Florida to repeal law requiring special permits for foreign drivers

The CAA's Southern Ontario chapter is offering a full refund to travellers who purchased international driving permits in order to drive in Florida.

Florida lawmakers voted Wednesday to repeal a bill that would have forced Canadians and other foreign drivers to pay for a special driving permit.

The law, which came into effect last month, would have made international driving permits mandatory for anyone operating a vehicle in the state without an American driver’s license.

State officials said the bill was designed to help police officers, who might have trouble reading a license written in a language other than English.

But the Canadian Automobile Association and other groups expressed displeasure with the bill, while frenzied Canadians packed CAA offices to register for permits before taking scheduled vacations to Florida.

Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles was another voice speaking out against the law.

“The department will be working with the Florida legislature in the coming months to ensure that the law reflects Florida’s rich history of welcoming our friends from around the world to the Sunshine State,” the department said in a statement.

The outcry was enough to convince lawmakers to backtrack, as Florida sheriffs announced they wouldn’t enforce the law.

Another step was taken Tuesday, as lawmakers introduced a motion to repeal the driving law due to “unintended consquences”.

The final vote on the repeal was taken Wednesday.

The bill must still be signed by the state’s governor before it becomes law, a step which is expected to be taken next week.

CAA says drivers who bought international driver’s permits on Feb. 13 or Feb. 14 will qualify for a refund if they return them by the end of the week.