Earlier this month, Miami-Dade Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez called on state lawmakers to eliminate the physical yellow registration decal that is currently required on almost all Florida license plates.
Doral Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez and Miami Lakes Rep. Tom Fabricio have since answered that call.
The Republican legislators just filed twin bills (SB 982, HB 841) to require all vehicle registration renewals to be recorded electronically and repeal the state law mandating the yellow validation stickers.
In a phone interview Monday, Fabricio credited Fernandez with presenting the change, which is already policy in states like Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Vermont, and is estimated to save Miami-Dade alone $2.5 million yearly.
Fernandez has argued that the physical stickers are no longer needed and, in some cases, counterproductive, since they can fade, peel and get stolen.
Fabricio said he fully agrees.
“I want to say this proposal cuts red tape, but it literally cuts yellow tape because it’s going to reduce a hurdle that people have to deal with on an annual basis, which is nonsensical,” he said, adding that the current policy is based on “an ancient technology.”
“Every police officer and police agency I’ve spoken to tells me that all license plates are called in one form or another during a traffic stop, so it doesn’t provide safety; it’s just a burden and a cost for motorists.”
Rodriguez said her legislation presents a “common-sense change” that “reduces burdens on taxpayers, prevents fraud, and streamlines government, exactly what Floridians expect from their leaders.”
“In an era of real-time digital verification, clinging to physical decals is outdated,’ she said in a statement.
Notable Florida political figures are supportive. Fabricio announced the legislation in a Sunday post on X that had been viewed more than 197,300 times by noon Monday. Gov. Ron DeSantis shared the post, writing, “Good job Tom — get it done!” Florida GOP Chair Evan Power did similarly, calling the proposal “an interesting idea.”
Fernandez, who has expanded and secured his Office’s operations since taking over in January, said he is grateful Rodriguez and Fabricio turned his proposal into legislation. He added that other states with the policy have seen accountability improve, not worsen, under the change.
“Electronic systems provide exact registration status at the moment of a traffic stop, rather than relying on a small piece of plastic that may be expired or counterfeit. Physical decals are also a known target for fraud and can create a false sense of security,” he said.
“Public safety should never depend on outdated tools. Today’s technology allows real-time, accurate verification, through systems already used every day, supporting lawful enforcement while improving efficiency and public trust.”
If approved in the coming Session, the legislation would go into effect July 1.
The post Bye-bye yellow sticker? Lawmakers propose eliminating license plate decals appeared first on Florida Politics – Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government..
Disclaimer
The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
The South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.
In no event shall the South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service.
The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice.
The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components
