Government & Politics

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
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licencias de conducir y tarjetas de identidad
licencias de conducir y tarjetas de identidad 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Septiembre 2009
Informe de interés sobre licencias de conducir y
tarjetas de identidad
NUEVA TARIFA DE CARGOS EN EFECTO: El 1ro de septiembre del 2009, se efectúan cambios en ciertos cargos por licencias de conducir y vehículos motorizados. Los nuevos cargos básicos fueron establecidos por la Legislatura de la Florida como parte del proceso de desarrollo del presupuesto estatal. Cargos vigentes de licencias de conducir y tarjetas de identificación son los siguientes:
Clase E (original y renovar) $48.00 CDL (renovar y renovar) $75.00
Identificación (original y renovar) $25.00 Endosos $ 7.00
Cuota por servicios de licencias de conducir en una oficina de Recaudador de Impuestos $ 6.25
Para una lista completa de los todos los nuevos cargos por servicios a los motoristas, incluyendo los cargos anteriores y cuando fue su cambio más reciente, por favor haga “clic” aquí.
Una combinación de información específica a cada vehículo se usa para determinar los cargos de registración. Dicha información incluye el uso, el tipo de placa y el código de su clasificación. El código de la clasificación es determinado por el peso del vehículo, el tipo de carrocería, el tipo de vehículo y el uso de su registración. Para ver ejemplos, haga “clic”aquí.
Para revisar las preguntas y respuestas sobre los nuevos cargos de la Florida, haga “clic” aquí.
LANZAMIENTO ESTATAL DE Reúna, Venga. Obtenga: El Departamento de Seguridad en las Carreteras y Vehículos Motorizados (DHSMV) lanzó su nuevo sitio en la Internet Reúna. Venga. Obtenga – una campaña educativa para asistir a los floridanos con sus nuevos requisitos relativos a las licencias de conducir y tarjetas de identificación (ID). Comenzando el 1ro de enero del 2010, los floridanos que renueven u obtengan una nueva licencia o tarjeta de identificación tendrán que mostrar prueba de: 1) identificación, 2) número del Seguro Social, y 3) dirección residencial (dos pruebas).
El corazón de la campaña es un nuevo sitio Web diseñado para ayudar a los residentes a comprender los nuevos requisitos. El Departamento está exhortando a los floridanos a visitar www.ReunaVengaObtenga.com para explicarles cómo reunir sus documentos, venir a una oficina de la licencia de conducir, y obtener su nueva tarjeta. El sitio Web le permitirá a los residentes:
• Determinar cuándo necesitarán visitar una oficina de la licencia de conducir o una oficina del recaudador de impuestos.
• Crear una lista de comprobación personalizada detallando los documentos que se necesitan.
• Revisar la lista de oficinas de la licencia de conducir en su área local.
La campaña esta también disponible en inglés visitando www.GatherGoGet.com, así como en kreyol visitando www.RasanbleAlePran.com.
REAL ID – INFORMACIÓN GENERAL: La Florida comenzara a emitir licencias en total cumpliendo de la Ley Real ID para el primero de enero del 2010. Esto significa que:
• Su actual licencia de conducir de la Florida o tarjeta de identificación continuará siendo válida como identificación para asuntos federales hasta el 1ro de diciembre del 2014 para personas nacidas después del 1ro de diciembre del 1964 y hasta el 1ro de diciembre del 2017 para todos los nacidos antes del 1ro de diciembre del 1964.
• Después del 2014 y el 2017, las agencias federales no aceptaran licencias de conducir o tarjetas de identificación si no cumplen los requisitos establecidos por Real ID. Esto significa el no ser permitido abordar un vuelo comercial o entrar a una dependencia del gobierno federal sin un documento que cumpla con los requisitos establecidos por la Ley Real ID.
REQUISITOS PREVALENTES: La Florida requiere documentos adicionales a personas renovando u obteniendo su licencia de conducir o tarjeta de identificación. Todos los clientes tendrán que presentar prueba de dirección residencial y de número de Seguro Social. Los cambios son requeridos para llevar a la Florida al total cumplimiento de la ley Real ID del 2005.
Para renovar u obtener una licencia de conducir o tarjeta de identificación, residentes tienen proveer un documento que pruebe la dirección residencial que puede ser uno de los siguientes:
• Escritura, hipoteca, comprobante de pago mensual de hipoteca, libro de pago de hipoteca o de contrato de alquiler / arrendamiento
• Tarjeta de Inscripción de Votante
• Registro o título de propiedad de un vehículo
• Comprobante de un servicio público – electricidad, teléfono, etc., u orden de instalación fechada menos de 60 días de la visita a nuestra oficina
• Formulario del IRS W-2 o 1099
• Carta de un albergue de desamparados, proveedor de servicios transicionales o casa de transito verificando la dirección residencial de dicha organización o entidad.
Para una lista de los documentos que establecen prueba de dirección residencial, por favor visite:
http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/DetailsSpan.pdf
Prueba del número de Seguro Social tiene que ser proveída presentando uno de los siguientes:
• Tarjeta del Seguro Social
• Declaración de impuestos
• Formulario W-2 o 1099 del IRS
• Comprobante de un cheque de nómina
• DD-214 (Documento de licenciatura militar)
• Expediente de una institución educacional
• Documentos del IRS que incluyan impreso su número de Seguro Social
Nuevos residentes, para obtener una licencia de conducir o tarjeta de identificación, también tendrán que presentar prueba de identificación tal como:
• Un pasaporte válido
• Un certificado de nacimiento original o una copia certificada (el nombre tiene que ser exacto en cada documento presentado).
Los no-ciudadanos tienen que presentar documentos adicionales tal como:
• Tarjeta de residencia permanente válida
• Tarjeta de Autorización de Empleo vigente
El Departamento tiene la lista de documentos aceptables disponible en Internet. Para obtener la información, por favor visite: http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/DetailsSpan.pdf
INFORMACIÓN CLAVE PARA PADRES DE CONDUCTORES ADOLESCENTES: El Departamento de Seguridad en Carreteras y Vehículos Motorizados ha creado una sección para padres en su sitio en Internet para adolescentes www.flhsmv.gov/teens. El nuevo, y al mismo tiempo mejorado, sitio Web ahora le proporciona a los padres información útil que los ayuda a enseñarle a sus adolescente a ser conductores seguros. El programa gradual de licencia de conducir le permite a los adolescentes a obtener un permiso de aprendizaje a los 15 años de edad, el cual le permite conducir, bajo ciertas condiciones, acompañado de un adulto portador de una licencia de conducir. Otras restricciones se también se aplican a adolescentes con licencia de operador hasta que cumplan 18 años de edad.
Para asegurar que ambos padres e hijos adolescentes tenga un completo entendimiento de la ley, una explicación de cada una de las frases del programa gradual de licencias y las restricciones relacionadas están incluidos en dicho sitio Web. El notable que ciertos comportamientos están relacionados con la alta tasa de fatalidades entre adolescentes, incluyendo: falta de experiencia y madurez combinada con la alta velocidad, no abrocharse el cinturón de seguridad, distracciones, somnolencia, y conducir cuando la visibilidad es limitada. El sito Web también incluye una guía para el conductor y un diario para registrar las 50 horas de práctica que un adolescente tiene que documentar para obtener una licencia intermedia de operador. Para visitar el sitio Web, por favor vaya a www.flhsmv.gov/teens.
LA FLORIDA INAUGURA RESGISTRO DE DONANTES DE ORGANOS Y TEJIDOS: DHSMV, junto a instituciones como la Agencia de la Administración del Cuidado de la Salud (AHCA) y Donate Life Florida anunciaron el establecimiento del Registro de Donantes de Órganos y Tejidos Joshua Abbott. El nuevo registro electrónico en Internet es accesible en www.DonateLifeFlorida.org y le permite a los interesados en hacerlo (hasta los que viven fuera de la Florida) designarse como donantes de órganos, tejidos y ojos.
El Departamento anima al público en general a inspeccionar el nuevo sitio Web, y si ya es un donante inscrito, usted puede asegurarse que la información en dicho registro esta al día. Este sitio Web no solo le permite inscribirse como donante y actualizar la información personal en archivo, también provee la opción de especificar los deseos relacionados con su donación. Donate Life Florida esta dedicada a facultar al público a salvar y mejorar vidas a través de la donación de órganos y tejidos, así como también a exhortar otras donaciones que salvan vidas tal como la de sangre y medula. El financiamiento del registro proviene solamente de las contribuciones voluntarias al Health Care Trust Fund mediante las donaciones de $1.00 que los Floridanos aportan al obtener servicios en una de nuestras oficinas.
¡ABROCHÉMONOS EL CINTURÓN DE SEGURIDAD!: La legislación que hace obligatorio el uso de cinturones de seguridad en los vehículos motorizados comenzó a tomar efecto el 30 de junio del 2009. La nueva ley permite la ejecución primaria de los requisitos de la Florida sobre cinturones de seguridad, lo cual, de acuerdo a estimados de la Administración de la Seguridad del Tráfico Nacional (NHTSA por sus siglazas en inglés), prevendrá 124 fatalidades anualmente en nuestro estado. Los padres deben establecer un buen ejemplo para ayudar a sus hijos a forjar el habito de abrocharse el cinturón de seguridad de por vida. ¡Abrochémonos los cinturones de seguridad!
Para más información sobre la Ley real ID, visite: http://www.flhsmv.gov/Spanish/ddl/real_id.html
¡UNA CITA LE AHORRA TIEMPO!: Se les insta a las personas que tengan que visitar una de nuestras oficinas para efectuar una transacción relacionada con la licencia de conducir o tarjeta de identificación que obtengan una cita previa para ser atendidas eficientemente. Haga una cita vía Internet y reduzca el tiempo de espera. Haga su cita en: http://www.flhsmv.gov/oasis. Luego, complete el formulario disponible en español mediante el sitio Web on-line pre-application , imprímalo y tráigalo cuando visite la oficina en la cual concertó la cita.
NUESTRO HORARIO: Las oficinas de Licencia de Conducir de la Florida están abiertas de lunes a viernes de 8 AM hasta las 5 PM. Nuevas pautas de exámenes dedicadas a mantener un excelente nivel de servicio al cliente establecen que la ultima prueba oral o de licencia comercial CDL de cada día comenzará a las 3:30 PM. El último examen escrito y prueba práctica de conducir del día comenzaran a las 4:30 PM.
Para la información más corriente sobre horario y localización de nuestras oficinas, visite nuestro sitio en Internet: www.flhsmv.gov/offices/
CARGOS POR LICENCIAS DE CONDUCIR Y TARJETAS DE IDENTIFICACIÓN:
(Vigentes el 1ro de septiembre del 2009)
Clase E (original o renovar) $48.00 CDL (original o renovar) $75.00
Identificación (original o renovar) $25.00 Endosos $ 7.00
Cuota por servicios de licencias de conducir en una oficina de Recaudador de Impuestos $ 6.25
Ningún viaje es muy corto para no abrocharse. ¡Abrochémonos todos siempre el cinturón de seguridad!

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
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Driver Licenses and Identification Cards
Driver Licenses and Identification Cards 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

September 2009
Information of interest about driver licenses and
identification cards
NEW FEES NOW IN EFFECT: On September 1, 2009, certain fees for driver license and motor vehicle services changed. These new base fees were established by the Florida Legislature as part of the state’s budget development process. A complete list of the new fees for the most frequently used motorist services is provided below. Driver licenses and identification card fees are now as follow:
Class E (original and renewal) $48.00 CDL (original and renewal) $75.00
ID Card (original and renewal) $25.00 Endorsements $ 7.00
Driver License Services at Tax Collector office Service Fee $ 6.25
For a complete listing of all new motorist services fees, including the amount of the previous fee and the date of the most recent fee change, please click here.
A combination of vehicle information is used to determine registration fees. They are the registration use, license plate type and class code. The class code is determined by the vehicle weight, body type, vehicle type and registration use. To see a sample, click here.
For a list of frequently asked questions and answers regarding Florida’s new fees, click here.
Gather, Go, Get. LAUNCHED STATEWIDE: The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles launched Gather. Go. Get. – an educational campaign designed to assist Floridians with new driver license and identification card requirements. Beginning January 1, 2010, Floridians renewing or obtaining a new license or ID will be required to show proof of: 1) identification, 2) Social Security number and 3) residential address (two items).
The campaign is anchored by a new website designed to help residents understand the new requirements. DHSMV is encouraging Floridians to visit www.GatherGoGet.com to find out how and when to gather your documents, go to a driver license office and get your new card. The www.GatherGoGet.com campaign website will enable residents to:
• Determine when they will need to visit a driver license or tax collector office.
• Create a personalized checklist detailing documents they will need.
• Obtain contact information showing where to get required documents.
• Browse a list of driver license offices in their local area.
The campaign is also available in Spanish by visiting www.ReunaVengaObtenga.com and in Creole at www.RasanbleAlePran.com.
In January 2010, the Department will begin issuing driver licenses and identification cards that meet new federal standards. Although Florida already has one of the most secure issuance processes and credentials, these changes will enhance our efforts to minimize fraud and identity theft.
REAL ID – TIMELINE: Florida will begin issuing Real ID driver licenses and ID cards no later than January 1, 2010. This means that:
• Your current, unexpired, Florida driver license or ID card will continue to be valid as identification for federal purposes until December 1, 2014 for individuals born after December 1, 1964, and December 1, 2017 for everyone else.
• After the 2014 and 2017 dates, Federal agencies will no longer accept a driver license or ID card unless it is Real ID compliant. This means you will not be allowed to board commercial flights or enter federal facilities unless you have a Real ID compliant document.
For more complete information about Real ID, please visit http://www.flhsmv.gov/realid/.
DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS: Florida requires additional documents for people renewing or obtaining their Florida driver license or identification card. Everyone must provide one proof of residential address, and one form of proof of social security number, if issued. The changes are required to bring Florida into compliance with the Real ID Act of 2005.
To renew or obtain a license or identification card, residents must now have one form of proof of residential address such as:
• Deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet or residential rental/lease agreement
• Florida Voter Registration Card
• Florida Vehicle Registration or Title
• A utility hook up or work order dated within 60 days of the application
• W-2 form or 1099 form
• A letter from a homeless shelter, transitional service provider, or a half-way house verifying that the customer resides at the shelter address
For a list of Proof of Residential Address documents, please visit http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/address.html.
Proof of social security number, if issued, includes one of the following:
• Social Security card
• Tax return
• W-2 form
• Pay check stub
• DD-214 (military discharge document)
• School record
• Documentation from the IRS containing your social security number
First time residents applying for a driver license or identification card must also provide proof of identity such as:
• Original or certified birth certificate (name on each document must match exactly or be accompanied by an official marriage certificate or court order)
• Valid passport
Non-US Citizens must provide additional documents such as:
• Valid permanent resident card
• Employment authorization card
The Department provides a list of acceptable documents online at http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/faqkeys.html.
KEY INFORMATION FOR PARENTS ON TEEN DRIVING: The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles launched a parents section on its teen driving website www.flhsmv.gov/teens. The new and improved website now provides parents with useful information to help them teach their teens to become safe drivers. Florida’s graduated driver licensing program allows teens to obtain a learner’s permit at age 15, which restricts them to driving only under certain conditions with a licensed adult. Other restrictions apply to teens with an operator’s license until their 18th birthday.
To ensure that both parents and teens have a complete understanding of the law, an explanation of each phase of the graduated licensing program and the related restrictions can be found on the website. Certain behaviors are associated with the cause of the high fatality rate of teen drivers including: inexperience and immaturity combined with speed, alcohol consumption, not wearing seatbelts, distractions, drowsiness, and driving when visibility is limited. The website includes a driving guide and a driving log to track the 50 hours of practice that teens must record to obtain their intermediate operator’s license. To visit the website, please go to: www.flhsmv.gov/teens
FLORIDA ORGAN AND TISSUE DONOR REGISTRY: DHSMV, along with partners from Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration and Donate Life Florida, announced the launch of the Joshua Abbott Organ and Tissue Donor Registry.  The new online registry at www.DonateLifeFlorida.org, allows residents (and even those who live outside Florida) to designate themselves as organ, tissue and eye donors.
The Department encourages you to check out the web site and if you are already a registered donor, you should ensure your information is in the registry and up-to-date. The web site not only allows you to register as a donor and update your information, but also it gives you the option to specify your wishes regarding your donation.
DHSMV has played a large role in developing the web site. Florida’s current donors are already uploaded into the new, online registry thanks to members from the Division of Driver Licenses and Information Systems Administration. The new registration also should streamline the registration process for those who register in driver license offices.
Donate Life Florida is dedicated to empowering the public to save and enhance lives through organ and tissue donation as well as make other lifesaving donations, such as blood and marrow. Funding for the registry comes solely from voluntary contributions to the Health Care Trust Fund through the $1 donation Floridians make when obtaining motorist services.
BUCKLE UP, EVERYONE!: The mandatory use of seatbelts in motor vehicles is a reality in Florida. The new law allows for the primary enforcement of Florida’s safety belt requirements, which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates will save 124 lives, prevent 1,733 serious injuries, and save $408 million in associated costs each year. Buckle up, everyone!
AN APPOINTMENT WILL SAVE YOU TIME! All customers who must visit one of our offices to renew, replace, or file a change of address to their driver license or identification card, are urged to secure an appointment prior to their visit. Connect via Internet at http://www.flhsmv.gov/oasis for an appointment to greatly reduce the length of the visit. Then link to the on-line pre-application and complete it before coming to one of our offices.
OUR OFFICE SCHEDULE: Driver license offices in Florida are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Testing guidelines, that continue to provide excellent customer service, call for the start of the last oral examination and CDL test to begin each day at 3:30 p.m. The last written examinations and driving tests begin each day at 4:30 p.m. Please check our website at www.flhsmv.gov/offices/ for the most up-to-date information on office locations and schedules.
DRIVER LICENSES AND IDENTIFICATION CARD FEES (Beginning September 1, 2009)
Class E (original and renewal) $48.00 CDL (original and renewal) $75.00
ID Card (original and renewal) $25.00 Endorsements $ 7.00 Driver License Services at Tax Collector office Service Fee $ 6.25
For more information on the new fees, please here.
No trip is too short to NOT TO Buckle Up!
Buckle Up, Everyone, Every Time!

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
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What Can Your Elected Officials Do For You?
What Can Your Elected Officials Do For You? 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

The Savvy Senior
By Robert Goodman, MSW
What Can Your Elected Officials do for You?
Each month I write about different services that are available to seniors. If you are having trouble getting those services from local, state, or federal government then there is a place you can turn to that a lot of people don’t think of: YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS. Constituent casework is a major function of their offices. Their staff can refer you to appropriate agencies for help and cut through red tape when dealing with federal, state, or county agencies. They can help expedite your receipt of services, and enable you to receive services you may need. They CANNOT give legal advice. It should be noted that speaking to a legislative aide is like speaking directly to your elected official. They run the office, have the ear of their bosses, and know how to get you the help you need.
When requesting help you should provide a detailed description of the problem and describe any actions already taken to address the issue. When visiting the office or mailing information, include copies of all documentation that support your claim or may be helpful, such as letters to and from agencies as well any forms. Senators Nelson and Rubio require that you fill out a consent form (available on their websites) giving them permission to assist you and to share their information with other agencies.
First, we need to understand who you go to for different issues. Caseworkers in Senate and Congressional offices specialize in various areas of concern to constituents. They can best help intervene with federal agencies. They have helped retirees resolve disputes with the Social Security Administration, assisted veterans in receiving long overdue military commendations, and filed complaints on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries related to fraud and other abuses. They also address problems with Veteran’s Benefits, Immigration, passports and travel visas.
Name: Congressman Ted Deutch
Address: 8177 Glades Road, Suite 211, Boca Raton 33434
Phone: 561-732-4000
Website: http://deutch.house.gov
Office Hours: M-F 8:30-5:30
Term of Office: two years
Name: U.S. Senator Bill Nelson
Phone: 561-514-0189 or 888-671-4091
Fax: 407-872-7165
Website: www.billnelson.senate.gov
Office Hours: M-F, 9-5
Term of Office: six years
Name: U.S. Senator Marco Rubio
Phone: 1-561-775-3360 or 1-866-630-7106
Website: www.rubio.senate.gov
Office Hours: M-F, 9-5
Term of Office: six years
The offices of State Senator Joseph Abruzzo and State Representative Kevin Rader handle problems with state agencies. The most common issues they handle include nsurance Issues, Food Stamps, Unemployment Benefits, Medicaid, problems with condominium associations, and anything else relating to state law or services.
Name: State Senator Joseph Abruzzo
Wellington City Hall
12300 West Forest Hill Blvd, Suite 200
Wellington, FL 33414
Phone: 561-791-4774
Office Hours: M-F, 9-5
Term of Office: four years
Name: State Representative Kevin Rader
Address: 561-218-5010
Phone: 9045 LaFontana Blvd, Suite 117, Boca Raton
Office Hours: M-F, 9-5
Term of Office: two years
Century Village is located in unincorporated Palm Beach County. The County Commission oversees services in our area such as street light problems, zoning, roads, libraries, and community development.
Our County Commissioner is Mary Lou Berger. His office is the liaison between constituents and county departments. His office publishes a welcome guide to Palm Beach County. The County Directory of Services is available at www.pbcgov.com/publicaffairs or by calling 888.808.3127.
Name: Commissioner Mary Lou Berger
Address: County Courthouse, 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach
Phone: 561-355-2205
Hours: M-F, 9-5
Term of Office: four years
It is important to let your elected officials know how their actions affect your life. Document how local, state, and federal programs have helped you and how cuts in services may hurt you. The State Legislature is in session until April 29th. Congress is in session year round. On the state level you can track bills and watch video broadcasts during this current Legislation by going to www.flsenate.gov or www.myfloridahouse.gov.
The staff of each Congressional or Legislative office tried to match up a person’s story or issues to the agencies that address their issues. They don’t have all the answers, but know where to find them. The staffs of our elected officials visit Century Village on the second Monday of the month from 10 AM-12 Noon in the Clubhouse.
Take an active role in determining government policies. Call, write, or email your Senator or Representative to voice your opinion on important matters that come before them. If there is an issue that you are for or against call your elected officials and voice your opinion. They keep track of who calls. Let the Senator and Representative know how their constituents feel about a particular issue. This helps them determine how to vote on an issue.
Issues of the day »     Sen. Nelson’s take on news of the day.
Media releases »     What the senator is doing to help Floridians.
News articles »     Articles on significant issues in Florida.
Published columns »     Sen. Nelson’s opinions in print.
Speeches and statements »     Sen. Nelson in his own words.

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
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How to Select a Candidate
How to Select a Candidate 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

How to Select a Candidate
By Robert Goodman, MSW
It is that season once again when we get to choose our national and local leaders. On November 6th we will be voting for President, U.S. Senator, state legislators, a Congressman, and several county offices. Issues like Medicare, Social Security, taxes, the economy, foreign policy, and many local issues that effect Century Village, you, and your family are being debated throughout the campaignIt is important to be an educated voter.
How do I know who to vote for?
First, find out who your elected officials are. Learn about the offices and what they do. For information on Palm Beach County visit www.pbcgov.com. Information about the State Legislature can be found at www.leg.state.fl.us.
Second, Learn about the issues that are important to you. AARP, www.aarp.org, has lots of information on Medicare and Social Security. The Medicare Rights Center, www.medicarerights.org, publishes a weekly newsletter with lots of updates on Medicare and related issues. Our local and national newspapers have articles on various issues as well.
Third, separate fact from fiction. Start by ignoring all the negative advertising. The Annenberg Public Policy Center, www.factcheck.org has a website where you can check the facts presented by the candidates and their ads. Find out where the candidates stand on your issues. Attend meetings where they speak. Ask questions to find out where they stand on the issues. The Sun Sentinel and Palm Beach Post usually publish articles on the candidates and their stand on issues. The Politics Center, www.selectsmart.com/president, matches your views to the views of the candidates.
Finally, remember to vote. Every vote counts, especially in close elections. Be sure your family and friends vote too.

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