How to Obtain a U.S. Passport in the State of Florida

Obtaining a passport in Florida requires some specific paperwork and identification, but the process is not very complicated if you follow the right steps. As a way of simplifying the process, the federal government uses standardized passport forms for all US States; the main application differences from state-to-state involve facility locations and fair options. Florida is lucky enough to have regular passport fairs and have one of only 16 national "Passport Agencies" located in Miami for further guidance. Realizing that a standard passport application takes at least an hour or two is important so you don't get rushed or stressed. If you budget appropriate time for the passport application process, you can successfully have the forms filed and ready for the 4- to 6-week approval period with minimal frustration.

1. Fill out "Form DS-11" online and print out a hard copy. Do not sign the printed copy; you must wait to sign the form until instructed to in the presence of a government employee.

2. Locate the nearest Passport Acceptance Facility by browsing the online list available at Passport Office USA. Or call 1-800-ASK-USPS to get details on the nearest facility. Florida facilities exist in virtually every major city, and in some cases small towns even have their own facilities.

3. Call the facility to see if passport photography is offered at the location. If not, you'll need to go to a third-party studio offering passport photography; browse the Photography Pro's "Florida Passport/Visa Photographers" webpage (see References) to find a Florida photo studio near you and acquire two duplicate passport photos.

4. Gather personal identification and a birth certificate as proof of citizenship to include with your completed DS-11 form.

5. Visit the facility from Step 2 at your leisure, taking the items from Steps 1 and 4 with you, as well as any required photographs and $100 for the application fee plus $60 if you want expedited processing. Or, if you require guidance with your DS-11 form, or if you plan on using an unconventional method of identification or citizenship proof, go to a local facility during a "Passport Fair." You can check the United States Postal Service's "Florida News" page (see References) to get details about upcoming Passport Fairs in Florida-such fairs are a great way to learn more about passport applications and get answers from a real person rather than the US Department of State's automated services.

6. Wait 4 to 6 weeks for your passport to arrive in the mail after you drop it off and sign the form, or wait 2 to 3 weeks if you decided to pay the additional $60 processing fee. According to the US Department of State, you can also further expedite the process if you are in a bind; to do so, set up an appointment at the Miami Passport Agency by calling 1-877-487-2778. The agency is located at 1501 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 210, in Miami, FL, 33132.

References:

US Department of State, Passports - How to Apply for the First Time, US Department of State.

US Department of State, Form DS-11, US Department of State.

Passport Office USA, Florida Passport Offices, Passport Office USA.

Photography Pros, Florida Passport/Visa Photographers, Photography Pros.

United States Postal Service, Florida News, United States Postal Service.

US Department of State, Miami Passport Agency, US Department of State.