Legislators in Florida have put forward new proposals to remove the mandatory yellow registration sticker from vehicle license plates. This initiative comes shortly after another license plate regulation caused confusion among drivers in the state.
Proposed Legislative Changes
Representative Tom Fabricio from Miami Lakes, who is sponsoring the House bill, stated on social media: "I filed HB 841 with @SenatorAMR to eliminate Florida’s outdated yellow registration decal." He added, "They (the decals) fade, get stolen & cost millions. Let’s cut red tape, fight fraud & save money. Thanks to Tax Collector @darielfernandez for the idea!"
The companion Senate bill was filed by Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez of Homestead.
Key Provisions of the Bills
The legislation, titled "Motor Vehicle Registration Renewal," includes several important changes:
Elimination of the requirement for validation stickers on license plates
Implementation of electronic recording for registration renewals
Removal of provisions mandating specific sticker specifications
Issuance of license plates valid for ten years
Annual payment of fees and taxes despite longer plate validity
Specific material and size requirements for license plates
Registration Process Under New System
Vehicle owners would still need to renew their registrations annually or biennially, but would receive a certificate of registration instead of a physical sticker. Law enforcement would verify registration status through electronic means.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed support for the proposal, posting on social media: "Good job Tom — get it done!"
Implementation Timeline
If passed by the legislature and signed by the governor, the new law would become effective on July 1, 2026. The 2026 legislative session begins on January 13.
Related License Plate Regulations
This proposal follows recent changes to license plate regulations that took effect in October. Those regulations prohibit anything that obstructs license plates, though officials have clarified that frames are permissible as long as they don't block essential information.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles emphasized that law enforcement must be able to clearly see the plate identifier and registration decal when present.
