Quick Summary:
- Pull over safely, check both plates, and photograph the mounting area.
- Report the missing plate to local police, get a case number.
- Call the rental company immediately, ask about replacement plates and instructions.
- Carry your rental agreement, police report details, and written permission to drive.
Losing a number plate on a rental car in Florida is more than an inconvenience. In practice it can trigger traffic stops, insurance questions, and delays at toll roads or car parks. Whether the plate has been stolen or simply fallen off, you need to treat it as a time sensitive issue and follow a clear order of steps: make the scene safe, document what happened, notify the right people, and only continue once you have the right paperwork and approval.
This guide focuses on what to do during Florida car hire when you discover a missing or stolen number plate, including who to call, what details to record, and what you should have on you before you drive again.
First, check your immediate safety and the car’s condition
As soon as you notice a missing plate, do not keep driving “just to get to the next stop” if you can avoid it. Find a safe, well lit place to pull over, such as a petrol station or public car park. Turn on hazard lights, and if you are on a shoulder or roadside, stay aware of passing traffic.
Next, confirm what is missing and whether the car has been damaged. Florida vehicles normally have a rear plate, and most also display a front plate depending on state registration. Rental fleets can be registered in different states, so do not assume what “should” be there. Walk around the vehicle and check:
Is the plate missing from the rear, the front, or both?
Is the plate frame cracked, are screws missing, or does the mounting area show prying?
Is there damage to the bumper, boot, or tailgate that might affect safe driving?
If you see exposed sharp edges, loose parts, or hanging trim, do not try to fix it with makeshift materials on the roadside. Photograph it and report it. Your rental company may authorise a repair location or swap the vehicle.
Document everything before you make calls
Good documentation makes the rest of the process faster, especially if there is a police report, a toll dispute, or a claim later. Use your phone to record:
Clear photos of the plate area showing it is missing.
Close ups of screw holes, broken clips, or tool marks.
Wide photos showing the whole car, including any identifying decals or barcodes.
The vehicle identification number (VIN) location if visible, often on the dashboard near the windscreen or inside the driver door jamb.
A note of where and when you last saw the plate attached, including address, landmark, and approximate time.
If you suspect theft, write down anything unusual you noticed, such as people loitering, a damaged lock, or CCTV cameras nearby. If the plate may have fallen off, note any bumpy roads, recent car wash use, or prior minor impacts.
Who to call in Florida, and in what order
In most cases you will make two key calls: local law enforcement and the rental company. The order can vary, but a practical approach is to report to police promptly and then call the rental firm with the report details.
1) Call local police or the non emergency number
If you believe the plate was stolen, report it as theft. If you are not in immediate danger, use a non emergency line. If you are unsure, explain that you are a visitor with a rental, and the plate is missing. Ask how they prefer you to file the report, sometimes by phone, sometimes online, sometimes in person at a station.
Request and record:
The incident or case number.
The officer’s name and badge number if provided.
The date and time the report was filed.
Whether they can provide a written report or confirmation for your records.
2) Call the rental company’s emergency or roadside assistance line
Your rental agreement usually lists a 24 hour number. Call as soon as you have identified the issue, and definitely before driving far. Explain that the number plate is missing and share what you documented. Ask what they require you to do next, because procedures differ by company and by the state where the vehicle is registered.
If you collected your car at a major pickup point like Miami or Fort Lauderdale airport, the provider may direct you back to a specific counter or service location. If you are nearer Tampa, they may refer you to a local desk, such as Avis in Tampa. For travellers around Miami Beach, options like Miami Beach may be the most convenient for in person support.
During the call, confirm:
Whether you should continue driving, and for how long or how far.
Where to go for a replacement plate or vehicle swap.
Whether they will issue a temporary authorisation letter or document.
Whether tolling is affected and how to handle any toll notices.
Whether the rental company wants a police report even if you think the plate fell off.
Can you keep driving without a number plate in Florida?
Practically, driving without a plate can attract attention and may be unlawful depending on the vehicle’s registration status and your ability to show valid documentation. Even if you were not at fault, a missing plate can lead to a traffic stop, a citation, or the vehicle being considered improperly registered.
The safest approach is this: do not continue your trip until the rental company has told you in writing or recorded in their system that you are permitted to move the vehicle to a specific location for resolution. In many cases they will arrange a replacement vehicle, direct you to a branch, or issue temporary documentation. Your goal is to avoid looking like an unregistered vehicle and to avoid misunderstandings during a stop.
If you are stopped, stay calm and explain that it is a rental, you discovered the plate missing, and you have already reported it. Provide your rental agreement and any police case number. Do not argue roadside. If you do not have documentation, you are relying on verbal explanations, which is less reliable.
What details to record for the rental company and police
Have the following information ready, ideally written in your notes app:
Rental agreement number and the name on the contract.
Vehicle make, model, colour, and any fleet or unit number.
Registration state if shown anywhere in the documents.
Plate number if you have it, it is often on the agreement.
Where you noticed the issue and where you last definitely saw the plate.
Photos and a short description of any damage near the mounting points.
Police report or case number and the reporting agency.
This is also helpful if the missing plate later generates toll charges or parking notices. Having the timeline and report number can help the rental company contest incorrect charges.
Paperwork you should have before continuing your trip
Before you drive again, aim to have as many of these as possible. What you can obtain quickly varies, but the list is your checklist.
1) Your rental agreement and terms
Keep the agreement accessible, not buried in luggage. It includes the vehicle details, the authorised drivers, and the support contact numbers.
2) Police report details
At minimum, carry the case number, the agency name, and the date and time of reporting. If you receive a written confirmation, keep a digital copy on your phone.
3) Written instruction or authorisation from the rental company
Ask for an email or message stating you reported the missing plate and what you are authorised to do next, for example drive to a specific branch for a vehicle swap. If they cannot email, ask them to note it on your reservation and tell you the reference number.
4) Your driving licence and passport or ID
If you are a visitor, keep your licence plus any required permit for your home country. Florida rules can depend on your residency status, but the key point is to have the same documents you used to collect the car.
5) Evidence pack on your phone
Keep the photos and notes you took, plus screenshots of any messages with the rental company. If you are later queried about tolls or citations, a clear record helps.
Special situations: toll roads, parking, and airport drop offs
Toll roads: Florida has extensive tolling, and many toll systems rely on plate recognition. Without a plate, the system may fail to match your vehicle to the toll account, or it may capture the vehicle and create an exception. Notify the rental company that you used, or plan to use, toll roads after the plate went missing. Ask how they want you to proceed, and avoid toll roads if they advise it until you have a replacement vehicle.
Paid parking and garages: Some car parks scan plates for entry and exit. You may have trouble entering or leaving. If you must park, choose staffed facilities where you can explain the situation and show your rental agreement.
Returning at an airport: If your return location uses plate recognition, allow extra time and report the issue before arrival. If you picked up at a hub like Fort Lauderdale, confirm the return process with the counter. Do not assume the staff will automatically know what happened.
What not to do
Do not swap plates from another vehicle, even temporarily.
Do not fabricate a temporary plate yourself.
Do not ignore the issue and hope it goes unnoticed, especially over multiple days.
Do not pay for aftermarket plates, frames, or mounting hardware unless the rental company authorises it.
Do not post photos of the remaining plate (if one is still attached) on social media, as it can be misused.
How long does replacement take, and will it cost you?
Timelines vary. Some rental companies will swap the car quickly at a nearby branch. Others may need to coordinate with fleet management if the car is registered out of state. In many cases, a vehicle swap is the simplest resolution, because replacing plates can involve state specific processes.
As for cost, it depends on the facts and your rental terms. If there is evidence of theft and you reported promptly, you are in a stronger position than if you delayed reporting. Damage to the mounting area may be treated separately from the missing plate itself. The most important step to protect yourself is to notify police and the rental company immediately, and to keep records.
FAQ
Q: If my Florida car hire plate is missing, should I call 911?
A: Call 911 only if you feel unsafe or a crime is in progress. Otherwise, use a local non emergency option and file a report, then inform the rental company.
Q: What if I do not know the number plate number?
A: Check your rental agreement, it usually lists the registration and plate. If it is not there, give the rental company the VIN, vehicle description, and booking details.
Q: Can I drive to the nearest rental branch without the plate?
A: Do so only with the rental company’s guidance. Ask them to note your file and provide written or reference confirmation in case you are stopped.
Q: Will tolls still be charged if the plate is missing?
A: Tolls may be recorded as exceptions or not match automatically. Tell the rental company where you drove and keep timestamps, so they can reconcile tolls accurately.
Q: Do I need to report it if I think the plate simply fell off?
A: Yes, you should still inform the rental company immediately. They may also require a police report to protect you if the plate is later misused.
