and North Miami

Democratic Senator Jose Javier Rodriguez of Miami introduced the Drive Together Sunshine State effort in support of Senate Bill SB 1358 "Driver Licenses and Identification Cards", while Democratic Representative Dotie Joseph of North Miami, Introduced House Bill HB 969 "Driver Licenses" to expand driver's license privileges to undocumented immigrants who live in Florida.

One million undocumented residents and unlicensed drivers

It’s estimated that there are currently some one million or more immigrants living in the state who don't have access to a legal Florida Driver's License. If this latest effort succeeds, the measure would go into effect on July 1, 2019 and make Florida the 13th state to issue licenses to undocumented immigrants, joining California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Vermont, Washington, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Take action now! Contact your state Representatives and Senators to let them know you support safer Florida roads by giving all immigrants in Florida the right to obtain a Driver’s License. You can get a link to contact your Florida Representative and Senator by  visiting the website: www.Immigratetoday.com  and clicking on the Immigration Newsletter link.

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