This bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance penalties related to the use of certain lighting on vehicles and the obscuring of license plates. Specifically, it reclassifies the offense of driving a vehicle with prohibited lighting from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony. Additionally, it prohibits the use of license plate obscuring devices, which are defined as any manual, electronic, or mechanical device designed to hide or alter the visibility of a license plate. Violating this prohibition can result in a misdemeanor of the second degree for possession or use of such devices, while manufacturing or distributing them is classified as a misdemeanor of the first degree.

Furthermore, the bill introduces enhanced penalties for individuals who commit other crimes while using a license plate obscuring device or engaging in related offenses. For example, a misdemeanor of the second degree would be treated as a first-degree misdemeanor, and a felony of the third degree would be treated as a second-degree felony, thereby increasing the severity of the punishment based on the circumstances of the crime. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 44 Filed: 316.2397, 320.061
S 44 c1: 316.2397, 320.061
S 44 c2: 316.2397, 320.061