# Florida Driver's License Controversy

> Florida's new driver's license with 'Let Us Alone' faces racism claims after historical ties to slavery.
- Title: Florida Driver's License Controversy · Newsweek | Shortify
- Summary: Florida's new driver's license with 'Let Us Alone' faces racism claims after historical ties to slavery. Florida's new driver's license featuring 'Let Us…
- Keywords: florida, driver license, let us alone, slavery, florida state flag, florida hsmv, ron desantis, Driver's, License, Controversy, Newsweek
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/meaning-behind-let-us-alone-new-florida-driving-license-face-racism-claims-12580388
- Published: 2026-10-16T16:39:49+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: florida, driver license, let us alone, slavery, florida state flag, florida hsmv, ron desantis
## New Florida Driver's License
Florida rolled out driver's licenses featuring an orange, alligator, and the phrase 'Let Us Alone' on the rear.
## Historical Origin of Phrase
The phrase 'Let Us Alone' dates to Florida's first unofficial state flag from March 3, 1845.
## Racist Connotations Claimed
Florida Representative RaShon Young called the phrase 'tone deaf' and linked it to historical slavery.

> Words do not exist outside of history
## Historical Context of Phrase
The phrase historically defended states' rights and slavery, with Florida's 1838 constitution banning slave emancipation laws.
## Recent Political Use
Governor Ron DeSantis used the phrase on social media regarding iguanas and proposed reviving the Florida State Guard.
## Public Backlash
Social media users criticized the phrase as a racist dog whistle with historical ties to slavery and state rights.

> This is on the back of the new florida drivers license, it’s a racist dog whistle first used in the 1800’s
## Key takeaway

Florida's new driver's license featuring 'Let Us Alone' is criticized for racist connotations linked to historical slavery.