How Much Do Specialty License Plates Cost in Florida?
Florida offers more than 120 specialty license plates, and each one comes with its own annual surcharge. This fee is added on top of your regular vehicle registration cost, which typically runs $27.60 to $45.60 depending on your vehicle's weight.
Here's a general breakdown of what you'll pay annually for a Florida specialty plate:
- $15 annual fee: Most college and university plates (University of Florida, Florida State, Miami, etc.)
- $20–$25 annual fee: Environmental and wildlife plates like "Protect the Panther" and "Save the Manatee"
- $25 annual fee: Professional sports team plates (Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Orlando Magic)
- $25 annual fee: Military and veteran plates (many are free or discounted for qualifying veterans)
- $50–$60 annual fee: Some premium specialty plates and personalized specialty combinations
You'll also pay a one-time processing fee (usually around $28.60) when you first order the plate, plus a $2 replacement fee if you're swapping out an existing plate.
Popular Florida Specialty Plates and Their Costs
Florida's specialty plate program funds hundreds of nonprofits, universities, and causes. Here are some of the most requested designs:
Environmental and Wildlife Plates
- Save the Manatee: $25/year — proceeds support manatee conservation
- Protect the Panther: $25/year — funds Florida panther research
- Everglades River of Grass: $25/year — supports Everglades restoration
- Discover Florida's Oceans: $25/year — marine conservation funding
College and University Plates
- University of Florida: $25/year
- Florida State University: $25/year
- University of Miami: $25/year
- University of Central Florida: $25/year
Cause and Awareness Plates
- Choose Life: $20/year
- Breast Cancer Research: $25/year
- Support Education: $20/year
- Family Values: $20/year
How to Order a Florida Specialty Plate
You can order a specialty license plate through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) or your local county tax collector's office. Here's the process:
- Choose your plate design from the FLHSMV specialty plate catalog.
- Visit your county tax collector's office or apply online through the FLHSMV portal.
- Pay the annual specialty plate fee plus your regular registration renewal.
- Receive your new plate by mail or pick it up in person, depending on the office.
If you want to combine a specialty design with a custom message, you can order a personalized specialty plate — which functions like vanity plates but with a specialty background. Expect to pay an extra $15–$20 per year on top of the specialty fee.
Specialty Plates vs. Standard Plates: Are They Worth It?
Beyond the visual appeal, most Florida drivers choose specialty plates because a portion of the fee goes directly to a cause they care about. For example, roughly $20 of the $25 Save the Manatee plate fee supports manatee protection programs.
Keep in mind that specialty plates are still fully valid Florida license plates. They can be looked up like any other plate, and they follow the same Florida license plate laws regarding visibility, display, and renewal. If someone spots your vehicle involved in a parking issue or wants to leave a message, the specialty design doesn't change how the plate can be identified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a Florida specialty plate to a new vehicle?
Yes. Florida allows you to transfer any specialty plate to a new vehicle you own for a small transfer fee (usually $4.50), as long as the registration is current.
Are veterans exempt from specialty plate fees in Florida?
Many military and veteran-specific plates are issued at reduced cost or free of charge to qualifying veterans, including disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients. Documentation is required.
Do specialty plates cost more to renew each year?
Yes. The specialty surcharge is charged every year at renewal, in addition to your standard registration fee. Budget for it annually.
Can I look up a Florida specialty plate?
Yes. Specialty plates work exactly like standard plates for identification purposes. You can research any Florida plate at platequery.com/Florida.
How PlateQuery Can Help
Whether you're driving with a Save the Manatee plate or a standard-issue tag, situations come up on the road — a parked car blocking your driveway, a hit-and-run in a lot, or a driver who left their lights on. PlateQuery lets you contact a vehicle owner through their license plate, leave a message, or report issues like illegal parking, bad driver behavior, or abandoned vehicles.
You can also claim your own specialty plate profile so other drivers can reach you directly. Start with a quick Florida license plate lookup to see how it works.