Take the frames off your license plate
Another law went into effect last month in Florida that has nothing to do with sex offenders but can disproportionately affect persons on the registry.
It is now illegal (a misdemeanor) to have a frame on your license plate. An arrest for this violation can cause you to be arrested and an arrest can prevent you from EVER being removed from the registry. An arrest, if you are on probation, would be a violation of probation and put you back in prison.
A member informed us that during an address verification, law enforcement noticed his tag and told him that it was illegal and he could be arrested for it. If you have a cover, frame, or anything covering or obscuring your tag, take it off. It’s not worth the risk. If you get stopped by an officer who is looking for anything to arrest you for because of your history, this can give them that opportunity.
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First, I would like to clear up the hysteria a bit. In Florida, the new law that went into effect on October 1, 2025 makes having a license plate frame that obscures any part of the plate a criminal offense — specifically a second-degree misdemeanor, not just a traffic infraction. The key word is OBSCURES, if the license plate in entirely showing, then according to Florida Statute § 320.061 prohibits covering or obstructing any part of a license plate, including numbers, decals, the word Florida, or county names, then it’s a violation.
Secondly, although technically since it is a M2 offense one can get arrested: however, it is rare that a cop with arrest you for it, you will get an “NTA” which is a notice to appear. BUT, the bad news is YES it does count as an arrest. I hope this helps a bit to clarify not to draw hysteria to this new law.
Why does the video include a Texas license plate if this is strictly a Florida law?
It has always been unlawful to obstruct the view of a license plate in Florida. So it has always been probable cause to be pulled over and given a ticket (and be further investigated).
Prior to October 1, 2025, the penalty for a license plate frame that obscured a license plate in Florida was a noncriminal infraction, but after this date, the penalty was increased to a second-degree misdemeanor. This change means the offense now carries a potential penalty of up to a $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail. Previously, the offense was not a criminal matter.
Any misdemeanor a conviction could have further short and long term negative consequences for an RSO on or off probation.
Every car I have ever purchased in Florida had a dealer identification frame on it. They need to be informed and comply. I just removed mine. Thanks for the heads up. Semper Fi
SERIOUSLY??
I thought that as well. I would love to know the rationale behind this.
i been thinking over the past week or 2 well i will send legal@fac my thought what people should be registering just to cover your rear with the crazy arrests recently where they are looking for any excuse
I just googled if it was illegal to have a license plate frame and the answer is no. BUT it is illegal to have a frame that partially covers some info on the top and bottom of the license plate like the frames that car dealers give you when you purchase a vehicle.