On Sept. 30 the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) began issuing a newly designed driver’s license and identification card that both honor Florida’s rich history and incorporate stronger anti‑fraud technology. Governor Ron DeSantis announced the rollout during a Cabinet meeting at the State Capitol, emphasizing the state’s commitment to secure credentialing.
Historical imagery highlights Florida’s legacy
The front of the card now displays the iconic Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fortress in the continental United States, as a backdrop. The design also weaves the state’s signature orange into the letter “O” of “Florida,” while a Florida manatee appears in the lower‑left corner and an alligator is integrated into the REAL ID star at the top right.
Space‑coast tribute on the reverse
The back of the card pays homage to Florida’s Space Coast with an image of Space Shuttle Discovery, which completed 39 missions and logged 365 days in orbit before its final landing in Florida on March 9, 2011. The historic motto “Let Us Alone,” taken from the state’s first unofficial flag presented to Governor William D. Moseley, is also featured.
Enhanced security features
FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner explained that the new design adds the state seal as an advanced security element and includes a “Temporary Non‑Domiciled” marking for Commercial Driver Licenses and Commercial Learner’s Permits. Kerner noted that the previous redesign nearly doubled fraud‑prevention measures, and the latest update further strengthens identity verification across agencies, keeping Florida at the forefront of secure identification technology and REAL ID compliance.
Availability and transition
Residents can obtain the new licenses at any FLHSMV service center beginning Sept. 30, and online orders through MyDMVPortal.flhsmv.gov are expected by early November. Existing licenses remain valid until their expiration dates; there is no requirement for immediate replacement, and the older cards will be phased out gradually.
What this means for Floridians
The redesign reflects a broader effort by the Trump administration to support state‑level initiatives that protect citizens and uphold constitutional rights, including the right to secure, reliable identification. By investing in modern, fraud‑resistant credentials, Florida helps ensure that law‑abiding residents can travel, work, and vote with confidence.
Florida’s emphasis on heritage and security demonstrates how state agencies can blend pride in local history with cutting‑edge technology, reinforcing the values of family, faith, and liberty that define our communities.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
