English – the (ONLY) Language for Florida Driver’s Exams

English – the (ONLY) Language for Florida Driver’s Exams Steven Saul February 13, 2026 9:23 am DeFuniak Springs, Government, State Government, Walton County In Brief: Florida driver’s license exams are now English-only, with no translation services available The rule applies to all applicants, including non-citizens and visa holders In Walton County, road tests are only offered in DeFuniak Springs The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) announced it will only administer the state’s driver’s license test in English. The change took place on February 6 and means translation services will no longer be available for the knowledge and skills examinations. Former Exam “Translator Component” Deleted  Mid Bay News contacted the Walton County Tax Collector’s Office and spoke with Chief Tax Collector Brian McBroom.  The Tax Collector’s office acts as a kind of subcontractor for the state and provides driver services for motorists in Walton County. McBroom confirmed that scheduled appointments made before the official announcement and system change were allowed to proceed under the prior language access, but now that the process is in place and the change is live, the process is unchanged.  The Chief Tax Collector said the statewide testing modification appears to be going smoothly in Walton County.  He reported, “No issues, no complaints.”   Mid Bay News asked about the impact on individuals entering the U.S. on a student visa (F-1 and M-1), B-1, and B-2 visas for business or tourism.  Does the rule for English-only written driver’s tests apply to them as well? ... Read More


Stand-up Showcase Brings High Energy Comedy to Grand Boulevard March 12

 [[{“value”:” Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) is clearing the stage for big laughs this March as it hosts the year’s first “Comedy on the Boulevard.” The one-night-only showcase brings together a trio of the Southeast’s most entertaining stand-up talents for an evening of quick wit and relatable storytelling. Scheduled for Thursday, March 12, at 7:00 P.M., the event promises to transform the professional theatre space into a relaxed, high-energy comedy club. “}]]  SoWal.com  Read More

Alys Beach Tequila Dinner & Tasting Weekend Benefiting The Point Washington Medical Clinic March 6

 [[{“value”:” Alys Beach is set to host an evening of elegance and purpose this March, blending the art of fine spirits with a mission to support local healthcare. The Valor Tequila Dinner & Tasting Weekend kicks off on Friday, March 6, offering a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy world-class tequila while supporting the Point Washington Medical Clinic (PWMC). “}]]  SoWal.com  Read More

Enjoy Resort-Style Senior Living In South Walton At Watersound Fountains

 [[{“value”:” South Walton is an enviable vacation spot — and just off the beach at the growing and vibrant Watersound Origins community you can live the life full time! Surrounded by majestic natural splendor and pristine beaches, Watersound Fountains at Watersound Origins is one of the most exclusive 62+ residential communities in the world. “}]]  SoWal.com  Read More


Okaloosa County teen faces charges for school shooting threat

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – An Okaloosa County 15-year old is facing serious charges over a school threat. Okaloosa County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Joel Bravo-Jaramillo on Monday, charging him with issuing a written or electronic threat to commit a mass shooting and using a two-way communication device to commit a felony. Investigators say between December […] Read More

Panama City Beach honors cherished Gale E. Wright

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – A very special lady to the city of Panama City Beach was honored in a big way Thursday afternoon. Gale E. Wright was known as the face of Panama City Beach for many years; now, her name will be on the city’s water billing building for years to come. Wright […] Read More

“Dancing With the Stars” Spin-Off In The Works With Robert Irwin Considered As Host

Potential Dancing With The Stars Spin-Off Coming Soon Dancing With The Stars may soon be expanding its empire! After taking home the Mirrorball Trophy on season 34 of the hit show, Robert Irwin is reportedly in negotiations with ABC to headline a new spin-off, tentatively titled Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, according to multiple outlets. The […] More Country Music Nation  Read More

Hearing day 2: Rebecca Falcon pleas for freedom

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Rebecca Falcon is asking for a review of her sentence after spending the past 28 years in prison for the murder of cab driver Richard Phillips in 1997. She was only 15 years old at the time. But after a new state law was passed in 2012, stating that mandatory […] Read More