LICENSE PLATE FRAMES ILLEGAL IN FLORIDA

Florida has enacted a significant change to its license-plate laws, and every driver needs to understand the consequences. As of October 1, 2025, under House Bill 253 and the amendment to Florida Statute 320.061, it is now a criminal offense for any object to block, cover, distort, or even slightly obscure any portion of a Florida license plate.

This is a major shift. For years, frames and covers were treated as minor cosmetic accessories. A simple dealership frame or a tinted plastic shield might have resulted in a minor traffic ticket at most. Today, those same items can lead to a criminal charge. If any part of the plate, registration sticker, state name, numbers, letters, or background is covered in any way, officers have the authority to pull you over and initiate a criminal investigation.

A violation of this law is classified as a second-degree misdemeanor. Penalties include up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, additional court costs, and the possibility of a permanent criminal record. Once stopped, drivers may face additional consequences if officers uncover other issues. This law has become an active tool for traffic enforcement in Florida.

Out-of-state drivers are not exempt. If your vehicle enters Florida with a frame or cover that is legal in your home state but illegal here, you may still be stopped, cited, or even arrested. Every vehicle on Florida roads must comply with this law, regardless of where the license plate was issued.

To avoid problems, drivers should remove all frames, covers, tinted shields, and decorative borders immediately. Ensure that every part of your license plate is fully visible. Even accessories that appear minor or transparent can lead to enforcement.

If you or someone you know has already been stopped or charged under this statute, legal representation is essential. My office has defended thousands of drivers against criminal and traffic charges throughout Florida, and we can help you protect your record, your license, and your freedom.

For assistance, contact:

Albert Quirantes, Esq.

Criminal, DUI & Ticket Lawyers

305-644-1800

1815 NW 7th St., Miami, FL 33125

Drivers should act now. A simple plastic frame can result in a criminal case in Florida. Stay informed, stay compliant, and remove any obstruction from your license plate immediately.