Florida changed its specialty number plate designs again in 2024. You can now have a Universal Orlando-themed plate. If you want a playful vibe, you can buy a Margaritaville plate.
These design changes do not affect the state’s plate regulations for 2025. Florida drivers only need one license plate to comply with the law.
Still, a couple of myths floating around may be confusing. So, keep reading to find out whether you know all there is to know about your Florida back plate.
Florida Requires Two License Plates
As mentioned, you do not need two plates to drive around beautiful Florida. Many states do require a front and back plate, but Florida is not one of them. In fact, Florida hasn’t changed this rule for many years.
However, if you drive a commercial truck, different rules may apply.
You Can Add a Second Vanity Plate
Florida makes it easy for drivers to stick to the license plate rules. Yet, some motorists still want to add second plates to their cars.
You might get in hot water if you want to add a vanity plate. Florida law bans vanity plates that resemble official plates. This means you can be stopped by an officer while cruising down the highway if they mistake your plate for a real one.
If you insist on getting a front plate, it must be a completely different design from the official Florida one.
New Cars Do Not Need a Plate
Do not test this one. Guaranteed, it will not end well. If you just bought a car, you need a valid plate to drive it around. The dealership must give you a temporary tag while you wait for your official plate.
If you buy the car from a friend, you also need to get a temporary tag. You may need to get a new plate from FLHSMV (Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles) before driving.
You Don’t Need to Renew Your Single Plate
It is surprising how many drivers still believe this. You cannot drive your car using the same plate for the rest of your life. In Florida, you must renew the plate once every 10 years. This is to ensure plates are always visible and reflective, according to law.
You also have to renew your car registration every year.
You Can Keep Your Plate When Selling Your Car
This is another persistent myth among drivers. Some do not realize your plate is assigned to you, not your car. This means you must transfer the plate to your new car (when you sell your old one). You cannot give it to the new owner.
You even have to give it back to the FLHSMV if you don’t need it anymore. The new owner must get their own plate and registration.
You Can Keep Another State’s Plates When Moving to Florida
If you are moving to Florida, you cannot bring your old state’s plates. You must register your car and get a Florida plate within 30 days.
This also means you must take out insurance and apply for a Florida driver’s license.
Also, you will most likely be fined if caught driving with another state’s plates.
License Plates Are Assigned Randomly
This is both true and not true. When you get a regular plate, it is usually a random one, but you have many other options, too. You can get a personalized or specialty plate if you want one.
These plates can show your support for charities, military service, colleges, etc. You can choose custom number and letter combinations for a personalized plate. However, they must fall within Florida guidelines.
You Can Still Use a Damaged Plate
Like the other myths, this is not true. You cannot use a plate that is damaged or faded. This is because Florida law states all plates must be visible and reflective. If your plate is damaged, you must get a replacement from FLHSMV.
You will get a citation if you continue driving with it and get stopped.
Police Officers Do Not Enforce License Plate Laws
This is another myth you don’t want to test. Florida police officers always enforce plate regulations. If you break the law, you must get a new plate before driving your car again. You will also get a fine.
Avoid Citations and Fines
The easiest way to avoid a run-in with law enforcement is to follow license plate rules. You need only one back plate in Florida. It must be properly displayed and maintained. It must also be renewed.
By staying informed, you can enjoy Florida’s busy highways without problems.
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