New Florida license plate law causes confusion, but decorative frames remain legal

Florida House Representative Doug Bankson.

In Summary:

House Bill 253, which took effect October 1, focuses on preventing drivers from intentionally obscuring license plates to avoid detection by tolls or law enforcement. Rep. Doug Bankson said viral videos falsely claimed the law bans all license plate frames, when in fact long-standing statutes still allow them if the alphanumeric plate number and state-issued sticker are visible. Apopka police urge drivers to check their plates for illegal covers or devices that distort or block required information.

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A new Florida law addressing license plate obstruction has caused widespread confusion among drivers, prompting state lawmakers and local law enforcement to clarify what is—and is not—illegal.

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House Bill 253 (HB 253), which took effect on October 1, targets the practice known as “tag flipping,” in which drivers knowingly use devices or accessories to obscure their license plates to avoid tolls, traffic cameras, or law enforcement. According to Rep. Doug Bankson (R-Apopka), misinformation spread rapidly after a misinterpretation of the bill went viral online.

“What started as a false alarm became a raging fire of misinformation regarding license plate frames when an errant video went viral, even being picked up by the media,” Bankson said.

Bankson emphasized that HB 253 does not ban decorative license plate frames, including those supporting sports teams, colleges, or car dealerships.

“The reported information is absolutely untrue,” Bankson said. “No one is in danger for sporting their favorite frame, as long as their license number and sticker are uncovered.”

License plate frames are governed under Florida Statute 316.605, not HB 253. That statute was amended in 2015, when the word “Florida” was removed from the list of required visible elements after a successful legal challenge.

“Since 2015, it has been legal to have such frames as long as the alphanumeric license number and state-issued sticker are visible,” Bankson said. “HB 253 addresses different devices, which can be triggered from inside the vehicle to cover or obscure a license from being read by a tollbooth or avoid detection.”

The bill also prohibits certain lighting—red, blue, or white—used in ways that could be mistaken for emergency vehicle lighting.

“So fear not to cheer on your favorite team, alma mater, or even your car dealer,” Bankson added. “Yes, this is still the Free State of Florida.”

Meanwhile, the Apopka Police Department issued a public reminder warning drivers about license plate accessories that may violate state law.

“We’re seeing more vehicles on the road with license plate frames and covers that violate state statute 320.061 that went into effect October 1, 2025,” the department stated in a Facebook post.

Police highlighted that it is illegal to knowingly:

• Block, cover, distort, or obscure a Florida license plate

• Use frames or clear/tinted covers that prevent plate details from being clearly visible

Penalties can include up to 60 days in jail or a $500 fine for knowingly driving with an obscured plate.

“Many of these accessories are easy to buy online, but they can block important details on your tag,” the department said. “Please take a moment to check your license plate and make sure it’s fully visible and compliant.”

Bankson clarified that HB 253 did not change any existing rules related to standard license plate frames, and that enforcement should focus on intentional obstruction.

“As long as the alphanumeric license number and state-issued sticker are visible, there is no problem with plate frames,” Bankson said. “It only deals with those who knowingly cover informational details to avoid detection.”

Drivers are encouraged to review the law themselves and ensure their plates are clearly readable from normal viewing angles.

Key Points:

• HB 253 targets “tag flipping” and other devices used to hide license plates intentionally.

• Decorative license plate frames remain legal under Florida Statute 316.605.

• The word “Florida” has not been required to be visible on plates since 2015.

• Apopka police warn that obscured plates can lead to fines or jail time if the obstruction is intentional.

• Drivers are encouraged to review their plates to ensure all required information is clearly visible.