Florida repeals law that drove British visitors crazy
Florida has repealed a law which required British citizens to carry an International Driving Permit to hire cars in the state, said the UK Foreign Office.
The law, which was suddenly introduced in January without any notification to the UK travel trade or driving organizations such as the AA, left British holidaymakers with only a UK driver’s licence unable to hire cars for their trips.
The new law only came to light after a British tourist was told he couldn’t hire a car he had pre-booked at a Florida airport because he didn’t have the required international permit.
When the problem came to the attention of the media, the State of Florida said it wouldn’t enforce the law, which had originally been aimed at drivers with foreign-language drivers’ licences.
However, holidaymakers were left unsure of their legal position and concerned that their insurance might not cover them if they had an accident. Also, some car hire firms continued to insist on drivers holding an international permit, meaning those who arrived with only a British driver’s licence were unable to get the cars they’d booked.
As the law was repealed last week, it is no longer a legal requirement for British holidaymakers to hold an international permit to hire a car in the State of Florida, although some car hire firms may insist on it.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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