Just what are you willing to do to help your state remain solvent?

You may wonder why I ask. The state of Florida DMV is selling registered drivers’ information. This information is not being sold to blanket companies. It is being sold to insurance companies, towing companies, car manufacturers. The state made over $60 million last year selling information. The only way to opt out is if you fall into one of several professions.

I guess I do not have a problem with this idea. In NYS, the state can use the funds that may be generated. The information that Florida is selling is information that they are required to supply and, under federal law, could do so without charge. The state of Florida just chooses to make money on provided this information to companies.

Do I have problems with the entire premise? Yes. My main problem is that it does not seem that the consumer, the registered driver is told about the sale of the information at all. My other issues, in no particular order, are discrimination as certain professions are allowed to opt out, misuse of funds as the reports I have seen do not show how the monies are accounted for, and, again, notification of the consumer.

Do I also think this is a good idea? My bottom line is that if federal regulations require DMVs to provide this information to certain companies, the states should benefit in some way.

So what do you think?