License Plate Laws in Florida 2026: What You Need to Know
Florida has strict rules about license plates. These laws changed recently with tougher penalties. Understanding these rules helps you avoid fines and even jail time.
This guide covers everything Florida drivers need to know about license plates. You’ll learn about display rules, new penalties, and how to stay legal on the road.
What Are License Plates?
License plates are metal tags that identify your vehicle. They prove your car is registered with the state. Every vehicle on Florida roads must have a valid license plate.
The state issues these plates when you register your vehicle. They include letters and numbers unique to your car. Florida plates also show the state name and your county or a state motto.
Basic License Plate Requirements
Do You Need a Front License Plate?
Florida only requires one license plate. You must display it on the rear of your vehicle. Most states require two plates, but Florida does not.
This rule applies to cars, trucks, and most passenger vehicles. Only certain commercial trucks over 26,001 pounds need front plates too.
Where Must You Mount Your License Plate?
Your license plate must be mounted correctly. It should be on the outside of your vehicle’s main body. The plate must be between 12 and 60 inches from the ground.
It cannot be more than 24 inches left or right of the vehicle’s center. The plate must be fastened securely so it doesn’t swing. All letters and numbers must face forward and be parallel to the ground.
License Plate Visibility Rules
Your license plate must be clearly visible. The law says it should be readable from 100 feet away. Nothing can block the plate’s letters, numbers, or registration sticker.
This means no dirt, grease, or other materials can cover the plate. The plate cannot be inverted or reversed. All information on the plate must be clear and distinct.
New License Plate Laws Starting October 2025
Stricter Penalties for Plate Violations
Florida made major changes to license plate laws in October 2025. House Bill 253 increased penalties significantly. What used to be simple traffic tickets are now criminal offenses.
These changes aim to stop people from hiding their plates. Law enforcement wants plates visible to toll cameras and traffic cameras. The new rules also target drivers trying to avoid detection.
What Counts as a Plate Violation Now
Several actions are now illegal under the new law. Altering your license plate is a crime. Covering or obscuring any part of the plate is also illegal.
Using tinted covers or reflective sprays violates the law. Frames that hide any letters or numbers are not allowed. Even temporary attempts to block camera readers can lead to arrest.
License Plate Obscuring Devices
What Are Obscuring Devices?
Obscuring devices are tools that hide your license plate. These include flip mechanisms that rotate plates. Electronic shutters that cover plates are also prohibited.
Manual devices that switch between different plates are illegal. Covers that interfere with camera readings violate the law. Sprays that create glare or make plates unreadable are banned.
Penalties for Obscuring Devices
Simply owning an obscuring device is now a crime. Possession alone is a second-degree misdemeanor. You face up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Manufacturing or selling these devices is worse. That’s a first-degree misdemeanor with up to one year in jail. The fine can reach $1,000 for sellers.
Using a device while committing a crime is most serious. That becomes a third-degree felony. You could face up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Penalties and Consequences
Fines for Plate Violations
Basic license plate violations carry significant penalties. Altering or obscuring your plate is a second-degree misdemeanor. This means up to 60 days in jail.
The fine can be up to $500. You may also have to appear before a judge. These are criminal charges, not just traffic tickets.
Impact on Your Criminal Record
A license plate conviction creates a criminal record. This can affect future employment opportunities. Background checks will show the misdemeanor conviction.
Insurance rates may increase after a conviction. Some employers may not hire people with criminal records. Even a minor violation can have lasting effects.
Points on Your License
Some license plate violations add points to your driving record. Improper display is a non-moving violation. While it doesn’t add points, it stays on your record.
Too many violations can lead to license suspension. Florida tracks all traffic infractions. Multiple offenses show a pattern of non-compliance.
Special Circumstances
Exceptions to the Rules
Certain vehicles have different requirements. Antique vehicles 30 years or older may qualify for special plates. These can be displayed differently than standard plates.
Former military vehicles may be exempt from some display rules. Motorcycles use smaller plates measuring 4 by 7 inches. They can mount plates horizontally or vertically.
Commercial Vehicle Rules
Heavy commercial trucks have special requirements. Trucks over 26,001 pounds must display front and rear plates. Dump trucks can mount rear plates on the gate.
Truck tractors only need front plates. These vehicles have different registration requirements. Check with your local tax collector for commercial vehicle rules.
Temporary Plates
New vehicle purchases come with temporary plates. These paper plates are valid for specific time periods. They must be displayed clearly like regular plates.
Covering or altering temporary plates is also illegal. The same visibility rules apply. Make sure temporary plates stay clean and readable.
License Plate Frames and Covers
What’s Legal and What’s Not
License plate frames are popular accessories. However, they must not cover any plate information. The frame cannot hide “Florida” at the top.
It cannot cover the county name at the bottom. Registration stickers must remain visible. Only slim frames around the white border are safe.
Dealer Frames
Many dealerships install frames with their names. These frames are legal only if they don’t cover anything. If the frame hides any letters or numbers, remove it.
Don’t assume dealer frames are legal. Check that everything on your plate is visible. Remove frames that extend over any printed area.
Clear Plastic Covers
Clear plastic covers used to be common. These are now illegal if they affect visibility. Even clear covers can create glare or distortion.
Tinted covers are definitely illegal. Smoked or colored covers violate the law. It’s best to avoid all license plate covers.
Personalized and Specialty Plates
Getting a Personalized Plate
Florida allows you to customize your plate. You can choose your own letters and numbers. These are called personalized or vanity plates.
Personalized plates cost an extra $15 per year. The initial order also includes a $28 plate fee. Most vehicles can have personalized plates.
You can have up to seven characters on standard plates. This includes letters, numbers, spaces, and dashes. Some specialty plates allow fewer characters.
Specialty License Plates
Florida offers over 100 specialty plate designs. These support various organizations and causes. Options include university plates, environmental causes, and sports teams.
Specialty plates cost between $15 and $47 extra per year. A portion goes to the organization the plate represents. You can combine specialty designs with personalization.
Order specialty plates at your local tax collector office. Processing takes about 90 days. You’ll receive your new plate by mail.
How to Register and Renew Your License Plate
Initial Registration Requirements
New Florida residents must register within 10 days. You need a valid Florida driver’s license first. Bring your out-of-state title to the tax collector’s office.
Florida requires proof of insurance. You need $10,000 in personal injury protection. You also need $10,000 in property damage liability.
First-time registration includes a $225 initial fee. This applies if you’ve never had a Florida plate. The fee covers cars, motor homes, and light trucks.
Renewal Process
Most registrations renew on your birth month. You can renew up to three months early. Renewal fees range from $28 to $46 based on vehicle weight.
You can renew online, by mail, or in person. Self-service kiosks are available at many locations. Online renewals get mailed to your address.
License plates themselves last 10 years. You get a new validation sticker each year. The sticker goes in the upper right corner of your plate.
Renewal Fees
Standard renewal fees depend on your vehicle’s weight. Light vehicles typically pay between $28 and $46. Registration renewal happens annually or every two years.
Additional fees apply for personalized plates. Specialty plates have their own annual use fees. Some vehicles qualify for reduced rates.
What to Do If You Get a Ticket
Understanding Your Citation
Read your ticket carefully when you receive it. It will explain the specific violation. The ticket shows the fine amount and court date.
You have 30 days to respond. Don’t ignore the ticket or your license could be suspended. Consider your options before the deadline.
Your Three Options
You can pay the ticket and accept the penalty. This counts as admitting guilt. Points may be added to your record.
You can elect to take a driver improvement course. This may reduce your fine by 18%. It can also keep points off your record.
You can contest the ticket in court. Hire a traffic attorney if you plan to fight it. Bring evidence and witnesses to support your case.
Getting Legal Help
Traffic attorneys specialize in these cases. They understand Florida’s complex vehicle laws. A lawyer can often reduce penalties or get charges dismissed.
Legal help is especially important for criminal charges. Remember that plate violations are now misdemeanors. These carry jail time, not just fines.
Maintaining Your License Plate
Keep Your Plate Clean
Dirt and debris can make your plate unreadable. Clean your plate regularly. Make sure all characters are clearly visible.
Check your plate lights at night. They must illuminate the plate properly. Replace burned-out bulbs immediately.
Check for Damage
Inspect your plate for damage regularly. Bent or damaged plates may need replacement. Faded plates that are hard to read should be replaced.
Replacement plates cost $28. Report lost or stolen plates immediately. You can order replacements at your tax collector’s office.
Update Your Registration Sticker
Your sticker shows when registration expires. Place it in the upper right corner of your plate. Make sure it adheres properly and stays readable.
Never alter or tamper with registration stickers. Using fake or altered stickers is a serious crime. Always display your current valid sticker.
Moving to Florida
New Resident Requirements
New Florida residents have 10 days to register. You must get a Florida driver’s license first. Both must be completed within 30 days of establishing residency.
Bring your out-of-state title to register your vehicle. The tax collector will inspect your VIN and odometer. You’ll need Florida insurance before registering.
Transferring Your Registration
If you have an out-of-state registration, it must transfer. Florida doesn’t recognize other states’ registrations for residents. Complete the transfer process quickly to avoid penalties.
You’ll pay the $225 initial registration fee. This applies even if you had plates in another state. Florida considers this your first Florida registration.
Insurance Requirements
What Insurance Do You Need?
Florida requires specific insurance coverage for registration. You must have personal injury protection (PIP). The minimum is $10,000 in coverage.
Property damage liability (PDL) is also required. This must be at least $10,000. Your insurance agent must be Florida-certified.
Maintaining Coverage
Keep your insurance active at all times. Canceling insurance requires surrendering your plate. Driving without insurance can suspend your license.
Your insurance company reports coverage to the state. Gaps in coverage trigger automatic actions. Make sure to maintain continuous coverage.
Disabled Parking and Special Plates
Disabled Veteran Plates
Disabled veterans can get special license plates. These are available to honorably discharged veterans. You need 100% service-connected disability rating.
Disabled veteran plates renew annually. They receive reduced registration rates. Only one vehicle per veteran gets the reduced rate.
Handicap Plates and Placards
People with permanent disabilities can get handicap plates. These plates are free of charge. Temporary placards cost $15 and last six months.
Wheelchair plates cost $28. All require medical documentation. Apply through your local tax collector’s office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a front license plate in Florida?
No, Florida only requires a rear license plate. Most passenger vehicles need just one plate. Only very heavy commercial trucks need both front and rear plates.
Can I use a license plate cover or frame?
Only if it doesn’t cover any part of the plate. The frame cannot hide letters, numbers, or stickers. It’s safest to avoid all covers and use only slim border frames.
What happens if my license plate is stolen?
Report the theft to police immediately. Then visit your tax collector’s office for a replacement. The replacement fee is $28 for a new plate.
How much does license plate renewal cost?
Standard renewal ranges from $28 to $46 depending on vehicle weight. Add $15 annually for personalized plates. Specialty plates have additional fees ranging from $15 to $47 per year.
Can I get in trouble for dirty license plates?
Yes, plates must be readable from 100 feet away. Excessive dirt that blocks visibility violates the law. Keep your plate clean to avoid citations.
What if I just moved to Florida?
You have 10 days to register your vehicle after becoming a resident. Get your Florida driver’s license first. Bring your title, insurance proof, and $225 initial registration fee to the tax collector.
Are personalized plates available for all vehicles?
Most vehicles can have personalized plates. Exceptions include some specialized vehicles like semi-truck tractors. Check with your tax collector for your specific vehicle type.
What’s the penalty for using a plate flipper device?
Simply owning one is a second-degree misdemeanor with up to 60 days in jail. Using it during a crime is a third-degree felony with up to five years in prison. Fines range from $500 to $5,000.
Final Thoughts
Florida’s license plate laws have gotten much stricter. What used to be minor violations are now criminal offenses. Understanding these rules protects you from serious penalties.
Keep your plate visible, clean, and properly mounted. Avoid any devices or covers that obscure your plate. When in doubt, keep it simple with just your plain license plate.
If you receive a citation, take it seriously. Consider hiring a traffic attorney for misdemeanor charges. The new penalties include jail time, not just fines.
Stay informed about Florida’s vehicle laws. They exist to keep roads safe and help law enforcement. Following these rules helps you avoid problems and keeps you legal on Florida’s roads.