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Driver’s License and Vehicle Rules for F-1 Students in Florida
When driving in Florida, you must always have one of the following:
Home country license + International Driving Permit (IDP)
License from another U.S. state
Florida driver’s license
💡 Tip: Licenses from other countries, other U.S. states, and International Driving Permits are legal to use in Florida for international students enrolled full-time at a college or university.
As confirmed by Florida law, full-time enrolled nonresident students are exempt from the requirement to obtain a Florida driver’s license for the duration of studies, as long as they maintain a valid foreign or out-of-state license and do NOT accept employment outside campus-sponsored work.
Example:
If you are from Brazil, you need your Brazilian license and your IDP.
If you moved from California, you can still use your California license.
Even though you can drive with a foreign or out-of-state license, getting a Florida license can:
Help avoid problems if stopped by police.
Allow you to register a car and get license plates (required for private vehicles in Florida).
Save you money with cheaper car insurance (some companies charge more or refuse coverage without a U.S. license).
All drivers must follow Florida driving laws, no matter where their license is from.
Example: Even if you are used to driving in Germany, you must follow Florida’s speed limits and traffic signs.
📚 Read the Florida Driver’s Handbook here: Florida Driver’s Handbook
Vision Problems and Florida ID Cards
If you have vision impairment and want a Florida driver’s license, you must pass vision tests that check your eyesight and field of vision. Minimum requirements include:
Visual acuity of at least 20/70 in either or both eyes, with or without glasses.
If one eye is blind or has very poor vision (20/200 or worse), the other must be 20/40 or better.
Telescopic lenses are not allowed to meet vision standards.
If you do not want a driver’s license or cannot meet the vision requirements, you can get a Florida State ID card instead. This ID card does not require vision tests and serves as official photo identification.
What If You Don’t Have Documents Showing Your Address?
If you don’t have bills or documents proving your Florida address in your own name, you may use a family member’s or housemate’s documents by following these steps:
The person whose address documents you use must sign a Certification of Address form.
The form must be signed in front of FLHSMV staff or a notary.
That person must bring two recent proofs of Florida address in their name, such as a utility bill or lease agreement. One document must show property ownership or rental.
This process is accepted for both driver’s licenses and Florida ID cards.
If you need help, you can ask the FLHSMV office or the ISSD office.
How to Get a Florida Driver’s License
International students who drive in the U.S. must have a valid driver’s license. You can get a Florida driver’s license or a Florida State ID card at any Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) office.
Florida driver’s licenses for F-1 students are typically issued for one year at a time and may be renewed until your program ends.
If you finish your degree or Optional Practical Training (OPT), you are eligible for a license extension of up to 60 days, to help with travel or transfer.
F-2 dependents get the same license validity as the F-1 student.
It is highly recommended to make an appointment before visiting any FLHSMV office, as many require it for new licenses and ID cards.
Closest offices to SFBC:
Palm Beach County – Delray Beach: 501 S. Congress Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33445. Phone: 561-355-2264. Mon–Fri, 8:15 AM – 4:30 PM (By appointment only)
Broward County – Deerfield Beach: 2265-A W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442. Phone: 954-596-2110. Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Application Steps
Step 1:
If you do not have a driver’s license from your home country, you must complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) Course before applying.
Find approved TLSAE course providers here.
If you hold a valid foreign license, bring it when applying. You may be exempt from parts of the TLSAE or the driving test.
Step 2:
Study the Florida Driver’s Handbook here: https://www.flhsmv.gov/handbooks/
Step 3:
If you have never had a Social Security Number (SSN), go to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to request a “Letter of Ineligibility.”
Closest SSA offices:
Margate: 5195 Coconut Creek Pkwy, Margate, FL 33063. Mon–Fri, 9 AM – 4 PM. (800) 772-1213
Boca Raton: 621 NW 53 Street Suite 400, Boca Raton, FL 33487. Mon–Fri, 9 AM – 4 PM. (800) 772-1213
Step 4:
Bring these documents to the FLHSMV office:
Valid passport
F-1 visa status documentation (Form I-20, current and endorsed within last 12 months)
Proof of non-immigrant status (Form I-94)
Social Security Number card OR Letter of Ineligibility from SSA
$48.00 processing fee (check payment accepted at some offices; bring cash to be safe)
Two original proofs of Florida residence, such as:
Current school transcript
Recent utility bill (dated within 2 months)
Bank statement
Address verification letter from SFBC ISSD (request one if needed)
Step 5:
Pass these exams:
Hearing Test (special conditions for those who are hard of hearing)
Vision Test (minimum 20/40 vision required, with correction allowed; color blindness is not disqualifying)
Knowledge Exam (50 multiple-choice questions, offered in several languages)
Driving Test (bring a vehicle with valid tag, insurance, and that passes inspection)
For further details and verification, consult the official Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV): https://www.flhsmv.gov
Car Insurance in Florida
Required by Law:
Minimum insurance required to register and drive any car in Florida:
$10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
$10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL)
The $25,000/$50,000/$25,000 insurance limits listed are not legally mandated for all drivers in Florida. They are recommended for extra protection but not required. The legal minimum is $10,000 PIP and $10,000 PDL.
It is illegal to drive any car in Florida without insurance. You must always keep valid proof of insurance in the vehicle.
Acceptable proof of insurance includes:
Insurance card, premium receipt, binder, declarations page, or certificate of insurance from your provider
A copy of your policy
Proof of vehicle purchase plus the old insurance card (valid for 60 days on new cars)
Rental agreement (if renting)
Motor Vehicle Liability Bond or Certificate of Cash Bond
Strongly Recommended:
Additional insurance, such as Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage, is advisable as many drivers may not have insurance.
Higher limits for bodily injury and property damage coverage offer better protection.
Penalties for No Insurance
First Offense: Vehicle registration (license plate) suspended until proof of insurance provided and $150 reinstatement fee paid.
Second Offense: 4-month suspension and $250 fee.
Additional and repeat offenses incur even higher fees and possible vehicle impoundment.
Transportation from Fort Lauderdale Airport
🚐 Airport Shuttles
Fort Lauderdale Airport Shuttle
Website: fortlauderdaleairportshuttle.com
Phone: 954-688-7738
🚗 Rideshare Options
🚌 Bus Services (Less Reliable)
Served by Broward County Transit bus line
Fares and schedules vary and can change without notice
Check local schedules before traveling
🚆 Train Services (Recommended)
Tri-Rail:
Free shuttle buses connect FLL terminals to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Station in Dania Beach (a short shuttle ride away).
Take the Tri-Rail train north and get off at Deerfield Beach station, the closest stop to SFBC.
Visit Tri-Rail or call 800-874-7245 for schedules and info. Tri-Rail runs daily.
Brightline:
A fast train service connecting major South Florida cities.
Students arriving via Brightline can get off at the Boca Raton station, which is another option when traveling to the area.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND TRAFFIC STOPS
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