FLORIDA (352today.com) – On Oct. 1, 2025, a new state law went into effect in Florida banning frames that obscure certain parts of motor vehicle license plates.

Predictably, Sunshine State social media has been abuzz on the subject, since even before the law took effect. Residents of all corners of Florida have questions and opinions on the new license plate frame law, from wildly conjectural comments about Big Brother and “the surveillance state” to, uh, completely reasonable comments about Big Brother and “the surveillance state.”

What people most want to know about the new law, however, is pretty straightforward: What is allowed, and what isn’t?

What Florida’s new license plate frame law says

The exact wording of the pertinent section of Florida Statute 320.061 reads, “A person may not apply or attach a substance, reflective matter, illuminated device, spray, coating, covering, or other material onto or around any license plate which interferes with the legibility, angular visibility, or detectability of any feature or detail on the license plate or interferes with the ability to record any feature or detail on the license plate. A person who knowingly violates this section commits a misdemeanor of the second degree… “

So, what does that mean?

Basically, it means that:

  • You can’t have a frame that covers ANY PART OF the name of the state, the registration decal, the alphanumeric “license plate number,” or any other “essential information” displayed on the plate.
  • You can’t cover your plate with any kind of tint, film or other element that obscures its information from any angle.
  • You can’t–obviously–do anything else to intentionally cover or hide your plate’s “essential information” or otherwise make it difficult or impossible for law enforcement to read.
  • You CAN have a license plate frame that partially obscures or covers the bottom part of the plate, and such information as county names, state mottos or promotional copy.
  • Violation of the new law constitutes a second-degree misdemeanor, the punishment for which can vary widely depending on the circumstances and subject’s criminal/traffic record, up to $500 in fines or 60 days in jail.

It’s also important to know that the law applies to any vehicle being operated in the State of Florida–not just Florida-issued license plates.

A quick look at a vehicle’s back end should let motorists and vehicle owners/registrants know if they’re in compliance.