That shiny license plate frame from a dealership, college bookstore, or beach gift shop might now be a legal problem in Florida. And for many people, the first hint comes when blue lights show up in the rearview mirror.

Across Florida, police are stopping drivers whose plates are partially blocked by decorative frames or covers

Many of those drivers say they had no idea anything changed. Some assumed if the frame came from a dealer, it had to be fine.

The Florida Sheriff’s Association flagged the issue this week. The agency reminded drivers that a new statewide law is now active. Oh, and by the way, drivers can totally use the FSA’s license plate frame.

But comments on the association’s Facebook post (more than 1,000 of them) show plenty of confusion about what’s legal, what’s not, and why drivers can get pulled over for such a minor infraction.

What the new law does

Governor Ron DeSantis signed the law in May. It officially took effect in October. The bottom line isn’t all that obtuse: Make sure license plates are fully readable at all times.

Under the law, anything that blocks or obscures information printed by the state is illegal. That includes the state name, the registration number, and the county name.

So, then, accessories or add-ons like tinted covers, reflective shields, and thick frames are all potential violations if they interfere with visibility for officers or cameras.

Pensacola Police Officer Mike Wood explained to local outlet WEAR ABC 3 that if the state printed it on the plate, officers need to see it clearly.

He demonstrated how some frames fail by just a fraction of an inch. A thinner frame might pass. A thicker one does not.

The law aims to reduce license plate fraud and help Florida police identify cars involved in hit-and-run crashes

Obscured plates slow down investigations and automated systems alike.

For now, officers say they’re still leaning toward education. The FSA linked to the official legal verbiage. Wood said first-time offenders are typically warned and told why their plate setup is not compliant. Drivers are then sent on their way.

That grace won’t last forever. A second stop for the same issue can lead to penalties. The law allows for fines up to $500 or up to 60 days in jail.