Everything You Need to Know About Florida’s 14-Day

What is the 14-Day Rule?

The 14-Day Rule is a Florida state law requiring all new residents to obtain a Florida driver's license within 14 days of moving to the state. The Rule applies to all drivers, regardless of age or experience.

History of the 14-Day Rule

The 14-Day Rule is a state law in Florida that requires new residents to register their vehicles within 14 days of moving to the state. The Rule ensures that all drivers on Florida roads are adequately insured and licensed. 

The 14-Day Rule has been in effect since July 1, 2003, when the Florida Legislature enacted it. Before the Rule's enactment, new residents had no requirement to register their vehicles in Florida. As a result, many out-of-state drivers were driving on Florida roads without being adequately insured or licensed. 

The 14-Day Rule has successfully reduced the number of uninsured and unlicensed drivers on Florida roads. The first year after the Rule was enacted, the number of uninsured motorists in Florida fell by nearly 20%. The number of hit-and-run accidents also decreased by 19%. 

Despite its success, the 14-Day Rule has been criticized by some as being too harsh. Critics argue that it unfairly penalizes people unfamiliar with Florida's vehicle registration process. They also point out that other states have similar laws but do not enforce them as strictly as Florida.

How does the 14-Day Rule Work?

The 14-Day Rule is a regulation in Florida that dictates how long a person can stay in the state without becoming a resident. The Rule is as follows: if you are staying in Florida for more than 14 days in a row, you must file a Declaration of Domicile with the county clerk's office. This document declares that you are making Florida your primary residence and establishes your mailing address and voter registration. If you do not file a Declaration of Domicile, you will be considered a visitor and subject to tourist tax rates.