Canadian licence or Florida licence?
Short answer
Your provincial licence is valid for driving in Florida as a visitor. You can get a Florida licence without giving up yours, but it requires your passport (and often an I-94), tests, and is valid for 1 year at most. It's mostly worth it if you spend several months a year in Florida.
Driving on your Canadian licence
Visitors can drive in Florida with a valid licence from their home country. Florida briefly required an International Driving Permit in 2013, then suspended the rule. Always keep your licence, registration and proof of US-valid insurance in the car.
Getting a Florida licence
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Proof of status | Your Canadian passport; many offices also ask for an I-94 (NEXUS doesn't replace it). Confirm with the county office. |
| Identity | Canadian passport |
| Social Security Number | Not required for visitors without a work visa |
| Address | 2 proofs of a Florida address (lease, utility bill, bank statement) |
| Tests | Written and road tests if you keep your Canadian licence. English only since February 6, 2026. |
| Cost | About US$48 |
| Validity | As long as your I-94, 1 year maximum |
| Timing | Temporary paper permit on the spot, card by mail |
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Is it worth it?
- Yes if you spend 3 to 6 months a year in Florida, have a local address and want local ID.
- No for a few weeks: your Canadian licence is enough.
- If you become a Florida resident (a local job, kids in public school, more than 6 months in a row), you have 30 days to get a Florida licence.
- Careful: a Florida licence can be seen as a sign of Florida residency. Check the impact on your provincial health plan and car insurance.
Booking an appointment
In Florida, each county's Tax Collector office issues driver licences. Book online with the county where you're staying, for example Indian River County for Vero Beach.
Key takeaways
- Your Canadian licence is enough to drive as a visitor.
- Florida licence = passport (and often an I-94) + tests + limited validity.
- Get your I-94 when you drive across, in a regular lane.
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Leave without forgetting anything
The complete checklist: more than 65 items to tick off, from 2 months before you leave until you're back. 6-page PDF, 2026 rules.
See the checklist ($9)Official sources
General information only. Confirm requirements with your county Tax Collector office before your appointment.