Florida began issuing redesigned driver licenses and identification cards Sept. 30, bringing a new look and enhanced security features to credentials issued at Miami-Dade County Tax Collector offices.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles announced that the redesigned credential became the only version available for in-person issuance statewide Sept. 30. The previous design was discontinued for new printing after Sept. 29.

Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez said in a Sept. 29 statement that his office was preparing for the transition.

"A driver license or identification card is one of the most important documents Floridians carry, and when the State makes a change to that credential, residents should know exactly what to expect," Fernandez said.

New design features Florida landmarks and wildlife

The front of the redesigned card features Castillo de San Marcos, the historic Spanish fortress in St. Augustine and the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States.

A Florida orange replaces the letter "O" in "Florida," while a manatee appears in the lower left corner. An alligator is incorporated into the REAL ID star in the upper right corner, according to FLHSMV.

The back features the space shuttle Discovery and the phrase "Let Us Alone," which appeared on an early unofficial Florida flag.

The updated credential also includes additional security features intended to make counterfeiting and alteration more difficult.

FLHSMV said the redesign incorporates nearly twice as many fraud-protection features as the previous version, including ultraviolet ink, tactile elements and optically variable security features.

Existing licenses remain valid

Floridians do not need to replace a valid driver license or identification card solely because of the redesign.

Existing credentials remain valid until their expiration dates unless a replacement is otherwise required.

Residents who renew or replace their credentials at an authorized office will receive the updated design.

The transition does not change the regular expiration dates or renewal requirements for existing licenses.

Miami-Dade offices prepare for new credentials

Fernandez warned that residents could experience brief service delays as equipment and systems were updated to accommodate the new cards.

The Tax Collector's Office operates 13 locations across Miami-Dade County and provides additional services through its TConnect mobile offices.

The mobile program recorded 5,961 driver license and motor vehicle transactions in September, according to the office's monthly performance report.

The mobile offices bring selected tax collector services to neighborhoods throughout the county.

FLHSMV also plans to make the redesigned credential available through eligible online transactions using its MyDMV Portal in November. The agency has published differing estimates for when that transition will be completed.

Residents can find office locations, schedule appointments and check TConnect mobile office availability at mdctaxcollector.gov.