Do you need a valid drivers license to *buy* a car from a dealership
in the state of FL?

Currently, I have a learners permit, but I wanted to buy a car, and
was told I couldn't until I obtained a license.  No one I know has
heard of this before, so I wanted it looked into.

Thanks

Dear unknownentity,

I have searched the 2006 Florida Statutes as well as the regulations
for car dealers. I have found no whatsoever law or regulation that
requires dealers to sell cars only to individuals who can present a
valid driver's license.

Therefore, I can only speculate that it is the dealer's own policy,
for example to avoid that a person who, due to not holding a license,
can't purchase car insurance, illegally operates the automobile. But
there seems not to be any Florida law or regulation explicitly
demanding such precautions.

Regards,
Scriptor



Sources:

The Florida Legislature: 2006 Florida Statutes
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/index.cfm?Mode=View%20Statutes&Submenu=1&Tab=statutes

Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles: Dealers' Handbook
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/html/DMV/manuals/dealermanual/dealermanual.html

Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles: Motor Vehicles
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/html/titlinf.html

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Request for Answer Clarification by unknownentity-ga on 07 Nov 2006 18:53 PST

Does this include the registration of the vehicle?  Perhaps you need a
license to register the vehicle your name, and this is where the
requirement sneaks in.

Thanks

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Request for Answer Clarification by unknownentity-ga on 08 Nov 2006 21:08 PST

Never mind, I looked up the registration requirements and it doesn't
even ask for your license information.

It turns out the dealer was worried how I would get it off the lot,
and how I would obtain insurance.  They were satisfied when I told
them I would have a licensed driver, my father, pick the car up with
me, and that I would be included under my parent's insurance policy.

They were just being precautious.  The dealer clarified you really
don't need a license to buy the car.  They probably just mis-stated
the information at first.

I don't think they would have changed their minds if it wasn't for the
Google analyst.  Thanks scriptor!

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Clarification of Answer by scriptor-ga on 12 Nov 2006 05:43 PST

I'm glad to know I was able to provide a little help.

Greetings,
Scriptor

He was very prompt, and found the information I needed.  His help
improved my ability to obtain a service.

Sounds like hogwash.  Miss Daisy can own a car, but hire a driver, after all, no?