Rick Scott Surrenders To Canada, Repeals International Driver's License Law

Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) succumbed to pressure on Tuesday and repealed a recently enacted law that required certain nonresidents to get an International Driving Permit in order to drive in the state, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

Scott's move came after intense criticism from Canadians, who make up Florida tourism's top market and were outraged at the new hoop through which they'd be expected to jump.

In an attempt to make amends, Scott invited Canadian Automobile Association spokesman Ian Jack to the bill signing ceremony, where the governor offered him an apology.

“It’s like being married a long time, if you’re the husband you give up quickly and say you’re sorry,” Scott said.

Jack accepted the apology, telling Scott that he was "forgiven.” The CAA also applauded the move in a statement.

(Click over to the Orlando Sentinel for video of Scott and Jack making amends.)

As HuffPost Miami reported earlier this year, Florida officials had already vowed not to enforce the measure -- introduced last year by Tea Party Caucus member Rep. Ben Albritton (R-Wauchula) -- after backlash from Canadian critics.

HuffPost Canada reported that the Florida Highway Patrol was bombarded by calls in February after Canadian media exposed the new requirements, informing prospective Canadian tourists that they would have to purchase an international driver's license in order to drive legally in the Sunshine State. Beyond being a nuisance, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles was later forced to admit that the law was a violation of the Geneva Convention.