On July 1, 2023, a new law will make it extremely risky for an undocumented person to drive, or even ride, to Florida.  The law makes it illegal to drive on a Temporary Visitors Driver’s License (TVDLA), and a felony to transport an individual who has unlawfully entered the United States – even a relative – into the state.  

Florida Senate Bill 1718, recently signed into law by the Florida governor, “Prohibits a person from operating a motor vehicle” if his or her driver’s license is a Temporary Visitors Driver’s License (TVDL).  The bill also makes it a felony to “knowingly and willfully transport… into [Florida] an individual whom the [driver] knows or reasonably should know” has entered the country without inspection.

As a result, driving on a TVDL in Florida will be the equivalent of driving without a license; and a U.S. Citizen spouse of a person without a lawful entry who drives that spouse to Florida for vacation may be charged with third-degree felony.  If that person transports his or her child under age 18 who has entered the U.S. unlawfully, the crime becomes a second-degree felony. 

The bill has many other provisions affecting businesses as well as individuals.  A summary is here; and a chart of charges drivers may face is here.  Given the strict rules and stiff penalties, affected readers may wish to avoid travel to the state of Florida.