NEW: At Press Conference, Congressman Maxwell Frost Announces New Orlando Passport Office
ORLANDO, FL — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) announced that the State Department has selected Orlando, Florida for the establishment of a new passport agency that will help millions of Floridians with their passport needs.
Congressman Frost, who has been a strong advocate for the creation of a new passport office in Central Florida throughout his term in Congress, spoke to the State Department this morning and discussed a general timeline for the selection of a location in Orlando and future opening.
The Congressman is committed to working with local partners and City and County government to ensure everyone’s voice is heard when making recommendations to the federal government on the future location of the office.
“The creation of a new Orlando Passport Agency is huge news for Central and North Floridians who are unable to make the drive all the way to Miami to get the help they need,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost. “This is a gamechanger for the Orlando region, which is home to one of the busiest airports in the world. I’m thrilled to have been a part of efforts to make this office a reality and am thankful for the advocacy of the Florida delegation and former Congresswomen Demings and Murphy for beating this drum before my time in office.”
Alongside Orlando, Florida, Cincinnati, San Antonio, Kansas City (Missouri), Salt Lake City, and Charlotte have been selected by the State Department for new passport offices.
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. But Congressman Frost continued to push for a long-term solution to the problem with the creation of a new Central Florida office.
Last summer, Congressman Frost's office assisted about 400 constituents with their passport applications, making up a third of their entire casework.
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.
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