Is My License Plate Frame Legal in Florida?
Florida drivers may customize their cars with license plate frames as long as the frames don’t cover up any text on the plate. Covers are illegal.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Edited by R.E. Fulton
If you live and drive in
Florida
, you can customize your car with a license plate frame. The only stipulation is that the frame cannot obscure or cover any information on the plate. - License plate frames are legal in Florida, but any form of license plate cover is illegal.
- Your license plate frame can’t cover or obscure any text or registration stickers on your license plate.
- License plate frames are legal in Florida, but any form of license plate cover is illegal.
- Your license plate frame can’t cover or obscure any text or registration stickers on your license plate.
Are license plate frames legal in Florida?
Yes, Florida law permits the use of license plate frames. Just make sure that the frame does not cover or obscure any letters, numbers, or registration stickers on the plate.
MORE: Florida license plates
What are the rules for license plate frames in Florida?
Florida Statute 316.605
stipulates that license plates and all the information displayed on them “shall be clear and distinct and free from defacement, mutilation, grease, and other obscuring matter” so that the information is fully visible from 100 feet away. “Information” in this case includes not only the plate number, but also registration tags, decals, and the state’s name. Drivers have been pulled over and cited for having license plate frames (even dealer-issued auto accessories or slightly enlarged chrome metal trim) that obscure the word “Florida” at the top of the license plate. This rule applies to the Transporter orange license plate as well.
Plate frames that obscure any of this information are illegal—yes, even your Panthers Miami frame or your NCAA Florida Gators license plate frame from the University of Florida. Show your pride with keychains and sweatshirts if you want to avoid a citation.
What about license plate covers?
Florida law states that nothing can cover your license plate, not even clear plate covers. This is because clear covers often cloud over with age, which can distort visibility.
If you are found to be driving with a cover on your license plate, you will be cited and fined .
What are the fines for license plate frames in Florida?
If the frame obscures your license plate: $115
If you’re caught with a license plate cover: $165
The more citations you acquire, the harder it will be to find
cheap car insurance
—even if you drive one of the cheapest cars to insure
. Be sure your frame does not cover any of the aforementioned information, or you risk getting a costly citation and bumping up your auto insurance costs
.Exclusions are allowed for out-of-state vehicles that do not need to be registered in the Sunshine State.
“I had limited time to find a new insurance plan in Florida, so I tried Jerry. My experience was personalized and professional, and they found me a plan that fits my portfolio. You should give them a try.” —Valencia T.
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