Governor Ron DeSantis has signed into law Senate Bill 488, which definitively clarifies what is permissible regarding decorative frames around vehicle license plates in Florida.
The newly enacted law specifies that frames are legal as long as they do not obscure the primary elements of the plate: the alphanumeric identifier, which includes letters and numbers, and the registration sticker located in the top right corner.
Furthermore, the regulation states that information at the bottom of the plate, such as the state name, is not deemed a primary element and can be partially covered by a frame without violating the law.
Addressing Past Confusion
SB 488 was introduced to resolve confusion stemming from a previous law, House Bill 253, which took effect on October 1, 2025. The initial aim of that legislation was to combat toll evasion using mechanical or electronic devices that rotate, conceal, or flip license plates from within the vehicle.
The broad wording of HB 253 inadvertently led to drivers with simple decorative frames, even those installed by dealerships at the time of sale, being fined, arrested, or charged with a misdemeanor.
Impact on Drivers
HB 253 elevated the offense from non-criminal to a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine, with penalties reaching $5,000 and five years of imprisonment if the device was used to commit a crime.
Since its implementation, approximately 1,000 drivers have been fined for decorative frames, according to data from the legal firm Ticket Toro, which also created an interactive map showing uneven enforcement across jurisdictions, with Miami Beach leading in citations.
Notable Incidents
The most notable case involved Demarquize Dawson, 40, who was arrested in December 2025 by Davie Police because the frame on his rental car partially covered the "S" in "Sunshine State."
Davie Police later admitted the arrest was "invalid" and issued an apology, acknowledging that the law's wording was "vague, unclear, and open to misinterpretation."
Another driver, Iñigo Aldecoa, received a $176 fine for a frame installed by the dealer at the time of purchase: "I just bought this car, and the dealership put this frame on it," he explained.
Understanding Florida's License Plate Frame Laws
What are the primary elements of a license plate in Florida?
The primary elements of a license plate in Florida are the alphanumeric identifier, consisting of letters and numbers, and the registration sticker located in the top right corner.
Can frames cover the state name on a Florida license plate?
Yes, frames can partially cover the state name at the bottom of the plate without violating the law, as it is not considered a primary element.
What prompted the introduction of SB 488?
SB 488 was introduced to address the confusion and enforcement issues arising from HB 253, which had broad wording that led to penalties for decorative frames.