"So Stupid": The Internet Is Absolutely Losing It Over Florida's Mind-Boggling New Law
Lily Grossinger
Wed, February 4, 2026 at 8:14 PM UTC
3 min read
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The DMV is famously unpleasant, but Florida just found a way to make getting your driver's license even more complicated.
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.
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."
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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'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
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Many also emphasized how out of touch an English-only mandate feels in a country with no official language...
...especially in a state whose literal name derives from Spanish.
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"leaving this here," one X user wrote alongside a screenshot explaining that "Florida" comes from the Spanish La Florida, meaning "land of flowers."
@umberrrrr / @PopCrave / Chouaaib Babaoui via Alamy / Monika Wisniewska via Alamy / Via Twitter: @umberrrrr
"Just racist for no reason," one person wrote.
"30% of households in Florida don't speak English as primary language at home. Cruelty is the point," added another.
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.
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Some believe this change may have the opposite effect, making roads less safe by encouraging more unlicensed driving.
In short, these three words basically sum up how people are feeling:
@TheGirlUnsure / @PopCrave / Chouaaib Babaoui via Alamy / Monika Wisniewska via Alamy / Via Twitter: @TheGirlUnsure
What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
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