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Topic: Renting a car in Florida on a UK licence - warning  (Read 1034 times)

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Renting a car in Florida on a UK licence - warning
« on: February 19, 2013, 10:33:28 AM »
Saw this the other morning on BBC Breakfast##http://www.ttgdigital.com/news/florida-changes-driving-license-law-for-non-us-residents/4686698.article

Florida are insisting that all non-US licence holders should have an International licence, it only costs about £5 from a post office. The travel expert on the show said that the reason was they wanted a licence in English (I guess nobody told Florida we speak English!) and there have been cases of British tourists being denied a hire car by the rental companies as they are unsure what to do. Florida police have said they will not charge any UK driver if they only have a UK licence but it's best to be on the safe side as the car could be impounded and you could be jailed.
The expert believes that it is an oversight and that the law will be amended soon to allow for UK and other English language licences but it's one to keep an eye on as we are planning to go back to Florida in Nov.
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Re: Renting a car in Florida on a UK licence - warning
« Reply #1 on: February 19, 2013, 01:23:26 PM »
When? I rented a car in Fort Lauderdale last week,  I do this time every year, and had no problems with my UK license.


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Re: Renting a car in Florida on a UK licence - warning
« Reply #2 on: February 19, 2013, 05:20:41 PM »
When? I rented a car in Fort Lauderdale last week,  I do this time every year, and had no problems with my UK license.

I think it's only a problem if you get an idiot behind the counter at the rental agency.

But, given that it is Florida, I'd probably pay up the $5 for the International Licence, rather than play those odds. 

Luckily, I'm keeping my WI license current.  Also, my sister manages an auto dealership, so I can always get a loaner. :)


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Re: Renting a car in Florida on a UK licence - warning
« Reply #3 on: February 19, 2013, 06:53:47 PM »
To be fair, I think it is easier to pass a law that says all foreign DL must have the international license than saying some people must have them and others do not.  I suppose it could be considered discrimination. 


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Re: Renting a car in Florida on a UK licence - warning
« Reply #4 on: February 21, 2013, 10:14:12 AM »
When? I rented a car in Fort Lauderdale last week,  I do this time every year, and had no problems with my UK license.

It was on TV last Friday. Good if it isn't proving a problem for most people but wanted to bring peoples attention to it.
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