UK and other international drivers are no longer required to hold an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Florida, following a decision by the state’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to repeal a law requiring it.
The repealed legislation came to light recently when a UK driver arrived in Florida to pick up a rental car, only to discover that the hire firm required him to have an IDP. The law came into force on the 1st of January, but this incident did not occur until February, suggesting that not all hire firms have been upholding the rule.
In any case, from now on the law "wouldn't be enforced", according to the DHSMV.
The legislation has been criticised by some commentators, especially given the importance of the fly-drive market in Florida, which is very lucrative. There has been a good deal of lingering confusion as regards whether or not the IDP is still required in the south-eastern US state, both among visitors and among car hire firms.
UK drivers visiting Florida who are also planning to hire a car are being advised by some motor groups to get an IDP just in case, or ask the hire firm directly if their normal driving licence will suffice.
If any of our car breakdown cover customers require an International Driving Permit, one can be obtained by visiting the Post Office.
Breakdown Cover from 
