Florida's Specialty License Plates

Florida offers one of the largest selections of specialty license plates in the United States, with options that allow drivers to show support for causes, promote schools, represent hobbies, or even raise awareness for various charities. With over 100 designs available, specialty plates not only let residents personalize their vehicles but also contribute to meaningful programs and organizations.

What Are Specialty Plates?

Specialty license plates are alternative designs to Florida’s standard plate. Each specialty plate is associated with a specific theme or cause, such as wildlife conservation, collegiate pride, health initiatives, military service, and more. A portion of the proceeds from specialty plate sales typically goes to nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, or public services.

Some of the most popular categories include:

• Environmental and Wildlife Causes: Such as the “Save the Manatee” and “Protect the Panther” plates.
• Education and Universities: Including plates for Florida State University, University of Florida, and other state colleges.
• Military and Veterans: Options for branches of the armed forces, honors for Purple Heart recipients, and Gold Star families.
• Charitable and Special Interests: Plates supporting autism awareness, breast cancer research, and other social causes.

How to Apply for a Specialty Plate

To purchase a specialty plate in Florida, you can do so during initial registration or when renewing your vehicle registration. Here's how:

1. Online: Visit the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) specialty plate page to browse designs and order.
2. In Person: Head to your local tax collector’s office or tag agency.
3. By Mail: Request the plate by mailing the appropriate form and fees to your local office.

Additional fees apply, including a specialty plate fee (typically $25 annually), in addition to standard registration costs.

Learn more about how to register your vehicle in Florida if you're obtaining a plate for a new vehicle.

Personalized Specialty Plates

Many specialty plates can also be personalized with a custom message (up to seven characters). This adds an extra fee and requires approval to ensure the message is not offensive or already taken.

Personalized options are available through the FLHSMV and can be ordered in conjunction with specialty or standard plates.

Specialty Plate Renewal and Transfer

Specialty plates must be renewed annually along with your vehicle registration. The annual specialty fee continues to apply. If you sell your vehicle and wish to keep your plate, you can transfer it to another vehicle you own by notifying the DMV.

Renewal information is available through the Florida registration renewal guide.

Supporting a Cause While Driving

One of the greatest benefits of Florida’s specialty plates is their impact on public programs. Each plate supports a designated beneficiary. For example:

• The “Endless Summer” plate benefits youth programs and tourism promotion.
• The “Challenger” plate honors fallen astronauts and funds space education.
• The “Live the Dream” plate contributes to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Development Fund.

You can explore these and more via the FLHSMV's official listing, or see what's currently available when visiting a DMV office. Finding a Florida DMV Office Near You can help you get started.

Considerations Before Ordering

• Availability: Not all designs are available immediately—some may be in production or require a minimum number of pre-orders.
• Eligibility: Certain plates, like military service or disability-related ones, require documentation to verify eligibility.
• Fees: Remember to account for the specialty plate fee in your annual registration budget.

For full details on costs, view the Florida DMV Fees: What You Need to Know resource.

Florida’s specialty plates offer a meaningful way to express individuality while supporting important causes. Whether you're an alumnus, a nature lover, a veteran, or someone passionate about a specific issue, there’s likely a plate that represents you—and helps others at the same time.