It used to be normal to do this when getting a driver's license in Florida, but now it's a crime and can cost you up to $1,000 in fines.

It used to be an open secret. Thousands of people used it to resolve urgent matters. It was fast, effective, and circulated through private groups, social media pages, or simple message chains. But as of this week, what seemed like simple assistance outside the system has become a crime punishable by state law.

Florida has passed a law making a widespread practice a first-degree misdemeanor in recent months, especially in the southern part of the state. Although most users saw this as a temporary solution to the clutter and lack of availability, authorities consider it fraud and have already set penalties that include up to one year in jail, probation, or a fine of up to $1.000.

The new law, known as HB 0961, began in Miami-Dade County and is now in effect statewide. Its goal is to end the reselling of appointments for driver's licenses and identification documents at Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) offices or tax collectors' offices.

A victory against “organized chaos”

Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernández was one of the driving forces behind the law. On social media, he celebrated the fact that the local ordinance he promoted has now become state policy.

“We uncovered the fraud, passed a local ordinance, and now—thanks to HB 0961—this predatory practice is a first-degree misdemeanor statewide, punishable by up to one year in jail, probation, or a $1,000 fine,” Fernandez wrote.

For many residents, the appointment chaos had reached a critical point. Obtaining a driver's license, renewing an ID, or completing basic procedures became a nightmare. The lack of cupThe lack of access to official information led to the emergence of a parallel market: some users would stock up on free appointments and then resell them for as much as $100 or $200.

Fernández was emphatic: “No one should pay for an appointment that the government offers for free.”

A key change in times of increased immigration control

This measure comes just as the Donald Trump administration has increased pressure on migrants without legal status. In this context, having a valid license has become crucial. It not only serves as a driver's license, but also as identification for police, employers, and financial institutions.

Long lines, lack of availability in the system, and bureaucratic hurdles had led many to justify using these resold appointments as a lesser evil. But now, doing so can have criminal consequences.

The Miami-Dade County tax collector's office explained it this way: "This unethical practice created serious access problems for honest residents who simply needed to renew a license, obtain an ID, or complete other essential services."

Although the FLHSMV is a state agency, in some counties the tax collector's office already directly manages services. In Miami-Dade County, this transition could be consolidated under the leadership of Fernandez, who has been clear in his message: public systems are not for sale.