Florida bill proposes allowing undocumented immigrants to get drivers licenses

A newly proposed bill would allow thousands of undocumented immigrants in Florida to get a driver's license.

Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith introduced House Bill 1451, which would ensure all Floridians are trained, licensed and insured to drive.

"We've already seen bipartisan interest," Smith said.

He said the bill would benefit other drivers and public safety.

"The reality is, in the state of Florida, there's about 685,000 undocumented people living here who are eligible adult age and who have the capability to be able to pay for car insurance and are safe drivers," he said.

Similar legislation is now law in 15 states, including Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

Smith said his bill is already getting bipartisan support for the safety benefits and economic boost it would bring to the state.

"If we pass this, the state will actually receive about $68 million in extra revenue from driver license fees and title fees,” he said.

If approved, Smith said people would be able to use a consulate ID or foreign birth certificate without fear of being deported.

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