So do I need a permit?  Confused?

In January 2013 an international driving permit (IDP) was indeed needed in Florida to drive legally for visitors outside of the USA.

However this law has now been backtracked (March 2013):

The DHSMV released a Statement on International Driving Permits, stating that the Florida law will not be enforced until a final determination regarding the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic can be made. Although the DHSMV states the law will not be enforced, theoretically this law still exists.

Internation Driving Permit debate

They are only a few pounds to buy, and the Post Office sell them, so it may be worth a quick visit before heading off to Florida.  Get your IDP here.

Source: http://www.theaa.com/getaway/idp/index.html#florida

A law introduced in Florida, USA, on 1 January 2013 requires all persons who hold a licence issued outside of the US to carry an International Driving Permit along with their national driving licence.  Without an IDP, a driver is therefore driving without a valid licence. If stopped, law enforcement has the options of  – Arresting the driver and taking them to jail  – Or giving the driver a citation with a mandatory court appearance.  The AA strongly advises that you should obtain an IDP if you intend to drive in Florida.  Although updates (below) indicate that a fine will not be given just for driving without an IDP, the law hasn’t been amended as yet and does still exist.