Fri., 15 Feb 13

We are resting today.

Got an e-mail from my daughter who is a Registered insurance Underwriter which included this startling bit of information.

To hit the news recently, is information about new license requirements while driving in Florida.   An international license is now a requirement.  This went into effect Jan 1 and was not made public to any degree.

You can visit:   www.citynews.ca for more information.

Anyone can obtain this by going to CAA.  There is a form that needs to be completed, along with passport photos and the fee is $25.00. It's not known how serious law enforcement in Florida will be. We would consider these clients licensed and insured for any claim purposes. There are indications that Canadians may be exempt from this at some point; however, when is not known.
Canadians need international driving licences in Florida.

14 FEB 2013:

A new law in effect in Florida requires international visitors, and yes, that includes Canadians, to have an International Driving Permit to drive in the Sunshine State, in addition to a regular driver’s licence.
The state legislature passed a law requiring all non-resident drivers in Florida to carry such a permit as of January 1.  The new law naturally applies to drivers renting cars - which is going to be a serious issue - no never mind 'issue' - it's a PROBLEM.

The upside, if there is one,  is that one apparently does not have to test for an international licence, they can apparently be purchased from the Canadian Automobile Association for $25. It’s a standardized document that translates your licence details into 10 different languages.

There are up to three-million Canadian snowbirds in Florida; however the CAA told the Toronto Star it is trying to get the state of Florida to modify or wave the law for Canadians.

"We realize that tourists will be an unintended side effect of this new law,” Kathy Torian of Visit Florida, told the Toronto Star.  We’re trying to help spread the word to the tourism community around the world as well as our own industry in Florida.”

The next legislative session doesn’t take place until March, and the Star reported the soonest any change could take place would be July.

The CAA is urging drivers to get the permit if they are heading to Florida for the March Break. 

We had a second serving of our meal from Lambert's Cafe. The pictures shows what came home. I could only eat half of the half. Now that is value for the money as the prices are quite reasonable. My liver and onions - 3 times the size of most regular restaurant plates - was $9.99.

I went down to the RV office to find that the Wi-Fi is out in the lower part of the park. The said to go up by the Corporate Office and park in front and I could get service. I did and it appears to be working. I will send out the text first and add pictures later - if my battery holds out and the connection remains good.

A lovely sunny day today - perhaps tomorrow we will explore  a little of the area.