IMPORTANT UPDATE: Canadians do not require an International Driver’s Permit to drive in Florida. You only require your valid driver’s licence from a Canadian province or territory. For more details, please visit: Visiting Florida | Frequently Asked Questions

The Staebler Blog has additional content for Florida visitors:

• Insuring Your Florida Property: Canadian Snowbirds and Property Owners
• Top Tips for Sun-seeking Travel to Florida

New Florida licence requirement for Canadian drivers

Effective January 1, 2013, Florida passed into law a requirement that all non-U.S. residents, including Canadians, carry a valid international Driver’s Permit (IDP) when driving their own vehicles or rental vehicle in Florida.  State officials say the law was passed so that Florida law enforcement officials would not be faced reading licence documents in other languages.

If you are travelling to Florida and plan to drive, Canadians must carry both a valid Canadian driver’s licence as well as an IDP (Florida later repealed this law in February 2013).

How do I obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

CAA is the only organization authorized to issue an IDP.  You must be over 18 years old and have a valid driver’s licence to apply (not a learner’s permit). You will need: a photocopy of your Canadian driver’s licence (front and back), the signed and completed application form, and $31.00 (as of December 1, 2023).

For more information on International Driving Permits, visit International Driving Permit – CAA National

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