ORLANDO, FL — Today, Congressman Maxwell Frost (D-FL) renewed his call for the creation of a Central Florida passport office as the Federal Aviation Authority predicts the busiest travel season in years. Frost’s office has already seen an uptick in passport assistance cases and is calling on the State Department for an additional passport office in Orlando to better serve Floridians.
Currently, the Miami Passport Agency is the only office in Florida, operating solely by appointment from Monday through Friday making it virtually impossible for many working people, seniors, and low-income folks to make the 8+ hour round-trip journey to Miami just for an appointment.
Following a request from Rep. Frost, last year the Miami office began offering weekend appointments to help Floridians having to travel across the state make it down to South Florida in time for their appointment.
Last summer, Congressman Frost’s office assisted about 400 constituents with their passport applications, making up a third of their entire casework.
“Our office was overwhelmed with passport requests last year, and while we are always ready to help, we know that establishing a new passport office here in Central Florida would be a game-changer for Central and North Florida residents in need of passport assistance,” said Congressman Frost. “Expecting working Central Floridians to travel eight hours or more to Miami during the workweek is unrealistic. As we gear up for one of the busiest travel seasons, we must ensure that every American and Floridian is able to apply for or renew their passport in an easy and effective way.”
Central Floridians in need of assistance with their passports or with any federal agency are encouraged to contact Rep. Frost’s office and learn more here.
Congressman Frost will host a passport acceptance event with the Department of State on June 13 and 14 at the Packing District YMCA.
