Florida Clarifies New License Plate Legislation: Are Decorative Frames Still Allowed?

Recent legal changes in Florida have stirred up confusion among drivers, dealerships, and even law enforcement agencies.

With the implementation of a new law tightening regulations on vehicle license plates, many Floridians are left wondering: Are decorative or protective license plate frames still legal?

This week, the official answer was finally provided.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) issued a straightforward clarification: yes, license plate frames are still permitted, but under specific conditions.

A Necessary Clarification Amid Public Confusion

The law, which took effect in October, aims to enhance the readability and security of vehicle plates, particularly in situations where identification is crucial, such as during police investigations or traffic stops.

However, its wording led to widespread confusion among citizens and even among the officers responsible for enforcing it.

As reported by NBC Miami, the FLHSMV made it clear that decorative frames remain legal "as long as they do not cover key identifiers."

Which Parts of the License Plate Must Remain Uncovered?

The FLHSMV's clarification specifies two critical elements that must never be obstructed by frames, covers, decorations, or any other accessories:

• The alphanumeric identifier of the plate, i.e., the unique numbers and letters that allow vehicle identification.
• The registration decal, located in the upper right corner of the plate, indicating the validity of the registration.

Any frame or cover that partially or fully obstructs these elements is now considered a violation of the law.

Shifting from a Traffic Violation to a Criminal Offense

One of the most significant changes in the new regulation is its stricter penalties.

What was once merely a traffic violation can now escalate to a criminal offense, especially if accessories are used with the intent to evade controls or commit crimes.

The law now explicitly prohibits:

• Changing the original color of the plate.
• Applying sprays, films, coatings, or tints over it.
• Using clear or smoked covers, even if they allow partial view of the data.
• Installing LED lights or other reflective devices that shine directly on the plate.
• Equipping mechanisms that rotate, hide, or switch between different plates, a common practice in car theft or toll evasion.

Driver Recommendations: Better Safe Than Sorry

Facing this new legal landscape, Doral's Police Chief Edwin López suggests a simple strategy: remove the frame entirely if there's any doubt about its legality.

"Frankly, it's that simple. It's a recommendation I gave to my parents," López stated.

"I simply told them to remove the vehicle's license plate frame. It's easier that way. Instead of going back and forth on whether some objects are hidden, others blocked, and others not," he added.

The Department of Safety also released several practical tips:

• Keep the plate clean, visible, and free from visual obstructions.
• Check if dealership-installed frames cover letters, numbers, or the decal. If they do, they must be removed immediately.
• Eliminate aftermarket or aesthetic accessories that alter or hinder plate readability.
• Ensure the rear light illuminating the plate is operational, especially at night.

Hefty Fines and Severe Penalties

Failing to comply with this law not only exposes drivers to fines but also to more severe legal consequences, depending on the accessory's usage.

Penalties range from $500 for covering or modifying a plate, up to $5,000 and five years in prison if mechanisms are proven to facilitate or commit a crime.

Is This the End for Personalized Frames? Not Necessarily

While the law does not completely ban license plate frames, it demands strict compliance.

Frames displaying dealership names, flags, or personal messages remain legal only if they fully respect the visibility of the legally required elements.

For many, this clarification represents a reasonable balance between aesthetics and legality.

Nevertheless, the general advice is clear: if you're unsure, it's best to remove it.