The 2025 Law Explained—With Official Clarification

Updated December 2025 | Originally Published September 2025

How Misinformation Spread—And Why It Matters

When Florida’s HB 253 took effect on October 1, 2025, confusion spread rapidly. A viral video misinterpreted the law, claiming that any license plate frame covering any letters—including the word “Florida”—could result in criminal charges. Major media outlets picked up the story. Law enforcement agencies posted their own guidance, some of which was inaccurate.

AI-generated content amplified the confusion, repeating false claims without verification. Florida drivers were alarmed. Many removed frames they had used for years.

We published our analysis in September. We explained that standard frames remain legal—and that the new law targets something entirely different: devices designed to defeat cameras and law enforcement.

The response was swift. We were called wrong. We were told we didn’t understand the law. Commenters cited sheriff’s office videos and news reports as proof we were mistaken.

We stood by our analysis. And in December 2025, both the bill’s sponsor and the state agency confirmed we were right.

The Official Record: What Authorities Now Say

Rep. Doug Bankson (Bill Sponsor)

“What started as a false alarm became a raging fire of misinformation regarding license plate frames, when an errant video went viral, even being picked up by the media… The reported information is absolutely untrue. No one is in danger for sporting their favorite frame, as long as their license number and sticker are uncovered… So fear not to cheer on your favorite team, alma mater, or even your car dealer. Yes, this is still the Free State of Florida!”

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

On December 12, 2025, FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner issued a memo to all Florida law enforcement agencies clarifying that:

• License plate frames are NOT prohibited by the new law
• Frames are legal as long as they don’t obscure the alphanumeric plate number and validation sticker
• The information at the bottom of the plate is NOT a “primary feature”—frames covering this area are permissible
• A 2019 Fourth DCA case analyzing similar statute found such frames permissible

The Rule: What’s Actually Legal

Quick Compliance Guide

What HB 253 Actually Targets

Rep. Bankson clarified that HB 253 addresses “tag flipping”—the practice of using devices triggered from inside the vehicle to hide or swap license plates to avoid tolls, cameras, or law enforcement. The law creates criminal penalties for:

1. Possession of Obscuring Devices (Misdemeanor)

Simply possessing a plate flipper or obscuring device is now a second-degree misdemeanor—even if your vehicle is parked.

2. The “Getaway Clause” (Felony)

If an obscuring device is used to conceal a crime, avoid arrest, or bypass toll/red-light cameras, the charge escalates to a third-degree felony.

3. Police Impersonation Lighting (Felony)

Using unauthorized red, red-and-white, or blue lights in a manner suggesting law enforcement is now a third-degree felony.

How We Defend Improper Stops

Because this law is new and misinformation is widespread, enforcement is inconsistent. We’re seeing officers initiate traffic stops for standard frames that do not actually violate the statute. When that happens, any evidence found during the stop—drugs, weapons, DUI indicators—may be suppressed.

Our 3-Point Defense Strategy:

1. The “Primary Features” Test: If body cam footage shows your numbers and sticker were visible, the officer lacked reasonable suspicion for the stop.
2. Device vs. Frame: We force the State to prove the object was a “device” intended to obscure, not a standard “frame.”
3. Video Evidence: We use dashcam and body cam footage to contradict claims of “unreadable” plates.

Pro Tip: If you’re stopped for a plate violation, safely take a clear photo of your license plate immediately after the interaction. This photo can be the difference between conviction and dismissal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be pulled over for a license plate frame in Tampa?

Only if the frame covers the plate numbers or validation sticker. According to both the bill sponsor and FLHSMV, frames covering the word “Florida” or bottom text are permissible. If an officer stops you for a frame that leaves your numbers and sticker visible, the stop may be unlawful.

Is my dealership frame illegal?

Almost certainly not. Standard dealership frames, sports team frames, and university frames are legal as long as your plate number and sticker remain visible. The FLHSMV memo specifically notes that bottom-covering frames are permissible.

Why did so many sources get this wrong?

A viral video misinterpreted the statute, and the error spread quickly through social media, AI content generators, and even some law enforcement agencies. Rep. Bankson called it “a raging fire of misinformation.” The FLHSMV memo was issued specifically to correct these misunderstandings.

What should I do if I’m charged for a frame that’s actually legal?

Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. If your frame didn’t obscure primary features, the stop itself may have been unlawful—which could suppress any evidence found during the stop.

Our Commitment to Accurate Legal Information

When we published our original analysis, we knew it would face scrutiny. We read the statute carefully. Our Founder Rocky Brancato understood the legislative intent. We knew the difference between §320.262 (obscuring devices) and §316.605 (plate display requirements).

We stood by our interpretation even when commenters insisted we were wrong, even when they cited law enforcement videos as authority, and even when AI-generated content repeated inaccurate claims.

Now both the bill’s sponsor and the state’s highway safety agency have confirmed what we said from the beginning: standard license plate frames are legal in Florida.

This is what experienced legal counsel looks like. We don’t follow viral videos. Our founder Rocky Brancato doesn’t repeat what others say without verification. We read the law, apply decades of experience, and give you the information you can rely on.

Stopped or Charged Under Florida’s Plate Laws?

New laws often lead to over-policing. A misunderstanding of §320.262 by an officer should not result in a permanent criminal record for you. If you’ve been stopped or charged under Florida’s license plate or vehicle lighting laws, I can help.

I’m Rocky Brancato. With over 25 years of experience as a Tampa criminal defense attorney, I utilize the specific language of statutes to file Motions to Suppress. If the stop was bad, the evidence found during that stop may be thrown out.

Call (813) 727-7159 for a Confidential Consultation

The Brancato Law Firm, P.A.

620 E. Twiggs Street, Suite 205, Tampa, FL 33602

Serving Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties