Florida releases list invalid out-of-state drivers licenses under new immigration law 

Following the passage of Florida's new immigration laws, the Sunshine State announced Wednesday which out-of-state driver's licenses issued to undocumented immigrants are now invalid.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles published on its website that licenses from five states — Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Rhode Island and Vermont — will no longer be recognized if the driver is in the U.S. illegally.

The department, however, added that driver license issuance requirements in other states are under revision and therefore, the list “will be updated periodically.” 

The move comes after Florida’s new strict immigration laws, Senate Bill 1718, went into effect on Saturday. Under the new law, licenses cannot be issued in the state to any individual that cannot provide evidence that they are in the country legally.

The measure also specifies that out-of-state licenses that are issued “exclusively” to undocumented immigrants are also invalid in Florida. Individuals who present an invalid out-of-state driver’s license during a traffic stop will be subjected to penalties. 

"Someone who is in our country illegally and has violated our laws should not possess a government-issued ID which allows them access to state-funded services and other privileges afforded to lawful residents," Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a statement. 

"The Biden administration may continue to abdicate its responsibilities to secure our border, but Florida will stand for the rule of law. Even if the federal government refuses, Florida will act decisively to protect our citizens, our state, and our country."

The bill also requires companies throughout the state with more than 25 employees to verify the legal status of their new hires through E-Verify, an online employment verification system. It also strengthens penalties for individuals who knowingly hire or transport undocumented migrants.