Following recent federal developments impacting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has issued updated guidance with important implications for both affected individuals and home care providers.

State-Level Action: Driver License Extensions Authorized

As outlined in Technical Advisory DL 26-003, dated March 26, 2026, FLHSMV is allowing eligible TPS beneficiaries from Haiti to renew or extend their Florida driver licenses and identification cards through July 1, 2026 — aligning with the current federal court-ordered extension of TPS-related work authorization.

This guidance applies specifically to individuals who present:

• An expired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with category A12 or C19, and/or
• An approved Form I-821 (TPS application)

Under this advisory, these individuals remain eligible for credential issuance through July 1, 2026, even if their documentation reflects earlier expiration dates.

Important Limitation: No Automatic Extension Beyond July 1

FLHSMV makes clear that:

• Any driver license or ID issued under this guidance cannot extend beyond July 1, 2026
• Individuals seeking credentials beyond that date must provide alternative proof of lawful presence

Additionally, individuals who do not meet the specified criteria are not eligible for issuance or temporary permits under this policy.

Why This Matters for Providers

This state-level action is a critical, but temporary, stabilization measure for providers employing individuals with TPS Haiti designation.

From an operational standpoint:

• It ensures continued legal driving privileges for eligible employees
• It supports workforce continuity, particularly for caregivers who rely on driving to deliver services
• It aligns state credentialing with federal employment authorization timelines

However, this relief is strictly time-limited and does not resolve the broader uncertainty surrounding TPS Haiti.

Compliance and Workforce Planning Remain Critical

As outlined in HCAF’s previous update, TPS Haiti remains subject to ongoing litigation, with:

• A potential U.S. Supreme Court decision expected by late June
• The possibility of full termination shortly thereafter

Providers should continue to:

• Monitor both federal and state guidance closely
• Ensure alignment between driver license validity and employment authorization records
• Prepare contingency plans in the event TPS protections are lifted

Bottom Line

Florida’s action provides short-term operational continuity—but does not eliminate the underlying risk.

With both work authorization and driving privileges currently tied to the same July 1, 2026 deadline, providers should treat this as a fixed planning horizon and act accordingly.