Florida has adopted several laws that have people talking this year. In 2025 alone, they’ve passed laws that restrict student’s cell phone use, as well as a ban on public sleeping that targets homeless people. It’s safe to say that Florida has more pressing issues to deal with. However, they choose to focus on the things that typically aren’t hurting anybody. A Florida woman created a TikTok focused on House Bill 253, which cracks down on license plate visibility. Because apparently, that law was super important.
Emily (@awheckitsemilyzeck) posted a video stating, “Florida just passed a new law that says you cannot have a frame around your license plate.” Emily goes on to say that it’s a bummer of a law because her license plate frame was custom made for her old Ford pickup truck. She goes on to say she has to remove it because “apparently now, it’s a second degree misdemeanor.”
As Emily removes her license plate frame, she says, “You’d think they have better things to do. Like stop giant corporations from dumping toxic waste in our lagoons. Also, over-developing all the marshlands we have here.” She sarcastically continues, “Thank god that’s off. Man, I don’t know what would have happened to our state if we all kept our license plate frames on. I feel safer now.” It’s a definite eyeroll situation but that’s to be expected from Florida.
The House Bill actually creates penalties and punishments for covering a license plate in any way, which means frames are entirely out. For drivers who refuse to comply with the law, the penalties are quite harsh. As it’s a second-degree misdemeanor, this means that a driver could face up to $500 in fines and spend up to 60 days in jail. Mind you, this is all for covering even a small portion of your license plate with a frame. This applies even if the ‘Florida’ state portion is covered in even the slightest. Sarasota Officer Frank Watson said in a recent video, “Troopers aren’t out there just issuing citations left and right because we think that’s the cool thing to do. It saves lives, and we’re trying to educate people.” Okay, bud.
As one commenter pointed out, “But they allow those headlights that make you feel like you’re stepping into the gates of heaven.” Another commenter truthfully stated, “It’s about control, compliance, and profits.” If you’re familiar with Florida laws, you’ll understand that truer words have never been spoken.
