RESOLUTION 2004-02

Concerning State I.D. cards being accepted as valid identification

WHEREAS

In the State of Florida government-issued identification cards are required by airports, car rental agencies, banks, hotels, medical facilities and other businesses and agencies; and

WHEREAS

As most adults in the state of Florida drive motor vehicles, the common form of government-issued identification is a valid driver's license; and

WHEREAS

The state of Florida issues a Florida Identification Card to those persons who do not have valid driver's licenses, for the purpose of identification, to be used whenever government-issued identification is required; and

WHEREAS

The identification criteria for obtaining a Florida Identification Card are every bit as rigorous as those which must be met for obtaining a valid driver's license; and

WHEREAS

There are agencies, businesses and companies which have chosen not to recognize the validity of the Florida Identification Card such as major banking companies; and

WHEREAS

Vehicle rental agencies have denied the use of the Florida Identification card when making a payment by credit card, even when the blind person seeking service is accompanied by a licensed driver; and

WHEREAS

The denial of access or services to those who do not possess driver's licenses but do have valid Florida Identification Cards is a violation of the persons rights as a citizen and a violation of  the American's with Disabilities Act;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED IN CONVENTION ASSEMBLED IN JACKSONVILLE THIS 30 DAY OF MAY, 2004 THAT

We call upon the legislature of the State of Florida to strengthen existing laws to require the acceptance of the Florida Identification Card by any business or organization which would accept a valid Florida Driver's License as a form of identification.