Florida clarifies new law on license plate frames

Florida officials are reminding drivers about a new law tightening rules on license plates and frames.

The law took effect in October, making it illegal to use license plate frames or covers that block any part of the numbers, sticker or state name.

After widespread confusion among online users, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issued clarification on Monday, saying frames are still allowed as long as they do not cover key identifiers:

1. The alpha numeric plate identifier
2. The decal located in the top right-hand corner of the license plate

The clarification comes after questions from law enforcement about how to enforce the updated rule.

Clarification on Florida Statute 320.262 regarding penalties for obscuring license plates with frames or covers that went into effect October 1st, 2025. pic.twitter.com/P6dyrJYosq

— FLHSMV (@FLHSMV) December 15, 2025

What’s no longer allowed under HB 253

Any change that affects how a license plate looks or can be read is now a crime, not just a traffic violation.

This includes:

• Changing the plate’s color
• Applying sprays, films, coatings or tints
• Using transparent or smoked covers
• Adding lights or reflective devices that shine on the plate
• Installing mechanisms that flip, hide or switch between plates

What drivers should do:

• Keep the plate clean, visible and unobstructed
• Check dealer-installed frames; if they cover numbers or stickers, remove them
• Remove any aesthetic or aftermarket accessories that alter the plate
• Make sure the plate light works properly

If in doubt about your license plate frame, Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez advises to just remove it.

“It’s quite frankly, very simple as that. It’s a recommendation that I’ve given to my parents. My father is 83 years old and still drives my mother’s 80, and they still drive. And I simply told them to remove the license plate frame from the vehicle. It’s just simpler that way,” he said. “Instead of getting into a back and forth as to if some items are obscured and some are blocked, and some are not.”

The penalties under the law range from a $500 fine for altering, covering or modifying a plate to $5,000 and up to five years in prison for using these devices to commit or aid a crime.