Over 10,000 New Yorkers switch licenses to Florida in 2023

By Amber Jo Cooper

Published Apr. 17, 2023, 1:28 p.m. ET | Updated Apr. 17, 2023

(IMBiblio)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – More than 10,000 New Yorkers have relinquished their driver’s license for a Florida version in the first three months of 2023, according to reports.

10,824 New Yorkers have swapped their licenses in Florida, according to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

In comparison to the previous year, 14,834 New Yorkers transferred to a Florida license in the first quarter of 2022.

Fox News guest Rob Smith said he left New York and moved to Florida in 2020, and said the quality of life is “much higher.”

“Thank you governor DeSantis,” Smith said on Fox & Friends.

I am a COVID Refugee who moved from New York to Florida in 2020.

There are TENS OF THOUSANDS of us.

The temperatures are higher, the taxes are LOWER, and our police are empowered to do their jobs, thus making it SAFER.

I joined @FoxNews to discuss. pic.twitter.com/eqbHZNTZfK
— Rob Smith (@robsmithonline) April 17, 2023

“My quality of life is just better in every way in Florida,” Smith said.

“The temperatures are higher, the taxes are LOWER, and our police are empowered to do their jobs, thus making it SAFER,” Smith tweeted.

In February, Gov. Ron DeSantis visited with law enforcement officers in New York City, among other cities, to share Florida’s “blueprint” for keeping communities safe.

Florida is experiencing a 50-year record low crime rate, and year-over-year crime is down nearly 10%, according to the governor’s office.

The governor previously enacted the most pro-law enforcement policy package in the nation. The legislation encourages Floridians to join the law enforcement profession and incentivizes out-of-state law enforcement professionals to bring their skills to the Sunshine State.

DeSantis’ latest “Framework for Freedom Budget” includes $124.3 million to provide salary increases for law enforcement across various public safety agencies, on top of the 5% statewide pay increase.

Recently, the governor launched a new book outlining how his policies in Florida are a “battle-tested blueprint for America’s revival.”

DeSantis’ book shot up to a number one New York Times and Amazon best seller shortly after its release.

“No American leader has accomplished more for his state than Governor Ron DeSantis. Now, he reveals how he did it,” the book description said. “This book is a winning blueprint for patriots across the country. And it is a rallying cry for every American who wishes to preserve our liberties.”