MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Driving without a valid license is leading to more arrests across parts of the Treasure Coast as Florida continues tightening immigration and driver’s license rules.The Martin County Sheriff’s Office told CBS12 anyone caught driving without a valid license, regardless of immigration status, can face arrest.“If you don't have a license, don't drive,” the agency said in a statement.The issue has become a growing concern for law enforcement, attorneys, and drivers across Florida as questions continue over road safety, immigration enforcement, and access to transportation.Florida has strengthened several driver’s license requirements in recent years, including requiring applicants to take the written driving exam in English and provide additional immigration-related documentation to qualify for a license.Immigration attorney Richard Hujber said the changes are making it harder for some immigrants to legally obtain licenses for the first time.“There’s no interpreters, there’s no translations being done,” Hujber said. “You better know how to read and write and speak English to be able to pass this test.”Hujber said many of his clients previously relied on translated testing assistance or had limited literacy skills.“I had clients that would not be able to fill out an intake sheet in my office, and yet they’d be able to get these driver’s licenses,” he said.He also acknowledged concerns surrounding public safety and unlicensed drivers on the road.See also: Ex-Florida conversion therapy leader arrested in child predator sting“If you don’t have a driver’s license, you shouldn’t be driving,” Hujber said. “I tell that to my clients all the time.”Hujber said the issue is not always black and white, explaining some immigrants may be legally waiting on asylum claims, work permits, or immigration cases that can take years to resolve.At the same time, he said many people in Florida still need vehicles to work, take children to school, and attend medical appointments because of limited public transportation.“This isn’t like New York City where you have reliable trains and subways,” Hujber said. “You drive in Florida for the most part.”The attorney also said more local law enforcement agencies are now working alongside federal immigration authorities through programs like 287(g), which allows certain officers to assist with immigration enforcement.He claims that this has led to more ICE holds and immigration detentions following routine traffic stops.See also: 'Paper dope' pipeline: 25+ overdoses tied to alleged staff-inmate drug ring at PBC jailThe Indian River County Sheriff’s Office pushed back on claims the increase is tied specifically to immigration enforcement.In a statement to CBS12, the agency said the rise in arrests reflects an overall increase in proactive traffic enforcement as the county continues to grow.“The vast majority of individuals arrested for driving without a license have no immigration nexus whatsoever,” the sheriff’s office stated.The agency confirmed it participates in the federal 287(g) program, which allows certain deputies to assist with immigration enforcement. However, the sheriff’s office said traffic stops are initiated based on observed traffic violations — not immigration status.“The traffic stop drives the initial contact, not immigration status,” the statement said.The sheriff’s office also stated deputies do not conduct stops based on race, ethnicity, gender, or age.CBS12 News previously reported on concerns involving unlicensed drivers and uninsured crashes in Martin County back in 2023, including cases involving drivers without valid licenses being involved in serious accidents. Florida law makes driving without a valid license a criminal offense. Supporters of the tougher rules argue they improve road safety and ensure drivers understand traffic laws and road signs written in English.Critics argue the changes are making it harder for some immigrants with pending legal cases to legally drive while continuing to work and support their families.