- Florida man arrested over plate frame deemed legal by the state.
- Police later admitted the arrest was invalid under the law.
- Confusion over new statute led to enforcement inconsistencies.
Florida recently passed a new law that made it seem as though license plate frames were illegal for cars on public roads. While that might sound strange, it was even weirder when the Florida Sheriffs Association started selling its own plate frame while claiming it was legal.
The confusion over the situation is real and now, it’s led to an invalid arrest and a formal apology from one Florida police department.
Also: The Same People Selling You This Florida License Plate Frame Could Also Ticket You For It
Demarquize Dawson was allegedly pulled over by Davie Police while driving a rental car and arrested after an officer claimed the frame partially obscured the first letter of “Sunshine State” at the top of the plate. According to Dawson, the officer said the covered “S” alone was enough to justify the arrest.
That report comes from several local outlets, including NBC Miami. Notably, Dawson’s Instagram post claiming these things is now private. That said, the report also says that Davie Police, the department that allegedly arrested Dawson, admitted fault after the fact.
“This arrest was invalid,” it said in a statement, adding that officers have since been re-educated on how the statute should be applied.
Authorities there tried to clarify their position echoing talking points we’ve already heard. “As long as officers are able to read your numbers and see your registration sticker, you can have a frame,” said Davie Police spokesperson Officer Julia Ross.
“If it’s partially covering where you can still see Florida or even part of ‘Sunshine State,’ you’re alright.”
From Fix-It Ticket to Misdemeanor
The revised law, which went into effect October 1, was intended to crack down on tinted covers and other plate-blocking accessories that people use to dodge tolls, escape detection in hit-and-runs, or disguise stolen cars.
However, it also raised the stakes significantly by reclassifying violations from a non-criminal traffic infraction to a second-degree misdemeanor, carrying penalties of up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
More: Florida Just Said Your License Plate Frame Is Legal And Illegal
That escalation has raised concerns, especially as enforcement remains inconsistent. Dawson was reportedly taken to a hospital after suffering a panic attack during the arrest before later being released. For now, Florida officials insist drivers don’t need to ditch their frames.
As long as officers can read the plate, identify the state, and see the registration sticker, it should be legal. The challenge, as this arrest shows, is making sure everyone enforcing the law understands that too.
