Confusion
Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2013 10:12 am
Jan. 1st, the Florida State Legislature passes a law stating that Canadian drivers must have an international driver's license to drive in Fla.
In the middle of snowbird season, Florida publicizes this regulation to Canadians. Mass panic ensues.
Florida Highway Patrol announces that this law will not be enforced as it contravenes the Geneva convention regarding foreign driver's licences in the US.
Florida announces that the rationale for this regulation is because of language difficulties for officers reading the info on driver's licences (English is one of Canada's official languages - licences in Canada, save for Quebec are printed in English.)
Some rental car agencies in Florida begin requiring the new licence, others do not - many insurance questions - more confusion ensues.
Some local law enforcement begins enforcing regulation - others do not.
Florida Tourism associations, blindsided by this surprise, flood the transportation dept. with angry calls, letters and demonstrations.
As of today, Florida has decided to suspend the new law until the mess has been sorted out. Many Canadian travel agencies report mass cancellation of Florida travel plans (during school holidays, more than 1 million Canadians pour into Florida bringing lots and lots of cash money...)
Sorry for the vent but I have spent many a month in Florida enjoying my trailer at more rv parks than I can count.
I have just finished viewing a "come on down" add featuring Florida's governor touting the attractions and friendliness of the state...
In the middle of snowbird season, Florida publicizes this regulation to Canadians. Mass panic ensues.
Florida Highway Patrol announces that this law will not be enforced as it contravenes the Geneva convention regarding foreign driver's licences in the US.
Florida announces that the rationale for this regulation is because of language difficulties for officers reading the info on driver's licences (English is one of Canada's official languages - licences in Canada, save for Quebec are printed in English.)
Some rental car agencies in Florida begin requiring the new licence, others do not - many insurance questions - more confusion ensues.
Some local law enforcement begins enforcing regulation - others do not.
Florida Tourism associations, blindsided by this surprise, flood the transportation dept. with angry calls, letters and demonstrations.
As of today, Florida has decided to suspend the new law until the mess has been sorted out. Many Canadian travel agencies report mass cancellation of Florida travel plans (during school holidays, more than 1 million Canadians pour into Florida bringing lots and lots of cash money...)
Sorry for the vent but I have spent many a month in Florida enjoying my trailer at more rv parks than I can count.
I have just finished viewing a "come on down" add featuring Florida's governor touting the attractions and friendliness of the state...