In a significant move championing law and order, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is currently campaigning for the 2024 Presidential Elections, declared on Wednesday that the state will cease recognizing certain out-of-state driver licenses, often granted to illegal immigrants.
This step forwards reflects the implementation of regulations proposed in legislation passed earlier this year.
Gov. DeSantis affirmed that the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has now officially compiled and published a list of out-of-state driver license classes that are now deemed invalid within Florida’s jurisdiction.
The licenses in question originate from states such as Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Rhode Island, and Vermont, known to permit illegal immigrants to acquire IDs and licenses.
Notably, the newly enacted restrictions do not apply to conventional driver licenses. However, those licenses with specified limitations – including those labeled “not for federal identification”, those lacking REAL ID compliance, or described as “limited purpose”, are now void within Florida.
The decision to invalidate these licenses is a direct consequence of the enactment of SB 1718, a comprehensive bill against illegal immigration, which Gov. DeSantis signed into law earlier this year. This legislation encompasses provisions that explicitly prohibit licenses to illegal immigrants and deems licenses issued exclusively to them as illegal.
“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 stated unequivocally.
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Despite the Biden administration’s continuing laxity on securing our borders, he emphasized that “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.”
The agency clarified that this list could evolve as other states amend their license issuance requirements. Dave Kerner, Executive Director of the FLHSMV, affirmed that the department is equipped to “strictly enforce” this legislation.
“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,” Kerner said.
“Florida will not accept driver licenses from those who cannot provide proof of lawful presence in the United States. By doing this, we commit to a safer Florida,” he continued.
This development marks another significant stride by Republican Gov. DeSantis in addressing the issue of illegal immigration.
The Governor, who currently trails former President Donald Trump in the race for the party’s presidential nomination, has displayed a firm stance on immigration, akin to President Trump, who foregrounded the issue during his 2016 campaign and seems poised to do the same for 2024.
Gov. DeSantis has deployed a proactive strategy in managing illegal immigrants while showcasing his disapproval of the party who practically threw the border wide open, as evidenced by relocations to Dem led Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, and more recently, California.
He also backed Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s call for support by sending law enforcement, including National Guard troops, to the border.
The Governor also recently announced a comprehensive border security plan, pledging to address the southern border’s issues without delay.
“No excuses on this. Get the job done,” DeSantis declared in Texas. “It will be a day one priority.”
