What the "Florida Stands With Israel" plate is and how to order one

The "Florida Stands With Israel" license plate is a specialty plate issued by Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. It displays the Israeli flag alongside the standard Florida plate design. Like other specialty plates in Florida, you can order one when you renew your registration or switch from a standard plate at any time during your registration period.

The plate costs more than a standard Florida plate. As of 2024, specialty plates in Florida typically add $25 per year to your registration fee, though the exact amount can vary. A portion of the additional fee may go to organizations related to the plate's cause, depending on how the plate program is structured.

You do not need to live in a particular county or meet any special requirements beyond holding a valid Florida vehicle registration. The plate is available to any Florida resident who wants one.

Key Takeaways

  • The "Florida Stands With Israel" plate costs more than a standard plate and adds roughly $25 per year to your registration renewal.
  • You can order the plate through the Florida DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a local tax collector's office.
  • The plate becomes active once your registration renews or is updated, which typically takes one to two weeks after approval.
  • You can switch back to a standard plate at any time without penalty, though you will pay a new registration fee to do so.

Ordering through the Florida DHSMV website

The fastest way to order is through the official Florida DHSMV website. Go to the specialty plates section, search for "Florida Stands With Israel," and add it to your order. You will need your current vehicle registration number and your driver's license number. The system will show you the total cost, including the specialty plate surcharge and any applicable taxes.

After you submit your order online, the DHSMV processes it and mails your new plate to the address on file. Processing typically takes one to two weeks. Your old plate remains valid until the new one arrives, so there is no gap in your registration.

Ordering by mail or in person

If you prefer not to order online, you can visit your local tax collector's office in person. Bring your current registration and driver's license. The staff will process your specialty plate request on the spot and can often issue a temporary plate when ready while your permanent plate is mailed to you.

You can also order by mail by completing Form HSMV 82101 (process for Florida License Plate) and mailing it to your county tax collector's office with a check for the plate fee. Contact your local tax collector's office for the exact mailing address and current fees, as these vary by county.

Cost and what happens to the extra fee

The specialty plate surcharge is separate from your standard registration renewal fee. You pay both the regular registration cost and the additional specialty plate fee. The total amount depends on your vehicle type and county, but the specialty plate itself adds approximately $25 per year.

Some specialty plate programs in Florida direct a portion of the surcharge to related organizations or causes. The exact breakdown for the "Florida Stands With Israel" plate depends on the current program structure. You can contact the DHSMV directly to learn where the additional fees are directed.

Switching back to a standard plate

If you decide later that you want a standard plate instead, you can change at any time. Visit your tax collector's office or order online through the DHSMV website. You will pay a new registration fee to make the switch, but there is no penalty for changing plate types.

Your old specialty plate becomes invalid once your new plate is activated. If you want to keep the specialty plate but are not currently using it, you can let your registration expire without renewing it, though this means your vehicle cannot be driven legally.

Timing and what to expect

From the moment you order to the moment your new plate arrives, expect one to two weeks. If you order online, you will receive a confirmation email. If you order in person, ask the tax collector's office for an estimated arrival date.

During the waiting period, your current plate remains valid and legal. Once your new plate arrives, install it on your vehicle and dispose of the old one properly. Some tax collector's offices will accept old plates for recycling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a "Florida Stands With Israel" plate if my registration is not up for renewal?

Yes. You can switch to a specialty plate at any point during your registration period by paying a new registration fee. You do not have to wait until your renewal date. Contact your tax collector's office or order online to find out the exact cost of switching mid-cycle.

What if I move to another state?

Your "Florida Stands With Israel" plate is only valid in Florida. If you move and register your vehicle in another state, you will need to obtain that state's plates. You cannot transfer a Florida specialty plate to another state's registration system.

Can I get a personalized version of the "Florida Stands With Israel" plate?

Some specialty plates in Florida can be combined with personalized characters, though availability depends on the specific plate program. Contact the DHSMV or your tax collector's office to ask whether the "Florida Stands With Israel" plate offers personalization and what the additional cost would be.

Do I have to renew the specialty plate every year?

The specialty plate itself does not expire, but your vehicle registration does. When you renew your registration each year, you can keep the specialty plate by paying the surcharge again, or you can switch to a standard plate. The choice is yours at each renewal.