## Definitions 

Resident:  A person who has his principal place of domicile in this state for a period of more than six consecutive months; has registered to vote; has made a statement of domicile pursuant to section 222.17, Florida Statutes ; or has filed for homestead exemption on property in this state. 

Immigrant:  A “Permanent Resident Alien” who is admitted to the United States (US) as a lawful permanent resident. Immigrants are legally accorded the privilege of residing permanently in the US and are issued immigrant visas or adjusted to permanent resident status by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). 

Non-Immigrant:  An alien who seeks temporary entry to the US for a specific purpose and who has declared the intention to stay only for a temporary period of time. 

US Citizen:  A person born in the US, its territories, Naturalized, or one who has obtained a Certificate of Citizenship from the US Department of State. 

## Who Needs a Florida License to Drive? 

If you are a Florida resident, you must get a Florida driver license to drive a motor vehicle on public streets and highways. 

A non-resident (except a migrant or seasonal farm worker) who accepts employment or engages in a trade, profession or occupation in this state, or enrolls their child in a Florida public school must get a Florida driver license within 30 days in order to operate a motor vehicle. 

## Exceptions for the Florida Driver License 

You do not have to get a Florida driver license to drive in Florida if you are a non- resident who is at least 16 years old and have: 

• a valid non-commercial driver license from another state or territory of the US; or 

• an International Driving Permit from your country of residence accompanied by a valid driver license from that country. 

These people are also exempt (if they hold a valid driver license from their state/ country): 

• US government employee driving a non-commercial US government motor vehicle on official business. 

• Any non-resident working for a firm on a contract for the US government and driving a non-commercial vehicle. (This exemption is only for 60 days.) 

• Members of the Armed Forces stationed in Florida, their spouses, and dependents. 

