February 14, 2013 – Ontario drivers can no longer drive in Florida unless they possess an International Driving Permit. The CAA has just issued a bulletin after a Florida State law was quietly passed January 1. The Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce has just been made aware of the law.

CAA is alerting motorists of the new law which was allegedly passed so that law enforcement officials would not encounter licenses in languages they could not understand. The law is currently in effect and motorists traveling south need to be aware.

“The Chamber is astounded that such a law would include Canadians, which, in most provinces, carry drivers licenses written in English,” states Kevin Hargreaves, President. “What is more astounding is that the CAA was only advised of the law on February 13 even though it’s been in effect since January 1.”

The Chamber has contacted the CAA and has obtained information for anyone planning to journey to Florida. One must personally visit a CAA office with a passport, and a valid Ontario drivers license. For those without a passport, the Ontario enhanced license is accepted (note: passports are mandatory for air travel into the U.S.).

For a fee of $20.00, CAA will take a photo and for an additional fee of $25.00 will issue an International Drivers Permit (IDP). CAA members are exempt from the $20.00 photo fee.

CAA’s Ottawa offices are located at the following locations:

East end: 2026 10th Line Road
Central: 1224 Wellington Street (near Holland Avenue)
South: 2446 Bank Street
West: 500 Hazeldean Road, Kanata

The CAA is lobbying Florida State lawmakers to exclude Canadians from the rule and officials there have advised that the Canadian Snowbird’s Association also plans a lobbying thrust.