UK drivers no longer need a permit to drive in Florida

British holidaymakers hoping to soak up the sun while cruising the streets of Florida no longer need to hold an International Driving Permit.

The US state's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) has repealed the law that required drivers from outside the USA to apply and carry the official document.

 

The law, which came into effect on January 1, came to light in February when a Briton was refused a hire car because he didn't hold an International Driving Permit (IDP).

The Department has subsequently announced that the law "wouldn't be enforced".

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.

"There was yet more confusion when the Florida authorities said that the law would not be enforced, but uncertainty led to some car hire firms demanding an IDP and others not."

Holidaymakers are still advised to check with their intended car provider or rental firm prior to travel or obtain the IDP as a precaution.