SB 488 — Transportation

providingrevising thatthe aapparent disabledamount veteranof mayproperty retaindamage which requires the driver of a certainvehicle licenseinvolved platein designationa uponcrash reissuance,to renewal,notify orlaw transferenforcement of the plate;crash;

320.0843,318.15, F.S.;

authorizingconforming applicationsa forprovision certain license plates to bechanges made toby the taxact; collector;

providing that such license plates may be stamped with specified letters at the option of the applicant;

authorizing the tax collector to issue such plates immediately on demand;

320.262,320.02, F.S.;

revisingrequiring thevehicle definitionregistration ofapplicants theto termprovide “licensea plateFlorida obscuringaddress; device”;

providing thatan theexception; use of a license plate frame or decorative border device is not prohibited under specified conditions;

amendingrequiring s.an applicant to provide satisfactory proof of address and certain documentation;

320.64,defining F.S.;the term “REAL ID driver’s Page 2 of 32 CODING:

authorizing licensees to Page 2 of 68 CODING:

SB 488 SecondFirst Engrossed 2026488e22026488e1 rejectlicense theor successionidentification tocard”; interest in a franchise agreement of a motor vehicle dealer under certain circumstances;

clarifying the motor vehicles for which a licensee must pay certain costs to a motor vehicle dealer under certain circumstances;

prohibiting a licensee from distributing more than a specified percentage of a specified number of motor vehicles of a particular line-make during a certain period to one motor vehicle dealer or dealers that share common ownership or control;

providing applicability;

320.643,320.061, F.S.;

authorizingprohibiting a licenseeperson tofrom rejectapplying aor sale,attaching transfer,materials alienation,that orinterfere otherwith dispositionthe oflegibility, aangular franchisevisibility, agreementor detectability of, or anthat equityinterfere interestwith inthe aability motorto vehiclerecord, dealerthe underprimary certainfeatures circumstances;or details on a license plate;

authorizing license plate frames that impinge upon information at certain locations under certain circumstances;

authorizingrevising the departmentpurpose tofor usewhich e-mailthe asdepartment amay methoduse ofe-mail; notification;

amending s.

322.08, F.S.;

revising the purpose for which the department may use e-mail;

322.051322.18, 322.21, and 322.17,322.251, F.S.;

requiringauthorizing anthe e-maildepartment address to beprovide includedcertain onorders an identification card application and anotices requestby fore- amail replacementnotification; driver license or instruction permit, respectively;

amending ss.

322.2616, 322.64, 324.091, and 324.171, F.S.;

conforming provisions to changes made by the act;

322.251,328.30, F.S.;

authorizingrevising ordersthe ofpurpose cancellation,for suspension,which revocation,the ordepartment disqualificationmay touse bee-mail; provided by e- mail notification;

337.401,627.7415, F.S.;

prohibitingconforming municipalitiesa andprovision countiesto fromchanges requiringmade thatby providersthe locateact; or perform surveys of certain facilities;

requiring a provider to use certain means to avoid damaging certain facilities under specified Page 3 of 68 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

SB 488 Second Engrossed 2026488e2 circumstances;

prohibiting municipalities and counties from taking certain actions relating to certain facility permits;

authorizing municipalities and counties to require a bond or other financial instrument;

prohibiting municipalities and counties from imposing or collecting a tax, fee, cost, charge, or exaction for the placement of certain communications facilities;

revising applicability;

revising the definition of the term “application”;

prohibiting an authority from requiring compliance with an authority’s provisions regarding placement of communications facilities in certain locations;

providing exceptions;

requiring that certain authority ordinances apply to all providers of communications services;

providing bond requirements;

providing requirements for certain financial obligations required by an authority;

prohibiting an authority from requiring a deposit or escrow of cash or agreement with certain terms;

prohibiting an authority from requiring a communications service provider to indemnify it for certain liabilities;

prohibiting an authority from imposing certain landscaping and vegetation management requirements;

120.80,316.545 207.003, 207.008, 207.011, 207.013, 207.014, 207.023, 207.0281, 212.08, 316.545, 318.15, 319.35, 319.40, 320.03, 322.08, 322.18, 322.21, 322.245, 322.2615, 322.2616, 322.64, 324.091, 324.171, 328.30, 328.73, and 627.7415,319.35, F.S.;

conforming provisionscross-references; to changes made by the act;

making a technical change;

PageBe 4It Enacted by the Legislature of 68the CODING:State of Florida:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

SB 488 Second Engrossed 2026488e2 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:

207.001Page Short3 title.—This chapter shall be known as the “Florida Diesel Fuel and Motor Fuel Use Tax Act of 1981,”32 andCODING: the taxes levied under this chapter shall be in addition to all other taxes imposed by law.

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

SB 488 First Engrossed 2026488e1 207.001 Short title.—This chapter shall be known as the “Florida Diesel Fuel and Motor Fuel Use Tax Act of 1981,” and the taxes levied under this chapter shall be in addition to all other taxes imposed by law.

Section 207.002, Florida Statutes, is reordered and amended to read:

(11)(1) “Qualified Commercial motor vehicle” means any vehicle not owned or operated by a governmental entity which uses diesel fuel or motor fuel on the public highways;

and which has two axles and a gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight in excess of 26,000 pounds, or has three or more axles regardless of weight, or is used in combination when the weight of such combination exceeds 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight.

The term excludes any recreational vehicle or vehicle owned or operated by a community transportation coordinator as defined in s.

427.011 or by a private operator that provides public transit services under contract with such a provider.

(2) “International Fuel Tax Agreement” means thea reciprocal agreement among certain states of the United States, provinces of Canada, and other such member jurisdictions whichto providesprovide for the administration, collection, and enforcement of taxes on the basis of fuel consumedconsumed, or distance accrued, or both, in member jurisdictions.

(3) “Diesel fuel” means any liquid product or gas product or combination thereof, including, but not limited to, all forms ofPage fuel4 known or sold as diesel fuel, kerosene, butane gas, or propane gas and all other forms of liquefied32 petroleumCODING: gases, except those defined as “motor fuel,” used to propel a motor vehicle.

(4) “International Registration Plan” means a registration reciprocity agreement among states of the United States and provinces of Canada providing for payment of license fees or Page 5 of 68 CODING:

SB 488 SecondFirst Engrossed 2026488e22026488e1 licenseof taxesfuel onknown theor basissold as diesel fuel, kerosene, butane gas, or propane gas and all other forms of fleetliquefied milespetroleum operatedgases, inexcept variousthose jurisdictions.defined as “motor fuel,” used to propel a motor vehicle.

(4) “International Registration Plan” means a registration reciprocity agreement among states of the United States and provinces of Canada providing for payment of license fees or license taxes on the basis of fleet miles operated in various jurisdictions.

(5) “Member jurisdiction” means a state of the United States, a province of Canada, or any other such jurisdiction that is a member of the International Fuel Tax Agreement.

(7)(8) “Motor fuel” means any fuel placed in the fuel supply storage unit of a qualified motor vehicle, including an alternative fuelfuel, such as pure methanol, ethanol, or other alcohol;

natural gas and liquidliquified fuel produced from natural gas;

or any other type of fuel or energy used to propel a qualified motor vehicle what is commonlyPage known5 and sold as gasoline and fuels containing a mixture of gasoline32 andCODING: other products.

(8)(9) “Operate,” “operated,” “operation,” or “operating” means and includes the use utilization in any form of any qualified commercial motor vehicle, whether loaded or empty, whether used utilized for compensation or not for compensation, and whether owned by or leased to the motor carrier who uses it or causes it to be used.

Page 6 of 68 CODING:

SB 488 SecondFirst Engrossed 2026488e22026488e1 (9)(10)commonly “Person”known means and includessold naturalas persons,gasoline corporations,and copartnerships,fuels firms,containing companies,a agencies,mixture orof associations,gasoline singularand orother plural.products.

(8)(9) “Operate,” “operated,” “operation,” or “operating” means and includes the utilization in any form of any qualified commercial motor vehicle, whether loaded or empty, whether utilized for compensation or not for compensation, and whether owned by or leased to the motor carrier who uses it or causes it to be used.

(9)(10) “Person” means and includes natural persons, corporations, copartnerships, firms, companies, agencies, or associations, singular or plural.

(11)(1) “Qualified commercial motor vehicle” means any vehicle not owned or operated by a governmental entity which uses diesel fuel or motor fuel on the public highways;

and which has two axles and a gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight in excess of 26,000 pounds, or has three or more axles regardless of weight, or is used in combination when the weight of such combination exceeds 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight.

The term excludes any recreational vehicle or vehicle owned or operated by a community transportation coordinator as defined in s.

427.011 or by a private operator that provides public transit services under contract with such a provider.

Section 207.003, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

207.003 Privilege tax levied.—A tax for the privilege of operating any qualified commercial motor vehicle upon the public highways of this state shall be levied upon every motor carrier at a rate which includes the minimum rates provided in parts I- III of chapter 206 on each gallon of diesel fuel or motor fuel used for the propulsion of a qualified commercial motor vehicle by such motor carrier within this the state.

Section 4.

207.004Page Licensing6 registration of motor32 carriers;CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

SB 488 First Engrossed 2026488e1 207.004 Licensing Registration of motor carriers;

temporary fuel-use permits and driveaway permits.— (1)(a) A noNo motor carrier may not shall operate or cause to be operated in this state any qualified commercial motor Pagevehicle, 7other ofthan 68a CODING:Florida-based qualified commercial motor vehicle that travels Florida intrastate mileage only, which that uses diesel fuel or motor fuel until such carrier is licensed under the International Fuel Tax Agreement and issued fuel tax decals has registered with the department or has registered under a cooperative reciprocal agreement as described in s.

Words207.0281, strickenafter aresuch deletions;time as this state enters into such agreement, and has been issued an identifying device or such carrier is has been issued a temporary fuel-use permit as authorized under subsection (5) subsections (4) and (5) for each vehicle operated.

words underlined are additions.

SB 488 Second Engrossed 2026488e2 vehicle, other than a Florida-based qualified commercial motor vehicle that travels Florida intrastate mileage only, which that uses diesel fuel or motor fuel until such carrier is licensed has registered with the department or has registered under the International Fuel Tax Agreement a cooperative reciprocal agreement as described in s.

207.0281, after such time as this state enters into such agreement, and has been issued fuel tax decals an identifying device or such carrier has been issued a temporary fuel-use permit as authorized under subsection subsections (4) and (5) for each vehicle operated.

The fuel tax decaldecals for each such identifying device issued.

The transfer of a fuel tax decaldecals an identifying device from one vehicle to another vehicle or from one motor carrier to another motor carrier is prohibited.

(b) The motor carrier to whom fuel tax decals have an identifying device has been issuedPage is7 shall be solely responsible for the proper use of the32 fuelCODING: tax decals identifying device by its employees, consignees, or lessees.

(2) Fuel tax decals Identifying devices shall be issued each year for the period January 1 through December 31, or any Page 8 of 68 CODING:

SB 488 SecondFirst Engrossed 2026488e22026488e1 portionissued thereof,is ifan taxidentifying returnsdevice andhas taxbeen payments,issued whenshall applicable,be havesolely beenresponsible submittedfor tothe proper use of the departmentfuel fortax alldecals prioridentifying reportingdevice periods.by its employees, consignees, or lessees.

(2) Fuel tax decals Identifying devices shall be issued each year for the period January 1 through December 31, or any portion thereof, if tax returns and tax payments, when applicable, have been submitted to the department for all prior reporting periods.

Beginning October 1, 2026, except as otherwise authorized by the department, all fuel tax decal renewal orders must be submitted electronically submitted through an online system prescribed by the department.

(3) If a motor carrier licensed in this state no longer operates or causes to be operated in this state anya qualified a commercial motor vehicle, the fuel tax decaldecals for each qualified motor vehicle that is no longer operated or caused to be operated by the motor carrier must identifying device shall be destroyed and the motor carrier to whom the fuel tax decaldecals were device was issued must shall notify the department immediately by letter of such removal and of the number of the fuel tax decaldecals the identifying device that was has been destroyed.

(4) A motor carrier,carrier must, before operating a qualified commercial motor vehicle on the public highways of this state, must require each qualified motor vehicle to display a fuel tax decaldecals an identifying device as required under subsections (1) and (2) or must obtain a temporary fuel-usefuel- use permit for that vehicle as provided in subsection (5).

The cost of a temporary fuel-use permit is $45, and the permit exempts the vehicle from the payment of the motor fuelPage or8 dieselof fuel32 taxCODING: imposed under this chapter during the term for which the permit is valid.

However, the vehicle is not exempt from paying the fuel tax at the pump.

Page 9 of 68 CODING:

SB 488 SecondFirst Engrossed 2026488e22026488e1 (5)(a)fuel Aor registereddiesel motorfuel carriertax holdingimposed aunder validthis licensechapter mayduring certificate of registration may, upon payment of the $45term feefor perwhich permit, secure from the department,permit oris anyvalid. wire service authorized by the department, a temporary fuel-use permit.

However, the vehicle is not exempt from paying the fuel tax at the pump.

(5)(a) A registered motor carrier holding a valid certificate of registration may, upon payment of the $45 fee per permit, secure from the department, or any wire service authorized by the department, a temporary fuel-use permit.

(c) A blank temporary fuel-use permit,permit must, before its use, must be executed by the motor carrier, in ink or type, so as to identify the carrier, the vehicle to which the permit is assigned, and the permit’s effective date and expiration date that the vehicle is placed in and removed from service.

(d) The motor carrier to whom a temporary fuel-use permit isPage issued9 is shall be solely responsible for the proper use of the32 permitCODING: by its employees, consignees, or lessees.

Any erasure, alteration, or unauthorized use of a temporary fuel-use Page 10 of 68 CODING:

SB 488 SecondFirst Engrossed 2026488e22026488e1 permitis rendersissued is shall renderbe itsolely invalidresponsible andfor the proper use of nothe effect.permit by its employees, consignees, or lessees.

Any erasure, alteration, or unauthorized use of a temporary fuel-use permit renders shall render it invalid and of no effect.

(c) A registered motor carrier engaged in driveaway transportation, in which the cargo is the vehicle itself and is in transit to stock inventory and the ownership of the vehicle isPage not10 vested in the motor carrier, may, upon payment of the32 $4CODING: fee, secure from the department a driveaway permit.

The driveaway permits shall be issued for the period January 1 Page 11 of 68 CODING:

SB 488 SecondFirst Engrossed 2026488e22026488e1 throughis Decembernot 31.vested in the motor carrier, may, upon payment of the $4 fee, secure from the department a driveaway permit.

The driveaway permits shall be issued for the period January 1 through December 31.

Section 4.5.

calculation of fuel used during operations in this the state;

The reporting period is shall be the 12 months beginning January 1 July 1 and ending December 31 June 30.

It shall be the duty of Each motor carrier licensed registered or required to be licensed registered under the provisions of this chapter must to submit a return by the following due dates, except that each due date is extended until the last day of the month of the due date, and, if the last day of the month falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the due date is further extended until the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday within 30 days after the due date.Page 11 of 32 CODING:

The due date shall be as follows:

(a) If annual filing, the due date is January 31 shall be July 1;

Page 12 of 68 CODING:

SB 488 SecondFirst Engrossed 2026488e22026488e1 (b)date. If semiannual filing, the due dates are shall be January 31 1 and July 31 1;

The due date shall be as follows:

(a) If annual filing, the due date is January 31.

shall be July 1;

(b) If semiannual filing, the due dates are shall be January 31 1 and July 31.1;

If the tax paid under parts I-III of chapter 206 exceeds the total tax due under this chapter, the excess may be allowed as a credit against future tax payments, until the credit is fully offset or until eight calendar quarters shall havePage passed12 since the end of the32 calendarCODING: quarter in which the credit accrued, whichever occurs first.

A refund may be made for this credit provided it exceeds $10.

Page 13 of 68 CODING:

SB 488 SecondFirst Engrossed 2026488e22026488e1 (4)have Thepassed departmentsince maythe adoptend isof authorized to promulgate the necessarycalendar rulesquarter toin providewhich forthe ancredit adequateaccrued, bondwhichever fromoccurs eachfirst. motor carrier to ensure payment of taxes required under this chapter.

A refund may be made for this credit provided it exceeds $10.

(4) The department may adopt is authorized to promulgate the necessary rules to provide for an adequate bond from each motor carrier to ensure payment of taxes required under this chapter.

Section 5.6.

If the department enters into a cooperative reciprocal agreement under thePage provisions13 of s.32 CODING:

207.0281, the department shall collect and distribute all interest due to other jurisdictions at the same rate as if such interest were due to the state.

Page 14 of 68 CODING:

SB 488 SecondFirst Engrossed 2026488e22026488e1 (3)the Anyprovisions personof who:s.

207.0281, the department shall collect and distribute all interest due to other jurisdictions at the same rate as if such interest were due to the state.

(3) A Any person who:

(b) Knowingly makes, or assists any other person in making, a false statement in a return or reportreport, or in connection with an application for licensure registration under this chapterchapter, or in connection with an audit;

or (d)(c)(d) Violates any provision of the provisions of this chapter, a penalty for which is not otherwise provided, commits is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s.

207.004 and 320.02,320.02 respectively, of the violator.

Each day or part thereof during which a person operates or causes to be operated a qualified commercial motor vehicle without being the holder of fuel tax decals an identifying device or having a valid temporary fuel-fuel-use use or driveaway permit as required by this chapter constitutes a separate offense within the meaning of this section.

In addition to the penalty imposed by this section, the defendant is shall be required to pay all taxes, interest, and penalties due to this the state.

SectionPage 6.14 of 32 CODING:

Subsection (1) of section 207.019, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

207.019 Discontinuance or transfer of business;

change of Page 15 of 68 CODING:

SB 488 SecondFirst Engrossed 2026488e22026488e1 address.—Section (1)7. Whenever a person ceases to engage in business as a motor carrier within this the state by reason of the discontinuance, sale, or transfer of the business of such person, the person he or she shall notify the department in writing at least 10 days before prior to the time the discontinuance, sale, or transfer takes effect.

Such notice must shall give the date of discontinuance and, in the event of a sale or transfer of the business, the date thereof and the name and address of the purchaser or transferee.

All diesel fuel or motor fuel use taxes are shall become due and payable concurrently with such discontinuance, sale, or transfer;

and any such person shall, concurrently with such discontinuance, sale, or transfer, make a report and, pay all such taxes, interest, and penalties;

and the fuel tax decals must be destroyed and the motor carrier to whom the decals were issued shall notify the department by letter of their destruction and of the numbers of the fuel tax decals that were destroyed, and surrender to the department the registration issued to such person.

Section 7.

Subsection (1) of section 316.065, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

316.065 Crashes;

reports;

penalties.— (1) The driver of a vehicle involved in a crash resulting in injury to or death of any persons or damage to any vehicle or other property in an apparent amount of at least $2,000 $500 shall immediately by the quickest means of communication give notice of the crash to the local police department, if such crash occurs within a municipality;

otherwise, to the office of Page 16 of 68 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

SB 488 Second Engrossed 2026488e2 the county sheriff or the nearest office or station of the Florida Highway Patrol.

A violation of this subsection is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

Section 8.

Subsection (2) and paragraph (e) of subsection (5) of section 320.02, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

320.02 Registration required;

application for registration;

forms.— (2)(a) The application for registration must include the street address of the owner’s permanent Florida residence or the address of his or her permanent place of business in Florida and be accompanied by personal or business identification information.

If the vehicle is registered to an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces who is a Florida resident, the active duty member is not required to provide the street address of a permanent Florida residence.

(b) An individual applicant must provide proof of address satisfactory to the department and:

1.

A valid REAL ID driver license or identification card issued by this state or another state;

or 2.

A valid, unexpired United States passport;

or 3.

A valid, unexpired passport issued by another country and an unexpired Form I-94 issued by the United States Bureau of Customs and Border Protection.

For purposes of this paragraph, the term “REAL ID driver license or identification card” has the same meaning as provided in 6 C.F.R.

s.

37.3.

(c) A business applicant must provide a federal employer Page 17 of 68 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

SB 488 Second Engrossed 2026488e2 identification number, if applicable, or verification that the business is authorized to conduct business in this the state, or a Florida municipal or county business license or number.

1.

If the owner does not have a permanent residence or permanent place of business or if the owner’s permanent residence or permanent place of business cannot be identified by a street address, the application must include:

a.

If the vehicle is registered to a business, the name and street address of the permanent residence of an owner of the business, an officer of the corporation, or an employee who is in a supervisory position.

b.

If the vehicle is registered to an individual, the name and street address of the permanent residence of a close relative or friend who is a resident of this state.

2.

If the vehicle is registered to an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is a Florida resident, the active duty member is exempt from the requirement to provide the street address of a permanent residence.

(d)(b) The department shall prescribe a form upon which motor vehicle owners may record odometer readings when registering their motor vehicles.

(5) (e) Upon the expiration date noted in the cancellation notice that the department receives from the insurer, the department shall suspend the registration, issued under this chapter or revoke the license issued under s.

207.004(1), of a motor carrier who operates a commercial motor vehicle or a qualified motor vehicle who permits it to be operated in this state during the registration period or licensure period without Page 18 of 68 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

SB 488 Second Engrossed 2026488e2 having in full force liability insurance, a surety bond, or a valid self-insurance certificate that complies with this section.

The insurer shall provide notice to the department at the same time the cancellation notice is provided to the insured pursuant to s.

627.7281.

The department may adopt rules regarding the electronic submission of the cancellation notice.

Section 9.

Section 320.061, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

320.061 Unlawful to alter motor vehicle registration certificates, license plates, temporary license plates, mobile home stickers, or validation stickers or to obscure license plates;

penalty.— (1) A person may not alter the original appearance of a vehicle registration certificate, license plate, temporary license plate, mobile home sticker, or validation sticker issued for and assigned to a motor vehicle or mobile home, whether by mutilation, alteration, defacement, or change of color or in any other manner.

A person may not apply or attach a substance, reflective matter, illuminated device, spray, coating, covering, or other material onto or around any license plate which interferes with the legibility, angular visibility, or detectability of any feature or detail on the license plate number or validation sticker or interferes with the ability to record any feature or detail on the license plate number or validation sticker.

A person who knowingly violates this section commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s.

775.082 or s.

775.083.

(2) The use of a license plate frame or decorative border around a license plate is not an offense under this section, Page 19 of 68 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

SB 488 Second Engrossed 2026488e2 provided that the frame or border does not obscure the visibility of the following:

(a) The alphanumeric designation or license plate number.

(b) The registration decal or validation sticker located in the upper right corner.

Section 10.

Subsection (3) of section 320.084, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

320.084 Free motor vehicle license plate to certain disabled veterans.— (3) The department shall, as it deems necessary, require each person to whom a motor vehicle license plate has been issued pursuant to subsection (1) to apply to the department for reissuance of his or her registration license plate.

Upon receipt of the application and proof of the applicant’s continued eligibility, the department shall issue a new permanent disabled veteran motor vehicle license plate which shall be of the colors red, white, and blue similar to the colors of the United States flag.

A disabled veteran who has been issued a permanent disabled veteran motor vehicle license plate may retain the unique alphanumeric designation assigned to the plate upon reissuance, renewal, or transfer of the plate to another vehicle owned by the veteran.

The operation of a motor vehicle displaying a disabled veteran license plate from a previous issue period or a noncurrent validation sticker after the date specified by the department shall subject the owner if he or she is present, otherwise the operator, to the penalty provided in s.

318.18(2).

Such permanent license plate shall be removed upon sale of the vehicle, but may be transferred to another vehicle owned by such veteran in the manner prescribed Page 20 of 68 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

SB 488 Second Engrossed 2026488e2 by law.

Upon request of any such veteran, the department is authorized to issue a designation plate containing only the letters “DV,” to be displayed on the front of the vehicle.

Section 11.

Section 320.0843, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

320.0843 License plates for persons with disabilities eligible for permanent disabled parking permits.— (1) Any owner or lessee of a motor vehicle who resides in this state and qualifies for a disabled parking permit under s.

320.0848(2), upon application to the department, or the tax collector as an authorized agent of the department, and payment of the license tax for a motor vehicle registered under s.

320.08(2), (3)(a), (b), (c), or (e), (4)(a) or (b), (6)(a), or (9)(c) or (d), shall be issued a license plate as provided by s.

320.06 which, in lieu of or in addition to the serial number prescribed by s.

320.06, shall, at the option of the applicant, be stamped with the international wheelchair user symbol or the letters “DV” indicating a disabled veteran after the serial number of the license plate.

The license plate entitles the person to all privileges afforded by a parking permit issued under s.

320.0848.

When more than one registrant is listed on the registration issued under this section, the eligible applicant shall be noted on the registration certificate.

(2) All applications for such license plates may must be made to the department or the tax collector, and such plates may be issued immediately on demand by the tax collector.

Section 12.

Paragraphs (c) and (d) of subsection (1) of section 320.262, Florida Statutes, are amended, and subsection (5) is added to that section, to read:

Page 21 of 68 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

SB 488 Second Engrossed 2026488e2 320.262 License plate obscuring device prohibited;

penalties.— (1) As used in this section, the term “license plate obscuring device” means a manual, electronic, or mechanical device designed or adapted to be installed on a motor vehicle for the purpose of:

(c) Covering, obscuring, or otherwise interfering with the legibility, angular visibility, or detectability of the primary features or details, including the license plate number or validation sticker, on the license plate;

or (d) Interfering with the ability to record the primary features or details, including the license plate number or validation sticker, on the license plate.

(5) The use of a license plate frame or decorative border device is not an offense under this section, provided that the device does not obscure the visibility of the following:

(a) The alphanumeric designation or license plate number.

(b) The registration decal or validation sticker located in the upper right corner.

Section 13.

Subsection (16) and paragraph (a) of subsection (36) of section 320.64, Florida Statutes, are amended, and subsection (44) is added to that section, to read:

320.64 Denial, suspension, or revocation of license;

grounds.—A license of a licensee under s.

320.61 may be denied, suspended, or revoked within the entire state or at any specific location or locations within the state at which the applicant or licensee engages or proposes to engage in business, upon proof that the section was violated with sufficient frequency to establish a pattern of wrongdoing, and a licensee or applicant Page 22 of 68 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

SB 488 Second Engrossed 2026488e2 shall be liable for claims and remedies provided in ss.

320.695 and 320.697 for any violation of any of the following provisions.

A licensee is prohibited from committing the following acts:

(16)(a) Notwithstanding the terms of any franchise agreement, the applicant or licensee prevents or refuses to accept the succession to any interest in a franchise agreement by any legal heir or devisee under the will of a motor vehicle dealer or under the laws of descent and distribution of this state;

provided, the applicant or licensee is not required to accept a succession:

1.

When where such heir or devisee does not meet licensee’s written, reasonable, and uniformly applied minimal standard qualifications for dealer applicants;

2.

or Which, after notice and administrative hearing pursuant to chapter 120, is demonstrated to be detrimental to the public interest or to the representation of the applicant or licensee;

or 3.

When the direct result of such succession will cause the applicant or licensee to be in violation of subsection (44).

(b) This subsection does not Nothing contained herein, however, shall prevent a motor vehicle dealer, during his or her lifetime, from designating any person as his or her successor in interest by written instrument filed with and accepted by the applicant or licensee.

A licensee who rejects the successor transferee under this subsection shall have the burden of establishing in any proceeding where such rejection is in issue that the rejection of the successor transferee complies with this subsection.

Page 23 of 68 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

SB 488 Second Engrossed 2026488e2 (36)(a) Notwithstanding the terms of any franchise agreement, in addition to any other statutory or contractual rights of recovery after the voluntary or involuntary termination, cancellation, or nonrenewal of a franchise, failing to pay the motor vehicle dealer, as provided in paragraph (d), the following amounts:

1.

The net cost paid by the dealer for each new motor vehicle other than motorcycles car or truck in the dealer’s inventory with mileage of 2,000 miles or less, or each new a motorcycle in the dealer’s inventory with mileage of 100 miles or less, exclusive of mileage placed on the motor vehicle before it was delivered to the dealer.

2.

The current price charged for each new, unused, undamaged, or unsold part or accessory that:

a.

Is in the current parts catalog and is still in the original, resalable merchandising package and in an unbroken lot, except that sheet metal may be in a comparable substitute for the original package;

and b.

Was purchased by the dealer directly from the manufacturer or distributor or from an outgoing authorized dealer as a part of the dealer’s initial inventory.

3.

The fair market value of each undamaged sign owned by the dealer which bears a trademark or trade name used or claimed by the applicant or licensee or its representative which was purchased from or at the request of the applicant or licensee or its representative.

4.

The fair market value of all special tools, data processing equipment, and automotive service equipment owned by the dealer which:

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SB 488 Second Engrossed 2026488e2 a.

Were recommended in writing by the applicant or licensee or its representative and designated as special tools and equipment;

b.

Were purchased from or at the request of the applicant or licensee or its representative;

and c.

Are in usable and good condition except for reasonable wear and tear.

5.

The cost of transporting, handling, packing, storing, and loading any property subject to repurchase under this section.

(44)(a) The applicant or licensee has directly or indirectly distributed 1,000 or more motor vehicles of a particular line-make to motor vehicle dealers in this state during any 12-month period and has directly or indirectly distributed more than 33.33 percent of those same line-make motor vehicles during that 12-month period to one motor vehicle dealer or to multiple motor vehicle dealers that share common ownership or control.

For purposes of this subsection, a motor vehicle dealer shares common ownership or control with another motor vehicle dealer if:

1.

It is directly or indirectly controlled by or has more than 30 percent of its equity interest directly or indirectly owned by another motor vehicle dealer;

or 2.

It has more than 30 percent of its equity interest directly or indirectly controlled or owned by one or more persons who also directly or indirectly control or own more than 30 percent of the equity interests of another motor vehicle dealer.

(b) This subsection does not apply to any line-make of Page 25 of 68 CODING:

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SB 488 Second Engrossed 2026488e2 motor vehicle for which there exists a licensed franchised dealer in this state as of January 1, 2026, or to an applicant or licensee who is not prohibited by s.

320.645 from owning or operating a motor vehicle dealership.

A motor vehicle dealer who can demonstrate that a violation of, or failure to comply with, any of the preceding provisions by an applicant or licensee will or may adversely and pecuniarily affect the complaining dealer, shall be entitled to pursue all of the remedies, procedures, and rights of recovery available under ss.

320.695 and 320.697.

Section 14.

Subsections (1) and (2) of section 320.643, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

320.643 Transfer, assignment, or sale of franchise agreements.— (1)(a) Notwithstanding the terms of any franchise agreement, a licensee may shall not, by contract or otherwise, fail or refuse to give effect to, prevent, prohibit, or penalize or attempt to refuse to give effect to, prohibit, or penalize any motor vehicle dealer from selling, assigning, transferring, alienating, or otherwise disposing of its franchise agreement to any other person or persons, including a corporation established or existing for the purpose of owning or holding a franchise agreement, unless the licensee proves at a hearing pursuant to a complaint filed by a motor vehicle dealer under this section that the sale, transfer, alienation, or other disposition:

1.

Is to a person who is not, or whose controlling executive management is not, of good moral character;

2.

Is to a person who or does not meet the written, Page 26 of 68 CODING:

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SB 488 Second Engrossed 2026488e2 reasonable, and uniformly applied standards or qualifications of the licensee relating to financial qualifications of the transferee and business experience of the transferee or the transferee’s executive management;

or 3.

Would directly cause the licensee to be in violation of s.

320.64(44).

(b) A motor vehicle dealer who desires to sell, assign, transfer, alienate, or otherwise dispose of a franchise shall notify, or cause the proposed transferee to notify, the licensee, in writing, setting forth the prospective transferee’s name, address, financial qualifications, and business experience during the previous 5 years.

A licensee who receives such notice may, within 60 days following such receipt, notify the motor vehicle dealer, in writing, that the proposed transferee is not a person qualified to be a transferee under this section and setting forth the material reasons for such rejection.

Failure of the licensee to notify the motor vehicle dealer within the 60-day period of such rejection shall be deemed an approval of the transfer.

No such transfer, assignment, or sale shall be valid unless the transferee agrees in writing to comply with all requirements of the franchise then in effect, but with the ownership changed to the transferee.

(c)(b) A motor vehicle dealer whose proposed sale is rejected may, within 60 days following such receipt of such rejection, file with the department a complaint for a determination that the proposed transferee has been rejected in violation of this section.

The licensee has the burden of proof with respect to all issues raised by the complaint.

The department shall determine, and enter an order providing, that Page 27 of 68 CODING:

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SB 488 Second Engrossed 2026488e2 the proposed transferee is either qualified or is not and cannot be qualified for specified reasons, or the order may provide the conditions under which a proposed transferee would be qualified.

If the licensee fails to file such a response to the motor vehicle dealer’s complaint within 30 days after receipt of the complaint, unless the parties agree in writing to an extension, or if the department, after a hearing, renders a decision other than one disqualifying the proposed transferee, the franchise agreement between the motor vehicle dealer and the licensee is deemed amended to incorporate such transfer or amended in accordance with the determination and order rendered, effective upon compliance by the proposed transferee with any conditions set forth in the determination or order.

(2)(a) Notwithstanding the terms of any franchise agreement, a licensee may shall not, by contract or otherwise, fail or refuse to give effect to, prevent, prohibit, or penalize, or attempt to refuse to give effect to, prevent, prohibit, or penalize, any motor vehicle dealer or any proprietor, partner, stockholder, owner, or other person who holds or otherwise owns an interest therein from selling, assigning, transferring, alienating, or otherwise disposing of, in whole or in part, the equity interest of any of them in such motor vehicle dealer to any other person or persons, including a corporation established or existing for the purpose of owning or holding the stock or ownership interests of other entities, unless the licensee proves at a hearing pursuant to a complaint filed by a motor vehicle dealer under this section that the sale, transfer, alienation, or other disposition:

1.

Is to a person who is not, or whose controlling Page 28 of 68 CODING:

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SB 488 Second Engrossed 2026488e2 executive management is not, of good moral character;

or 2.

Would directly cause the licensee to be in violation of s.

320.64(44).

(b) A motor vehicle dealer, or any proprietor, partner, stockholder, owner, or other person who holds or otherwise owns an interest in the motor vehicle dealer, who desires to sell, assign, transfer, alienate, or otherwise dispose of any interest in such motor vehicle dealer shall notify, or cause the proposed transferee to so notify, the licensee, in writing, of the identity and address of the proposed transferee.

A licensee who receives such notice may, within 60 days following such receipt, notify the motor vehicle dealer in writing that the proposed transferee is not a person qualified to be a transferee under this section and setting forth the material reasons for such rejection.

Failure of the licensee to notify the motor vehicle dealer within the 60-day period of such rejection shall be deemed an approval of the transfer.

Any person whose proposed sale of stock is rejected may file within 60 days of receipt of such rejection a complaint with the department alleging that the rejection was in violation of the law or the franchise agreement.

The licensee has the burden of proof with respect to all issues raised by such complaint.

The department shall determine, and enter an order providing, that the proposed transferee either is qualified or is not and cannot be qualified for specified reasons;

or the order may provide the conditions under which a proposed transferee would be qualified.

If the licensee fails to file a response to the motor vehicle dealer’s complaint within 30 days of receipt of the complaint, unless the parties agree in writing to an extension, or if the department, Page 29 of 68 CODING:

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SB 488 Second Engrossed 2026488e2 after a hearing, renders a decision on the complaint other than one disqualifying the proposed transferee, the transfer shall be deemed approved in accordance with the determination and order rendered, effective upon compliance by the proposed transferee with any conditions set forth in the determination or order.

(c)(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a licensee may not reject a proposed transfer of a legal, equitable, or beneficial interest in a motor vehicle dealer to a trust or other entity, or to any beneficiary thereof, which is established by an owner of any interest in a motor vehicle dealer for purposes of estate planning, if the controlling person of the trust or entity, or the beneficiary, is of good moral character.

Section 15.

Subsection (2) of section 320.95, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

320.95 Transactions by electronic or telephonic means.— (2) The department may collect e-mail electronic mail addresses and use e-mail electronic mail in lieu of the United States Postal Service as a method of notification for the purpose of providing renewal notices.

Section 16.

Subsection (44) of section 322.01, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

322.01 Definitions.—As used in this chapter:

(44) “Tank vehicle” means a commercial motor vehicle that is designed to transport any liquid or gaseous material within one or more tanks that each have an individual rated capacity of more than 119 gallons and an aggregate rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more and that are a tank either permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or chassis.

The term does not include a commercial motor vehicle transporting an empty Page 30 of 68 CODING:

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SB 488 Second Engrossed 2026488e2 storage tank that is not designed for transportation but that is temporarily attached to a flatbed trailer, if such tank has a designed capacity of 1,000 gallons or more.

Section 17.

Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section 322.051, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

322.051 Identification cards.— (1) Any person who is 5 years of age or older, or any person who has a disability, regardless of age, who applies for a disabled parking permit under s.

320.0848, may be issued an identification card by the department upon completion of an application and payment of an application fee.

(a) The application must include the following information regarding the applicant:

1.

Full name (first, middle or maiden, and last), gender, proof of social security card number satisfactory to the department, which may include a military identification card, county of residence, mailing address, e-mail address, proof of residential address satisfactory to the department, country of birth, and a brief description.

2.

Proof of birth date satisfactory to the department.

3.

Proof of identity satisfactory to the department.

Such proof must include one of the following documents issued to the applicant:

a.

A driver license record or identification card record from another jurisdiction that required the applicant to submit a document for identification which is substantially similar to a document required under sub-subparagraph b., sub-subparagraph c., sub-subparagraph d., sub-subparagraph e., sub-subparagraph f., sub-subparagraph g., or sub-subparagraph h.;

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SB 488 Second Engrossed 2026488e2 b.

A certified copy of a United States birth certificate;

c.

A valid, unexpired United States passport;

d.

A naturalization certificate issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security;

e.

A valid, unexpired alien registration receipt card (green card);

f.

A Consular Report of Birth Abroad provided by the United States Department of State;

g.

An unexpired employment authorization card issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security;

or h.

Proof of nonimmigrant classification provided by the United States Department of Homeland Security, for an original identification card.

In order to prove nonimmigrant classification, an applicant must provide at least one of the following documents.

In addition, the department may require applicants to produce United States Department of Homeland Security documents for the sole purpose of establishing the maintenance of, or efforts to maintain, continuous lawful presence:

(I) A notice of hearing from an immigration court scheduling a hearing on any proceeding.

(II) A notice from the Board of Immigration Appeals acknowledging pendency of an appeal.

(III) A notice of the approval of an application for adjustment of status issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

(IV) An official documentation confirming the filing of a petition for asylum or refugee status or any other relief issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

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SB 488 Second Engrossed 2026488e2 (V) A notice of action transferring any pending matter from another jurisdiction to Florida, issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

(VI) An order of an immigration judge or immigration officer granting relief that authorizes the alien to live and work in the United States, including, but not limited to, asylum.

(VII) Evidence that an application is pending for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States or conditional permanent resident status in the United States, if a visa number is available having a current priority date for processing by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

(VIII) On or after January 1, 2010, an unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired United States Visa affixed, accompanied by an approved I-94, documenting the most recent admittance into the United States.

An identification card issued based on documents required in sub-subparagraph g.

or sub-subparagraph h.

is valid for a period not to exceed the expiration date of the document presented or 1 year, whichever occurs first.

Section 18.

Subsection (1) of section 322.17, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

322.17 Replacement licenses and permits.— (1)(a) In the event that an instruction permit or driver license issued under the provisions of this chapter is lost or destroyed, the person to whom the same was issued may, upon payment of the appropriate fee pursuant to s.

322.21, obtain a Page 33 of 68 CODING:

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SB 488 Second Engrossed 2026488e2 replacement upon furnishing proof satisfactory to the department that such permit or license has been lost or destroyed, and further furnishing the full name, date of birth, sex, residence and mailing address, e-mail address, proof of birth satisfactory to the department, and proof of identity satisfactory to the department.

(b) In the event that an instruction permit or driver license issued under the provisions of this chapter is stolen, the person to whom the same was issued may, at no charge, obtain a replacement upon furnishing proof satisfactory to the department that such permit or license was stolen and further furnishing the full name, date of birth, sex, residence and mailing address, e-mail address, proof of birth satisfactory to the department, and proof of identity satisfactory to the department.

Section 19.

Subsections (1), (2), (3), and (6) of section 322.251, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

322.251 Notice of cancellation, suspension, revocation, or disqualification of license.— (1) All orders of cancellation, suspension, revocation, or disqualification issued under the provisions of this chapter, chapter 318, chapter 324, or ss.

627.732-627.734 must shall be given either by personal delivery thereof to the licensee whose license is being canceled, suspended, revoked, or disqualified;

or by deposit in the United States mail in an envelope, first class, postage prepaid, addressed to the licensee at his or her last known mailing address furnished to the department;

or by e- mail notification if authorized by the licensee.

Such methods of notification mailing by the department constitute notice Page 34 of 68 CODING:

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SB 488 Second Engrossed 2026488e2 constitutes notification, and any failure by the person to receive the mailed order does will not affect or stay the effective date or term of the cancellation, suspension, revocation, or disqualification of the licensee’s driving privilege.

(2) The giving of notice and an order of cancellation, suspension, revocation, or disqualification by mail is complete upon expiration of 20 days after e-mail notification or deposit in the United States mail for all notices except those issued under chapter 324 or ss.

627.732–627.734, which are complete 15 days after e-mail notification or deposit in the United States mail.

Proof of the giving of notice and an order of cancellation, suspension, revocation, or disqualification in such either manner must shall be made by entry in the records of the department that such notice was given.

The entry is admissible in the courts of this state and constitutes sufficient proof that such notice was given.

(3) Whenever the driving privilege is suspended, revoked, or disqualified under the provisions of this chapter, the period of such suspension, revocation, or disqualification must shall be indicated on the order of suspension, revocation, or disqualification, and the department shall require the licensee whose driving privilege is suspended, revoked, or disqualified to surrender all licenses then held by him or her to the department.

However, if should the person fails fail to surrender such licenses, the suspension, revocation, or disqualification period does shall not expire until a period identical to the period for which the driving privilege was suspended, revoked, or disqualified has expired after the date Page 35 of 68 CODING:

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SB 488 Second Engrossed 2026488e2 of surrender of the licenses, or the date an affidavit swearing such licenses are lost has been filed with the department.

In any instance where notice of the suspension, revocation, or disqualification order is given mailed as provided herein, and the license is not surrendered to the department, and such license thereafter expires, the department may shall not renew that license until a period of time identical to the period of such suspension, revocation, or disqualification imposed has expired.

(6) Whenever a cancellation, suspension, revocation, or disqualification occurs, the department shall enter the cancellation, suspension, revocation, or disqualification order on the licensee’s driver file 20 days after e-mail notification or deposit the notice was actually placed in the United States mail.

Any inquiry into the file after the 20-day period shall reveal that the license is canceled, suspended, revoked, or disqualified and whether the license has been received by the department.

Section 20.

Paragraphs (a) and (i) of subsection (3) and paragraphs (b), (d), and (r) of subsection (7) of section 337.401, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

337.401 Use of right-of-way for utilities subject to regulation;

permit;

fees.— (3)(a) Because of the unique circumstances applicable to providers of communications services, including, but not limited to, the circumstances described in paragraph (e) and the fact that federal and state law require the nondiscriminatory treatment of providers of telecommunications services, and because of the desire to promote competition among providers of Page 36 of 68 CODING:

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SB 488 Second Engrossed 2026488e2 communications services, it is the intent of the Legislature that municipalities and counties treat providers of communications services in a nondiscriminatory and competitively neutral manner when imposing rules or regulations governing the placement or maintenance of communications facilities in the public roads or rights-of-way.

Rules or regulations imposed by a municipality or county relating to providers of communications services placing or maintaining communications facilities in its roads or rights-of-way must be generally applicable to all providers of communications services, taking into account the distinct engineering, construction, operation, maintenance, public works, and safety requirements of the provider’s facilities, and, notwithstanding any other law, may not require a provider of communications services to apply for or enter into an individual license, franchise, or other agreement with the municipality or county as a condition of placing or maintaining communications facilities in its roads or rights-of-way.

In addition to other reasonable rules or regulations that a municipality or county may adopt relating to the placement or maintenance of communications facilities in its roads or rights- of-way under this subsection or subsection (7), a municipality or county may require a provider of communications services that places or seeks to place facilities in its roads or rights-of- way to register with the municipality or county.

To register, a provider of communications services may be required only to provide its name;

the name, address, and telephone number of a contact person for the registrant;

the number of the registrant’s current certificate of authorization issued by the Florida Public Service Commission, the Federal Communications Page 37 of 68 CODING:

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