Florida officials clarify license plate frame rules

Florida issued a memo Monday, Dec. 15 to clarify the license plate frame rules per the Florida State 320.262. which took effect October 1, 2025. 

All license plate frames are allowed as long as they don’t obstruct the alpha numeric plate identifier and the decal in the top right hand corner. Anything that obstructs the plate is punishable by up to $500 and 60 days in jail. 

"The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles does not consider the information on the bottom of the plate to be a primary feature of the plate," the memo read. "A plate frame that impinges on the information at the top of the plate is permissible, as long as law enforcement is able to identify the state that issued the plate."

Any license plate covers are banned. The changes were made to help law enforcement identify license plates in hit-and-runs, toll violations and theft.