Overview
- A visitor at Bar 17 Bistro in Universal’s Aventura Hotel was refused alcohol after presenting only a foreign driver’s license and staff cited “Florida law” when denying service.
- Florida Statute 562.11 lists U.S. and out-of-state driver’s licenses, state IDs, military IDs and passports as forms that legally protect a business, but it does not include foreign driver’s licenses in that same safe-harbor.
- Because servers can face criminal or civil penalties for serving a minor, many venues adopt a practical rule asking international guests for passports; Universal’s enforcement appears to vary by location while Disney maintains a uniform, resort-wide passport policy.
- Travelers are advised to carry their passport or a clear photo of its main page, ask hotel staff about resort ID rules before dining, and request a manager if posted signs and staff instructions conflict.
- The incident highlights a need for clearer resort-wide guidance, consistent signage and staff training so international guests are not unexpectedly turned away and venues can verify IDs reliably.