Starting October 1, drivers in Florida will face significantly harsher penalties for tampering with, altering, or installing devices that modify vehicle license plates. This follows the enactment of House Bill 253 (HB 253), known as "Offenses Involving Motor Vehicles."
Under this new law, any modifications impacting the readability or appearance of a license plate now constitute a criminal offense, rather than just a traffic violation.
The legislation prohibits changes such as altering the plate's color, applying coatings, sprays, tints, or films, using transparent or tinted covers, installing lights aimed at the plate, or attaching mechanisms that flip or conceal it.
The law also imposes penalties for the purchase, possession, manufacture, or distribution of devices designed to conceal a license plate, as well as their use in committing crimes.
Penalties range from 60 days in jail and $500 fines for tampering or possessing such devices, to a year in prison and $1,000 fines for manufacturing or selling them.
If these devices are used to facilitate criminal activities, the charge may escalate to a third-degree felony, carrying up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines.
Authorities emphasize the importance of keeping license plates clean, visible, properly illuminated, and free of any accessories that obstruct numbers or stickers.
Statewide Crackdown and Rising Offenses
This legal tightening comes in response to a significant rise in drivers altering plates in Florida.
In November 2024, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) initiated an operation targeting modified license plates.
Lieutenant Alex Camacho warned that vehicles with illegal plates could be impounded and towed, in addition to receiving a fine. He noted that the issue is "much larger than people think."
Alteration-related fines had surged by over 98% in a year, with approximately 80% concentrated in South Florida. Out of 893 state violations, 702 occurred in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
The officer also highlighted the proliferation of businesses advertising illegal license plate customization services on social media, which the FHP's Office of Investigations is actively monitoring.
Ongoing Discussions: The Lilly Glaubach Act and Dual Plates Proposal
The tightening of regulations follows another unsuccessful attempt to strengthen road safety regulations in Florida.
Last December, the SB-92 bill, the "Lilly Glaubach Act," was introduced, named in memory of a 13-year-old girl from Tampa tragically killed in a hit-and-run while returning from school.
The proposal aimed to require repair shops to request a written accident report if damages exceeded $5,000, aiding in the detection of hit-and-run drivers.
It also sought to mandate two license plates—front and rear—to facilitate the identification of vehicles involved in hit-and-runs.
State Senator Joe Gruters advocated for the measure, arguing its goal was to prevent repairs under false identities. Despite initial committee progress, the bill did not achieve final approval.
Recent Changes in Vehicle Regulation
The new license plate manipulation rules coincide with two other recently passed laws:
HB 403 expands the range of specialized plates, with annual fees of $15 to $20 funding infrastructure and registration system improvements.
HB 431 allows individuals with medically certified disabilities to register their condition on their plates, facilitating interactions with authorities in emergencies.
As the state intensifies criminal penalties to protect plate legibility, Florida continues to debate pending changes like the dual plate system, underscoring the importance of vehicle control from identification to public safety as a legal priority.
Understanding Florida's License Plate Laws
What are the new penalties for altering license plates in Florida?
The new penalties range from 60 days in jail and $500 fines for manipulation or possession of altering devices, to a year in prison and $1,000 fines for manufacturing or selling them. If used for crimes, charges can escalate to a third-degree felony with up to five years in prison and $5,000 fines.
Why did Florida implement stricter license plate regulations?
The stricter regulations were implemented due to a significant rise in license plate alterations, particularly in South Florida, which pose challenges to law enforcement and public safety.