Florida’s New Driver’s License Law on Immigration Status

Starting in 2027, a new Florida law will mandate that all new and renewed driver’s licenses display the holder’s immigration status. Signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, this initiative is part of the state’s SAVE Act, aimed at reinforcing election integrity. The new requirement will take effect on January 1, 2027, applying to all licensing requests. Currently, applicants must already prove their citizenship through documents like birth certificates or U.S. passports.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles requires primary identification and proof of residency as part of the licensing process. Voting in Florida also requires identification.

Critics from the left argue that these changes will disadvantage minorities in voting, while proponents assert that measures like requiring proof of citizenship and voter ID strengthen the electoral process. For instance, Stacey Abrams, a two-time candidate for governor in Georgia, views these regulations as “voter suppression.”

Thomas Kennedy, a policy analyst with the Florida Immigration Coalition, expressed strong disapproval, labeling the law as an invasion of privacy. He pointed out that individuals often use their IDs in everyday situations, such as dining out or attending events, making the disclosure of immigration status intrusive.

Beyond the licensing aspect, Florida’s SAVE Act also calls for verifying U.S. citizenship through REAL ID data for voter registrations, mandates paper ballots, and enhances collaboration between state and local agencies to spot ineligible voters. Governor DeSantis noted that ensuring the security and integrity of elections has been a priority for his administration, emphasizing that the bill aims to bolster the trustworthiness of Florida’s electoral system.