Fake License Plate or Fake Tag in Florida

Counterfeit License Plate Charges – Florida Statute §320.26

Many people searching online for “fake tag Florida” or “fake license plate Florida” are shocked to learn that the charge may be a third-degree felony.

Under Florida Statute §320.26, it is unlawful to counterfeit or alter license plates or registration validation stickers issued through the Florida vehicle registration system.

A violation of this statute is a third-degree felony, which is far more serious than a typical traffic offense.

These cases often arise during routine traffic stops when an officer believes the vehicle is displaying:

• a counterfeit license plate
• a counterfeit registration sticker
• an altered validation decal

Because the charge is a felony, it is important to understand how the law works and what situations commonly lead to these investigations. A violation of this statute is a felony of the third degree punishable by up to 5 years in prison and up to $5,000 fine.

Penalties for Fake License Plate Charges in Florida

Because counterfeiting a license plate or validation sticker is a third-degree felony, the potential penalties may include:

• a felony criminal record
• probation
• court fines
• possible incarceration
• long-term consequences for employment and background checks

The exact outcome of a case depends on the circumstances surrounding the plate or registration sticker.

What Is a “Fake Tag” in Florida?

People searching online often use terms such as:

• fake tag
• fake license plate
• counterfeit tag
• fake registration sticker

Florida law focuses on whether a license plate or validation sticker has been counterfeited or altered.

When a vehicle is registered in Florida, the state issues:

1. a license plate, and
2. a validation sticker showing the registration period.

Both items correspond to records maintained by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

If either item is counterfeit or altered, the situation may fall under Florida Statute §320.26.

Situations That Can Lead to Fake Tag Charges

Many people charged under §320.26 did not realize there was a problem with the vehicle’s registration materials.

Some common situations include:

A Relative Provided the Vehicle

Sometimes a person begins driving a vehicle that belonged to a family member.

For example, someone returning from military service may drive a vehicle that a relative prepared for them, including placing a registration sticker on the plate. If that sticker is later determined to be counterfeit or altered, the driver may still face investigation.

Registration Sticker Appears Altered

During a traffic stop, an officer may examine the license plate and validation sticker. If the sticker appears altered or inconsistent with registration records, the officer may investigate further.

Fake Tag vs. Attaching a Tag Not Assigned

Florida Statute §320.261

Another Florida statute addresses a related but different situation.

Under Florida Statute §320.261, it is unlawful to:

knowingly attach to a motor vehicle a license plate not assigned or lawfully transferred to that vehicle.

The difference between these statutes is important.

In other words:

• Fake or altered tag → felony
• Valid tag on the wrong vehicle → misdemeanor

Frequently Asked Questions About Fake Tags in Florida

Is a fake license plate a felony in Florida?

Yes. Under Florida Statute §320.26, counterfeiting or altering a license plate or validation sticker is a third-degree felony.

What is a validation sticker?

A validation sticker is the registration decal placed on a Florida license plate that reflects the vehicle’s registration period.

What is considered a counterfeit tag?

Florida law focuses on whether a license plate or validation sticker has been counterfeited or altered.

What is attaching a tag not assigned?

Under Florida Statute §320.261, it is unlawful to knowingly attach a license plate to a vehicle when that plate was not assigned or lawfully transferred to that vehicle.

Is attaching a tag not assigned a felony?

No. That offense is generally treated as a misdemeanor, unlike counterfeit tag offenses.

Can fake tag cases begin with a traffic stop?

Yes. Many cases begin when officers examine a license plate during routine traffic enforcement.

What if someone else put the sticker on the vehicle?

Sometimes drivers are operating a vehicle that was prepared by another person. If the license plate or sticker is determined to be counterfeit or altered, the investigation may focus on Florida Statute §320.26.

Speak With a Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you were charged with:

• Fake license plate
• Counterfeit tag
• Altered registration sticker
• Attaching tag not assigned

the case may involve Florida Statute §320.26 or §320.261.

Mesic Law represents clients facing license plate and registration offenses throughout Jacksonville and Northeast Florida.

Call Mesic Law today to schedule a consultation.