Update: 15 February 2013

The State of Florida has since suspended enforcement of a recently introduced driving law requiring non-resident drivers to be in possession of an International Driving Permit and a UK driving licence. See FCO website.

14 February 2013

If you're due to travel to Florida, please be aware that it is now a legal requirement, when driving in Florida, for non US residents to have in their possession an International Driving Permit in addition to the driving licence from their own country. In addition, drivers from the UK will need to have both parts of their driving license (photograph and paper copy).

The Statute 2012/322.04 came into effect on 1 January 2013 but had not been enforced until now.

As this new legal requirement is only just starting to be enforced, a number of car hire companies may not have updated their websites or literature yet with the new requirements.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, have advised that should drivers of rental cars in Florida be involved in an accident, or traffic offence or any other reason for interaction with the Florida Highway Patrol, they will be required to have an International Driving Permit in their possession and if stopped, law enforcement may be applied.

International driving permit application

The International driving permit can be obtained at a cost of £5.50 from the Post Office, the Post Office website, RAC and AA. Important note: if customers go into the post office in person, they will be able to obtain their permit immediately. For customers due to travel imminently, this may be the best option.

Please see the following website links for further information on applying for the permit.

www.postoffice.co.uk/international-driving-permit 

www.rac.co.uk/travel/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit/how-do-i-get-an-idp/

www.theaa.com/getaway/idp/index.html

If you're due to travel, please obtain your International Driving Permit prior to travel.