Gov. DeSantis reveals invalid out-of-state driver’s licenses issued to immigrants

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that out-of-state driver’s licenses are no longer valid in the state as a result of the implementation of Senate Bill 1718, which is considered Florida’s strongest immigration enforcement to date.

The list of invalid licenses was compiled by DeSantis and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and it covers five states.

“Someone who is in our country illegally and has violated our laws should not possess a government-issued ID which allows them access to state-funded services and other privileges afforded to lawful residents,” Gov. DeSantis said.

“The Biden administration may continue to abdicate its responsibilities to secure our border, but Florida will stand for the rule of law. Even if the federal government refuses, Florida will act decisively to protect our citizens, our state, and our country.”

As of July 1, 2023, these out-of-state licenses are no longer valid in Florida if the driver is in the U.S. illegally.

  • Delaware
  • Connecticut
  • Hawaii
  • Rhode Island
  • Vermont

According to the governor’s office, information about invalid out-of-state licenses is subject to change due to changes in other states’ driver’s license issuance requirements.

“FLHSMV and its division of the Florida Highway Patrol are prepared to strictly enforce Senate Bill 1718,” Kerner said in a statement.

“This legislation supports two of our primary goals: to enhance homeland security and to interdict criminal activity. It communicates our state policy that Florida will not provide incentives to undocumented immigrants while reminding criminal cartels and those who are planning to unlawfully cross our national border that Florida should not be their destination of choice.”

“Florida will not accept driver’s licenses from those who cannot provide proof of lawful presence in the United States. By doing this, we commit to a safer Florida.”

DeSantis signed SB1718 into law earlier this year, calling it the “strongest anti-illegal immigration legislation in the county.” The new law prohibits the issuance of a driver’s license to anyone who does not provide proof of lawful presence in the United States and specifies that out-of-state driver licenses issued solely to illegal aliens are invalid in Florida.

If the recruiting company has 25 or more employees, Florida’s new immigration reform law demands a work status check. It also increases penalties for anyone who hire or transport unauthorized workers in the state.