Central Florida to lose four driver's license offices

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — WFTV has learned that Gov. Rick Scott wants to cut services to central Florida drivers, which could mean longer waits at Department of Motor Vehicles offices.

The governor's plan includes closing eight driver's license offices across the state in order to save nearly $1 million. Four of those are in central Florida.

The governor's office said it is all part of consolidation aimed at cost-saving.

Friday was another busy day at the Clermont driver's license office.

Matt Glidewell and Tim Mattozzi were at the Clermont DMV to get their motorcycle licenses in advance of bike week.

"You come in and leave, half an hour, 45 minutes max," said Glidewell.

Mattozzi said he also comes to the Clermont office for his commercial driver's license.

"It's (the closure) just going to make it more inconvenient. Take more time off work to do it," said Mattozzi.

Clermont will soon have to go to the already-crowded tax office.

"I'm sure the lines will be longer," said Lake County resident Joe Buchalski.

Buchalski said he took a half-day off of work to renew his CDL. He said he's already dreading his next renewal, saying he may have to take the whole day.

"Could be a big headache, compared to this place here," said Buckalski.

The governor's office said there will be no layoffs. Jobs will remain unfilled and then eliminated.

WFTV's Christopher Heath asked the governor's office why so many central Florida locations were being closed. He was told that it was part of a study of cost savings.

WFTV