So You Want to Become a Floridian Border-Hopping Badass? Your Guide to the Elusive EDL
Florida: land of sunshine, beaches, and... apparently not Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs). That's right, folks, unlike a select few states, Florida doesn't offer EDLs, those magical cards that let you waltz across the US-Canada or US-Mexico border without a passport. But fear not, fellow adventurer! This doesn't mean your dream of becoming a smuggling-free (because, uh, that's illegal) border-hopping badass is dead. It just means you gotta get a little creative.
But Dude, Why Not EDLs in Florida?
Ah, that's a mystery shrouded in bureaucracy, my friend. Maybe Florida Man scared the government straight, or maybe they just figured everyone's happy enough chilling on the beach and don't need to be hopping borders. Who knows? Regardless, the option isn't there.
But I Still Wanna Be a Border-Crossing Butterfly!
Here's the good news: a regular ol' Florida driver's license, the kind that lets you legally cruise down Daytona Beach on a jet ski (don't do that, please), is still a perfectly acceptable form of ID for domestic air travel. So, if you're looking to conquer the skies, you're good to go!
However, if you're set on that land border crossing experience, you'll need to break out the good ol' passport. Yes, I know, it's an extra step, but hey, think of it as a souvenir from your epic journey! Plus, the process of getting a passport is way easier than wrangling a mythical creature like a Florida EDL.
But Wait, There's More! (The Not-So-Badass Option)
Here's a little secret: some cruise lines operating out of Florida ports will actually accept your Florida driver's license for closed-loop cruises to Mexico or the Bahamas. Closed-loop means the cruise doesn't make any stops at non-US ports, so it's kind of like a floating Florida extension. This might not be the James Bond experience you were after, but hey, it's a taste of international waters without the passport hassle!
FAQ: Become a Border-Crossing Master (Even Without an EDL)
How to get a passport?
Check out the US Department of State website for all the info you need [US Department of State passport website].
How to find out if my cruise line accepts a Florida driver's license?
Contact your cruise line directly. Their website or customer service department should be able to answer that question.
How cool will I look cruising without a passport?
Pretty darn cool. Just remember, real coolness comes from confidence, not just crossing borders (although that can be cool too).
How many flamingos can I fit in my suitcase?
(Please don't try to smuggle flamingos.)
How many beaches can I conquer in one Florida vacation?
Enough to make your inner beach bum very happy.
