DeSantis Supports Ending Florida License Plate Stickers Under New Proposal

FLORIDA - Florida motorists could soon experience a major change to vehicle registration as Gov. Ron DeSantis has voiced support for legislation that would eliminate license plate registration stickers statewide.

State lawmakers have introduced bills in both the Florida House and Senate that would remove the requirement for physical validation decals on license plates and instead rely entirely on electronic registration records.

The proposal reflects a broader effort to modernize state systems and reduce unnecessary costs associated with printing, distributing, and replacing physical stickers.

Under the plan, drivers would still be required to register their vehicles annually and pay all applicable fees.

The change would simply remove the obligation to display a sticker on the license plate.

Law enforcement officers already have the ability to verify registration status in real time through electronic databases, making the visible decal less critical than in previous decades.

Supporters of the proposal say the shift would reduce administrative burdens for county tax collector offices, lower expenses for drivers who often must replace damaged or stolen stickers, and cut down on fraud linked to counterfeit or reused decals.

Officials have also pointed out that the stickers frequently fade or peel in Florida’s heat, creating confusion despite valid registration.

The legislation has drawn attention after DeSantis publicly endorsed the effort, signaling executive support as lawmakers prepare for the upcoming legislative session.

If approved, the change could take effect as early as mid 2026.

While some have raised questions about transitioning fully to digital verification, state officials emphasize that registration enforcement would remain unchanged and that electronic systems are already widely used across Florida.

The bills will be debated during the next legislative session, where lawmakers will decide whether Florida officially moves away from physical license plate stickers.