Undocumented migrant driver licenses invalid under new Florida law

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office published a list of out-of-state driver licenses issued to illegal immigrants that are now invalid in the state, following the legislature’s new anti-illegal immigration law.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ list included some specific classes of IDs from Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Rhode Island and Vermont. If an individual is found with one of these licenses, they will be subject to increased penalties.

“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,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis signed SB 1718 earlier this year to combat the flow of migrants who enter the state with a government-issued ID from another part of the country. The legislation also prevents anyone from attaining a Florida-issued license without valid proof of legal U.S. residency.

DeSantis pointed to the failure of the Biden administration to secure the southern border as they “abdicate” their “responsibilities”.

“Even if the federal government refuses, Florida will act decisively to protect our citizens, our state, and our country,” he stated.

Additionally, the bill requires all businesses with more than 25 employers to use the E-Verify screening process when hiring. On top of this, the legislation outlines increased penalties for human smuggling and migrant transportation.

The executive director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Dave Kerner, expressed how the department is prepared to “strictly enforce” SB 1718.

“This legislation supports two of our primary goals: to enhance homeland security and to interdict criminal activity,” 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.”

“This bill is about safety and security,” Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze II said. “Our priority is public safety and keeping our communities safe. We are committed to anything we can do to further that endeavor.”

The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, mentioned how under DeSantis’ leadership, the state “made history” by signing the “strongest state-led anti-illegal immigration bill ever brought forth.”

“We can no longer turn a blind eye to what’s happening. It is time for us, the state of Florida to step up and tell the federal government to fix this problem, because we are no longer standing for it,” Ingoglia said.

Sens. Lauren Book, D-Davie, and Victor Torres, D-Kissimmee, both responded in opposition to the passage and signing of SB 1718 in a collective message.

“While the Governor is distracted by his White House ambitions and the Southern border, Florida families are facing real issues here at home with rising property insurance costs and increased costs of living,” Book said.

Torres described the bill as “illegal” and “inhumane”.

“Economically speaking, this is a disaster for Florida’s service, agricultural and construction industries,” he said. This bill will cause more shortages and increased prices for consumers.”