The Internet Is Absolutely Losing It Over Florida's Mind-Boggling New Law

The DMV is famously unpleasant, but Florida just found a way to make getting your driver’s license even more complicated. People seated in a busy waiting room, some reading, others using phones, with numbered kiosks visible in the background

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Starting Friday, Feb. 6, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) announced that all driver’s license exams will be available only in English. This change applies to both commercial and non-commercial licenses, and eliminates tests previously offered in languages such as Spanish and Haitian Creole, as well as the option to use an interpreter.

@PopCrave / Chouaaib Babaoui via Alamy / Monika Wisniewska via Alamy / Via Twitter: @PopCrave

As you’d expect, the new law is sparking a lot of debate online. The main argument of supporters is that the English-only tests will improve road safety because road signs are all in English. A stop sign is surrounded by trees, indicating a quiet, leafy area

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But for many, that rationalization simply isn’t cutting it. One Reddit user pushed back, saying, “Guess what — safety-critical road signs are identified by shape, color, and design… Not words. This is so they can be unambiguously interpreted fast, including by people with disabilities or who speak a different language.” Various road signs, including directional arrows, stop, speed limit, traffic lights, construction, and a no-entry sign, are displayed

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Many who oppose the law are calling it xenophobic and racist, especially given Florida’s diverse demographics. According to the US Census Bureau, 28.7% of the state’s population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, and 30.1% of households report speaking a non-English language at home — most commonly Spanish, which is spoken in 22% of households. Florida welcome sign with large columns and a sun emblem, set amidst trees

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“Florida’s decision to end multilingual driver’s license tests creates needless barriers for Spanish-speaking communities,” wrote Florida Rep. Lois Frankel on X.

@RepLoisFrankel / Via Twitter: @RepLoisFrankel

Many also emphasized how out of touch an English-only mandate feels in a country with no official language… Tweet saying, "so stupid. america does not even have an official language." …especially in a state whose literal name derives from Spanish. Tweet by @princesssharyah reads: "Florida is literally a Spanish word." @princesshayah_ / Via x.com

“leaving this here,” one X user wrote alongside a screenshot explaining that “Florida” comes from the Spanish La Florida, meaning “land of flowers.”

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“Just racist for no reason,” one person wrote. Tweet questioning the legality of having no official language in the U.S. and criticizing the requirement to speak English for driving as unnecessary @robinsbxckley / Via x.com“30% of households in Florida don’t speak English as primary language at home. Cruelty is the point,” added another. Tweet by Jess P. states that 30% of households in Florida don't speak English as primary language at home, implying intentional cruelty People online also warned of broader political consequences, pointing to Florida’s voter ID requirements and the law’s potential impact on voting access for many Floridians. Tweet by Bryan H. claims Florida voter suppression by requiring photo ID, impacting non-English-speaking Hispanic population who may fail driving tests

Some believe this change may have the opposite effect, making roads less safe by encouraging more unlicensed driving. Tweet by user criticizing Florida's unlicensed drivers and language barriers In short, these three words basically sum up how people are feeling: