Driver License Change

[Bob Wells]

I opposed the change from the State issuing drivers licenses to the Tax Collector. Here in Walton County our Tax Collector did an awesome job and really think they have taken it to the next level. Now, the State is considering doing something different which could cost you more. Here's the article, you decide.
Controversy grows over plan to revamp issuance of millions of Florida driver licenses

The state's top highway safety official says no decision has been made and won't be without a statewide consensus.

Florida prints five million licenses each year and most are issued by county tax collectors, elected officials with local clout whose re-election depends on good over-the-counter service.

Drivers pay $54.25 to get licenses issued or renewed immediately at county offices, and tax collectors keep $6.25 for every license sold.

Under a new system known as central issuance that's gathering momentum deep in the state bureaucracy, drivers could wait up to two weeks to get a license by mail — or pay more to get it sooner.

 

[Misty]

"As proposed, a driver would get a temporary slip of paper with no photo as a temporary license until the real one arrives."

That's problematic for retailers who don't accept paper identification. According to Fl. law the only legal form of identification is a valid (photo) state issued drivers license, a valid state issued (photo) ID, a valid military (photo) ID or a (photo) valid passport.

 

[James Bentwood]

Hmmmm . . . . every driver knows dealing with renewals and getting licenses has always been a hell on earth. Why wouldn't I do it by mail??!!!

From the article:

...Jones said she would offer a new license tag proposal, but it quietly disappeared, and Jones concluded that tax collectors are more interested in their own re-elections than innovations that would protect the public.

"It's all about getting re-elected," Jones said. "That's my jaded view of tax collectors."

 

[Matt J]

You realize how many millions of dollars went into the current system of immediate issuance? The current system replaced the old 2 week mail time from Tallahassee because people HATED it.

 

[Bob Wells]

Hmmmm . . . . every driver knows dealing with renewals and getting licenses has always been a hell on earth. Why wouldn't I do it by mail??!!!

From the article:

I walked in and walked out, less than 15 minutes to get mine.

 

[beachmouse]

C'mon, I'm sure that someone behind the printing company that got a statewide contract for this gave a perfectly nice campaign donation to the governor and select state legislators.

Why are you against running government more like a (Nigerian) business?

 

[ShallowsNole]

I walked in and walked out, less than 15 minutes to get mine.

And they even let you smile and ask if the picture is okay!

 

[Bob Wells]

I read an article a while back and it appears tbe Tax Collectors won which means the service stays local.

 

[HD Lady]

I renewed mine online (no hassle and it was here in about a week) and it doesn't expire until 2022!

 

[DebraJ]

If this comes to pass you can only blame yourself if you voted for the party that wants to privitize everything! Local, state and federal employees work for you without a profit motive.