What Florida specialty plates are and who can get them

Florida specialty plates are optional license plates that replace the standard blue-and-white plate. Instead of the state seal and "Sunshine State," they display a custom design related to a cause, profession, university, or interest. You keep your regular registration and vehicle title — the specialty plate is purely visual and voluntary.

Unlike personalized plates (which let you choose the letters and numbers), specialty plates come with a fixed design that the state has already approved. Florida offers more than 100 different specialty plate designs, and the list grows regularly. Some are tied to specific organizations, charities, or state universities; others celebrate hobbies, professions, or causes.

Any Florida resident or business can order a specialty plate for a vehicle registered in Florida. You do not need to be a member of the organization the plate represents, though some plates (like university plates) may have restrictions or discounts for alumni or current students.

Key Takeaways

  • Specialty plates cost between $25 and $115 extra per year on top of your regular registration fee, depending on which design you choose.
  • You order specialty plates through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) online, by mail, or in person at a tax collector's office.
  • The plate arrives in 7 to 10 business days if you order online; mail orders take longer.
  • Some specialty plates support charities or causes — a portion of the extra fee goes to the organization listed on the plate.
  • You can switch back to a standard plate or choose a different specialty plate at your next registration renewal.

How much specialty plates cost in Florida

The cost of a specialty plate varies by design. Most specialty plates add $25 to $50 per year to your registration fee. Some designs cost more — certain university plates and high-demand designs can run $75 to $115 annually. The DHSMV website lists the exact fee for each plate design before you order.

When you renew your registration, you pay the specialty plate fee again. If you decide to switch to a standard plate or a different specialty design, you only pay the new plate fee at your next renewal — you do not pay to change mid-year.

For many specialty plates, a portion of the extra fee goes to the organization or cause the plate supports. For example, plates supporting wildlife conservation, veterans' causes, or specific charities direct part of the revenue to those groups. The DHSMV website shows you what percentage goes to the supporting organization for each design.

Where to order and how long it takes

You can order a Florida specialty plate three ways: online through the DHSMV website, by mail using a form from the DHSMV, or in person at your county tax collector's office. Online ordering is the fastest route.

To order online, go to the DHSMV website, select the specialty plate design you want, and pay the fee. You will need your vehicle registration number and current driver's license or ID. The plate ships to you in 7 to 10 business days.

If you order by mail, read the process form from the DHSMV website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form. Mail orders typically take 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DHSMV receives your process. At a tax collector's office, you can order in person and sometimes receive the plate faster, though availability varies by county.

Specialty plates tied to universities and organizations

Florida has specialty plates for all state universities (University of Florida, Florida State University, University of South Florida, and others) as well as private colleges and universities. These plates typically cost $25 to $50 extra per year, and a portion goes to the university's foundation or scholarship fund.

You do not have to be an alumnus or current student to order a university plate — any Florida resident can choose one. However, some universities offer discounts to alumni or current students, so check the DHSMV website or contact the university's foundation to see if you may have access to for a reduced fee.

Specialty plates also exist for professional groups (firefighters, law enforcement, military veterans), causes (wildlife, breast cancer awareness, organ donation), and interests (boating, golf, environmental conservation). Each plate design has its own fee and supporting organization.

Switching plates or canceling your specialty plate

You can change your specialty plate to a standard plate or to a different specialty design at any time, but the change takes effect at your next registration renewal. You cannot swap plates mid-year without renewing your registration early, which costs extra.

If you want to switch before your renewal date, you have two options: wait until your renewal comes due and choose a different plate then, or renew your registration early and select the new plate at that time. Early renewal costs the full registration fee plus the new plate fee, so most people wait for their regular renewal date.

When your registration renewal notice arrives, it will show your current specialty plate. You can choose to keep it, switch to a standard plate, or pick a different specialty design. Make your selection on the renewal form or online through the DHSMV website.

What happens if your specialty plate is damaged or lost

If your specialty plate is stolen, damaged, or unreadable, contact your county tax collector's office or the DHSMV to report it. You can order a replacement plate through the same channels you used to order the original — online, by mail, or in person.

Replacement plates usually cost the same as the original specialty plate fee (the annual surcharge, not a separate replacement fee). The replacement arrives in 7 to 10 business days if ordered online.

If your plate is damaged but still readable, you do not have to replace it when ready. You can wait until your next registration renewal and order a new plate then without paying an extra fee.

Checking which specialty plates are available right now

Florida's DHSMV website displays all available specialty plate designs, their costs, and which organizations they support. You can browse by category (universities, causes, professions, interests) or search by keyword.

Not all specialty plates are available for when ready order. Some designs are discontinued or temporarily unavailable. The DHSMV website shows the status of each plate — "available," "not currently available," or "discontinued." If a plate you want is not available, you can check back later, as the DHSMV adds new designs and reopens old ones periodically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do specialty plates affect my insurance or registration renewal?

No. A specialty plate is purely cosmetic and does not change your coverage, rates, or renewal process. You renew your registration the same way you would with a standard plate — the only difference is the extra fee for the specialty design.

Can I use a specialty plate on a vehicle registered to a business?

Yes. Any vehicle registered in Florida, whether in a personal name or business name, can have a specialty plate. Order it the same way you would for a personal vehicle.

What if I move out of Florida — can I keep my specialty plate?

No. Specialty plates are only valid for Florida-registered vehicles. If you move and register your vehicle in another state, you must switch to that state's plates. You cannot transfer a Florida specialty plate to another state.

Can I order a specialty plate and a personalized plate together?

No. You choose either a specialty plate design or a personalized plate (custom letters and numbers), but not both. The plate itself is either one or the other.

How do I know if my specialty plate fee supports a charity?

The DHSMV website lists every specialty plate design and shows what percentage of the fee, if any, goes to a supporting organization. Before you order, check the plate's description on the DHSMV site to see where the money goes.