These columns list arrests and not convictions, unless otherwise stated. Anyone listed here who is later found not guilty or has had the charges against them dropped is welcome to inform this newspaper. The information will be confirmed and printed.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) is celebrating the mark of Florida reaching a 98% REAL ID-compliance rate.
Join our family of readers for as little as $10 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.
Already have an account? Log in to continue. Otherwise, follow the link below to join.
Please log in to continue |
On Jan, 1, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) celebrated the mark of Florida reaching a 98% REAL ID-compliance rate. Despite the many times the federal deadline has been extended to allow states additional time to meet the REAL ID-compliance requirements, Florida has continuously been a nationwide leader in the effort toward REAL ID compliance and is well poised to reach 100% compliance ahead of the deadline.
“Florida is proud to lead the nation in REAL ID-compliance," said FLHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes. "Over the last several years, Florida has made significant progress to ensure every Floridian is REAL ID-compliant ahead of the ever-changing federal deadline. Reaching this milestone is a testament to the efforts of the men and women of FLHSMV, our county tax collectors, and the more than 19 million Floridians who sport a gold star on their Florida license."
As of Dec. 29, 2022, 98% of Florida credentials were REAL ID compliant:
Nationwide, only approximately 52% of all U.S. driver licenses and ID cards were REAL ID-compliant as of Dec. 6, 2022, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Florida is a nationwide leader in the effort toward REAL ID compliance and was one of the first states to begin issuing REAL ID-compliant credentials. Since Jan. 1, 2010, any credential issued at an office in Florida has the gold star – the symbol indicating that it is REAL ID-compliant. In addition, every credential holder in Florida under the age of 21 is REAL ID-compliant.
Passed by Congress in 2005 following a 9/11 Commission recommendation, the REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and identification cards. Security standards include incorporating anti-counterfeiting technology, preventing insider fraud, and using documentary evidence and record checks to ensure a person is who they claim to be. Under the new regulations, beginning May 7, 2025, every traveler 18 years of age or older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver license or identification card or another TSA-acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel.
If you are not yet REAL ID-compliant, resolve to do so this year by visiting your local office and checking FLHSMV’s “What to Bring” webpage for a list of required documents to bring during your visit.
