2023

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) celebrates 2023 and the significant accomplishments that have propelled our mission forward. FLHSMV and our division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) remain committed to providing highway safety and security through excellence in service, education, and enforcement. This year has yielded great success, and we are inspired to continue making our roads and communities safer for Florida citizens and visitors.

FLHSMV’s key accomplishments from the last year include:

System upgrades and modernization

• Florida joined the AAMVA State-to-State system that limits a person to holding one driver license. Although U.S. law restricts individuals from having more than one license, the State-to-State system provides electronic verification to determine whether an applicant already holds a license or ID card in another state.
• FLHSMV upgraded to the newest version of Department of Homeland Security’s Verification of Lawful Status. Immigration documents are verified by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program which compares presented documents to the electronic record of the documents held by the DHS in compliance with Real-ID regulations.

Law Enforcement

• • Governor DeSantis announces Operation Lonestar-101 FHP Troopers deployed to the Texas border. In May, following an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) received by Governor DeSantis from the State of Texas, FHP deployed personnel to the southern border to assist with the influx of migrants illegally crossing into the U.S. and bringing with them dangerous narcotics, weapons, and increasing criminal activity including human trafficking and smuggling.
  • FHP participated in Nationwide Anti-Illegal Immigration Coalition announced by Governor DeSantis in Arizona during a roundtable discussion with Sheriffs nationwide. FHP, along with other Florida law enforcement representatives, shared successful actions and training tactics that have helped mitigate human and drug trafficking and smuggling while keeping Florida visitors and residents safe.
  • In response to the crisis at the southern border, FHP, in a collaborative effort with the Florida National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, developed a training program called B.I.T.E. (Border Integrity Trafficking Enforcement) back program. The training curriculum, available to law enforcement and law enforcement executives, educates on Florida’s response to the border crisis and provides a blueprint for boots-on-the-ground multi-agency interdiction efforts.
  • On January 6, 2023, following the issuance of Executive Order #23-03 Operation Vigilant Sentry was initiated. This Executive Order activated the National Guard and directed state law enforcement agencies including FHP to provide state resources to support local governments in response to the increased number of migrants landing in the Florida Keys.
  • Following the Hamas attack on Israel in October, Governor DeSantis initiated Operation Faithful Service, activating the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) to provide around-the-clock, non-stop protection of Florida’s Jewish schools and synagogues. While active, this operation received over 1,000 requests for assistance, providing resources for over 600 religious institutions and events and over 300 religious schools or school events.

• In August, FHP celebrated the graduation of 72 Troopers from the 151st Basic Recruit Class, which included 23 military veterans (U.S. Army (14), Marines (5), Navy (3), and Coast Guard (1)), and nine recruits from out of state (Georgia, New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Michigan). In December, the 152nd Basic Recruit Class celebrated the graduation of 21 Troopers, which included five military veterans representing the Army, Air Force, and the United States Marine Corps.

• FHP, the Florida National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Sheriff’s Departments statewide participated in nine interdiction operations as part of a multi-agency task force initiated by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022, known as Operation Safe Highways. In 2023, Operation Safe Highways conducted over 2,300 traffic stops resulting in over 10,500 felony charges, almost 400 misdemeanor charges and over 300 arrests.

Customer Service

• Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW) mobiles partnered with various agencies and community organizations to bring driver license and motor vehicle services to communities and customers who may otherwise have difficulty accessing department services. In 2023, FLOW mobiles participated in over 800 events, including events at correctional facilities, military installations, homeless shelters, disaster recovery centers, community events, and more.
• In 2023, Florida achieved a compliance rate of over 98% for REAL ID credentials issued for driver licenses and identification cards. Florida is a REAL ID-compliant state; all Florida licenses should be accepted nationwide.

To learn more about FLHSMV and the services offered, visit flhsmv.gov.

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The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education, and enforcement. Learn more on our website.

The Florida Highway Patrol strives to achieve core values of courtesy, service, and protection. It is FHP’s job to help ensure the safety and welfare of millions of Florida’s residents and visitors every day.

To learn more about FHP or how to become one of Florida’s Finest, visit BeATrooper.com.