Florida’s new driver’s license rule kicks off next month

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Earlier this year, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new elections bill into law, and it includes a change for driver’s licenses going forward.
That bill — HB 991 — was filed back in January by state Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka (R-Ft. Myers), and it’s set to make several changes to the Florida Election Code.
More specifically, the legislation implements the following revisions:
Voter Oath: Voter registration applicants must affirm that they are U.S. citizens and may face criminal penalties for perjury if that is not the case

Forms of ID: Debit/credit cards, student IDs, retirement center IDs, neighborhood association IDs, and public assistance IDs are no longer acceptable forms of identification for voters

Campaign Contributions: Political parties and candidates may not willfully accept a contribution from a foreign national in connection with any election held in the state.

Federal Courts: Requires the state to provide voter registration lists to federal courts to aid in their jury selection process, and requires those courts to provide the state with information about voters being ineligible due to convictions, death, or being a non-U.S. citizen

Statute of Limitations: Creates a five-year statute of limitations for the prosecution of a felony under the Election Code

New Penalties: Provides new fines and penalties for those who violate the law of involvement of foreign nationals in state elections

Dual Citizenship: Candidates for election must affirm U.S. citizenship and disclose whether they are a citizen of any other country

Stock Trading: Candidates seeking federal office must disclose whether they intend to trade stocks if elected (other than through a trust or similar mechanism)

However, another provision in the law requires the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to include whether a person is a U.S. citizen on his/her driver’s license and Florida ID card.
This applies to any new licenses or renewals, though, so residents won’t have to visit a DMV just to get it changed.
“The bill requires that DHSMV must, at no charge, issue a new or replacement card if a licensee or cardholder timely updates his or her legal status upon becoming a citizen of the U.S.,” the legislative analysis adds.

Under HB 991, this change is set to kick in on July 1, alongside nearly 90 other new laws.
However, the law in full is set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.