How much could YOU save?
Request free quotes; find out now.
  • Someone may have
    just saved up to
    $1,205/yr
    on car insurance.
    Actual quote delivered: 2 hours ago
    Quote Range: $1,060-$2,265/yr
    Age: 68 Sex: Female
    State: Florida Tickets: 1
    Number of Quotes: 3
    Vehicle: 2006 TOYOTA SCION TC
  • Someone may have
    just saved up to
    $1,007/yr
    on car insurance.
    Actual quote delivered: 0 hours ago
    Quote Range: $845-$1,852/yr
    Age: 53 Sex: Female
    State: Texas Tickets: 1
    Number of Quotes: 5
    Vehicle: 2008 KIA OPTIMA LX/EX
  • Someone may have
    just saved up to
    $1,472/yr
    on car insurance.
    Actual quote delivered: 1 hours ago
    Quote Range: $2,954-$4,426/yr
    Age: 33 Sex: Male
    State: Mississippi Tickets: 0
    Number of Quotes: 3
    Vehicle: 2008 DODGE CALIBER SXT
  • Someone may have
    just saved up to
    $1,238/yr
    on car insurance.
    Actual quote delivered: 2 hours ago
    Quote Range: $662-$1,900/yr
    Age: 57 Sex: Female
    State: California Tickets: 0
    Number of Quotes: 5
    Vehicle: 2009 KIA SPORTAGE LX
  • Someone may have
    just saved up to
    $1,019/yr
    on car insurance.
    Actual quote delivered: 2 hours ago
    Quote Range: $824-$1,843/yr
    Age: 47 Sex: Male
    State: Pennsylvania Tickets: 0
    Number of Quotes: 4
    Vehicle: 2011 NISSAN MAXIMA S/SV
We Scour. You Save.
We search the web to find the very best deals and money-saving tips. Then, we send them right to you.
Get insurance now:
Car Insurance Resources:
Get Free Quotes Now
Save With CarInsurance.com!
Car Insurance Learning Center  Learning Center  Auto Insurance Questions & Answers   Questions & Answers  Professional Answers   Auto Insurance Answers

I do not have a Florida driver's license. I am a visitor in Florida. Can I drive a car in FL with my foreign license?

Yes, normally if you have a valid foreign driver's license you can drive a car in Florida. The FL driver's handbook states that any non-resident who is at least 16 years old may drive in Florida without a Florida driver license, if they have a valid license from another state or country.

Typically in the United States you can drive up to 12 months on your valid foreign license as a visitor or tourist. If you move to Florida and have a valid license from another state or country, you must get a Florida license within 30 days of becoming a resident. You are considered a resident of Florida if you:

  • Enroll your children in public school, or
  • Register to vote, or
  • File for a homestead exemption, or
  • Accept employment, or
  • Reside in Florida for more than six consecutive months.

If your driver's license is not in English than it would be helpful if you obtained an International Driving Permit (IDP) before coming to the United States so that your license is translated into English in case law enforcement or others need to verify that your license is valid.

Free Auto Insurance Quotes





[Let CarInsurance.com help you find affordable auto insurance now.]

To find out how long you can drive in Florida on your foreign license and about your specific situation contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV). As for insurance to drive a car, if it is someone else's car than they need to make sure you are covered to operate their vehicle.

If you want to get your own vehicle to drive than it will be difficult to get insurance without a Florida license since Florida insurance providers will normally require you have a state license for them to rate you on.

Share this article with:

Related Questions
Car Insurance Related Do I need insurance to register my vehicle in Florida? Do I need a driver's license to get insurance?
Car Insurance Related We are residents of Canada who are in Florida for approximately six(6) months a year. We want to purchase a car in Florida and leave it in Florida. Will we be able to purchase insurance in Florida? We plan to obtain a Florida drivers license for the person whom will own the vehicle.
Car Insurance Related I am in the process of filling out the application. It is asking for a Social Security number but as a British citizen I obviously do not have one so how do I bypass this question? We spend six months of each year in Florida.
Rate, add comments, or add help about your situation and this question.
Help us improve the largest car insurance website!

poor 
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

 excellent
Tell us why you rated this car insurance question and answer this way. You can add any helpful insurance comments to this page:
Visitor Comments
PS the information on requirements for Canadians requesting a Florida drivers license in the Florida Handbook is WRONG. They went to press before the new rules came in and have not been updated.
Comment added: 04:27 PM Nov-14
New rules, folks. I am a Canadian, not in Florida for more than 6 months, own property here, and have a Florida plated vehicle here. Canadian license works for the insurance folks but not for DMV. You now need to pass two written tests and one driving exam. No more reciprocity.
Comment added: 04:26 PM Nov-14
Question Details
This car insurance answer was last updated 4:34 PM Feb-23.
This Save Money question was asked 12:41 PM February-13-2009.
JEROME G. requested this car insurance help from CarInsurance.com experts.
Rated 3.25 out of 10 based on 4 votes.
Save Money Category
Print Car Insurance Answers Print this car insurance question and answer
Email Car Insurance Answers Email this auto insurance answer
Disclaimer: Answers and comments provided are for information purposes. They are not intended to substitute informed professional advice. These responses should not be interpreted as a recommendation to buy or sell any insurance product, or to provide financial or legal advice. Please refer to your insurance policy for specific coverage and exclusion information. Please read our Terms of Service.
©2012 QuinStreet Insurance Agency, Inc. - Online Insurance Marketplace™
CarInsurance.com Feedback Survey