Florida Repeals International Driver Permit Law
The state of Florida on April 2 officially repealed a law that made it mandatory for international drivers to carry an International Driving Permit. The law had quietly gone into effect on Jan. 1.
The state of Florida on April 2 officially repealed a law that made it mandatory for international drivers to carry an International Driving Permit.
The law had quietly gone into effect on Jan. 1 and immediately received blowback from various associations and travel-related companies. Then in February, the Florida Highway Patrol (FPH) announced that it would not enforce the law, citing that it violated the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.
The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) released a statement since the law was repealed by the Florida Legislature, saying that it is pleased with the Legislature's decision. "The repeal comes after interventions from CAA, other stakeholders and thousands of Canadian drivers caught unaware by the IDP law, which came into effect with no notice," the CAA said.
While the FHP said it wouldn't enforce the law, the CAA said it had been unclear if all law enforcement would follow suit, and that some Canadians were refused car rentals. And for those that did get a car rental without an IDP, the CAA and international travelers feared that insurance companies would refuse to honor policies in the event of an accident, since it would have been within their right.
Rosie Sanderson, head of AA International Travel said to The Telegraph, "It was an ill-considered piece of legislation that was primarily aimed at holders of foreign language driving licences and it caused considerable confusion within the lucrative fly-drive market in Florida."
More Legal & Legislative

Government Affairs Executive Wins Leading Rental Car Industry Award
Robert Muhs started in the car rental industry with Avis Budget Group two years before the first International Car Rental Show.
Read More →
Using AI To Find Rental Car Damage
Angry car renters are storming social media, the mainstream media, and online ratings platforms to complain about charges they claim are either unfounded or excessive.
Read More →
Bandit Towing A Tough Road For Car Rental Companies
Operators often must spend far too much time and resources trying to recoup rental cars towed away and held hostage to outrageously high fees.
Read More →
Bandit Towing A Tough Road For Car Rental Companies
Operators often must spend far too much time and resources trying to recoup rental cars towed away and held hostage to outrageously high fees.
Read More →
ACRA: Spurring Car Rental Industry Success
The American Car Rental Association scored more access and influence in 2025 as it grows its services for car rental operators.
Read More →
AVOA Partners with AALA and NLC
The American Vehicle Owners Alliance (AVOA) recently announced its partnership with the American Automotive Leasing Association (AALA) and the National League of Cities (NLC).
Read More →
ACRA Takes Bold Strides On Capitol Hill
The American Car Rental Association’s annual legislative and lobbying event upped the face time with and access to members of Congress.
Read More →
Rental Car Leader Engages With Primary Industry Causes
Q&A Interview: Federal contracting, EV charging infrastructure, stolen vehicles, and policy advocacy drive an agenda for Carlos Bazan-Canabal that stretches beyond his car rental executive post.
Read More →
Get Ready: ICRS 2026 Open for Business and Call for Papers
The 30th anniversary International Car Rental Show heads to the Dallas area as it celebrates a legacy and pivots toward an industry marketplace and forum suited to the fourth decade ahead.
Read More →
Inside The Fight To Catch Rental Car Thieves
Recovering stolen rental vehicles requires foresight, cooperation, and a firm grasp of legal procedures with car renters.
Read More →
