Florida bill proposes marking noncitizen driver's licenses

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

A proposed bill in the Florida Legislature seeks to add the letters "NC" to the back of driver's licenses for noncitizens, a move supporters argue will reduce voter fraud, while critics warn it could lead to discrimination.

Audrey Wade, a recent Florida resident and registered voter, supports the idea of a special mark proving citizenship.

"I think it's a good idea. Because we should let the nation know who you are and a little bit about you and where you're from," Wade said.

Conversely, Gabriela Santos from Fort Myers expressed concerns that the marking could make individuals targets, especially during police stops.

"I feel it would be very unnecessary, especially when people get pulled over and stuff like that. It would call them out or the police," Santos said. She also noted that noncitizens can legally hold driver's licenses, adding, "There are people who do have residency but not citizens, but maybe they're working on it, so it wouldn't be really effective to do that."

Melissa Blazier, the Collier County supervisor of elections, explained that election supervisors already verify citizenship without the need for such markings.

"All of this information is cross-checked before we ever make the person a registered voter," Blazier said.

She emphasized that the state requires verifying documents, like birth certificates and social security numbers, to ensure only lawful U.S. citizens are registered voters in Florida.

"At the end of the day, it's the supervisor of elections' duty to ensure their voter roles are clean," she added.

If the bill passes and the governor signs it, the measure would take effect in July.

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