FLHSMV Announces New Florida Specialty License Plate
Florida’s specialty license plate program is designed to help fund specific highway construction and maintenance projects. Annually, thousands of applicants vie for a chance to fund a specific highway construction project with a $25,000 - $50,000 carrot. The program has raised more than $255 million and awarded more than 1.2 million specialty license plates.
The program has evolved over the years, adding new specialty license plates to raise additional funds for the state’s highway safety programs. In addition, the program has expanded to include specialty license plates for law enforcement officers, veterans, sports teams, etc.
In 2022, the public will have the opportunity to apply for the new specialty license plate “Florida Heartland”, which will be available statewide.
Specialty license plates will be applied for through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ online store, at any one of the 567 license branches or through the mail. Customers can apply for many specialty plates depending on their needs and desires. The Florida Heartland specialty license plate will be available to all Floridians who wish to purchase an annual specialty plate.
Each year, the FDHSMV issues new specialty license plates. In addition, the specialty license plate program has expanded to include specialty plates for law enforcement officers, veterans, sports teams and many others.
FDHSMV has created an Online Application where applicants can apply for any of the available specialty plates without completing an application form or mail-in physical applications. The online application is available at http://www.myfloridalicenseplate.com and is free to Floridians who meet the eligibility requirements. The online application gives applicants the ability to print and send in applications, take and upload digital photographs, upload supplemental documents and choose a preferred payment option.
The FLHIP program was originally available to Floridians who meet the eligibility requirements but now, residents of other states may obtain a specialty plate through their Department of Motor Vehicles if they choose to purchase one for that state.
Florida currently has five types of specialty license plates:
1) Veterans - Eligibility is based on residency, military service, honorably discharged status and related criteria.
2) Law Enforcement - Eligibility is based on residency, commission on the job, funded by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FDHSMV) and award of a blue uniform.
3) Orange Excellence - Eligibility is based on residency; 50% of the state population must have at least one licensed vehicle in Orange County; at least 50% must live in Orange County.
4) Olympic Games – Eligibility is based on residency.
5) Paralympic Games - Eligibility is based on residency.
Annually, FDHSMV rakes in millions of dollars in revenue associated with selling specialty license plates. The program has been so successful that the agency can’t keep up with the demand for new plates.
To be eligible for a Florida specialty plate, an applicant must:
• Be at least 18 years old if you apply for a personalized plate or a current/retired law enforcement officer plate.
• Be able to afford to pay for your desired specialty plate. Applications cost $20 per plate per vehicle registration year.
• Complete the application form.
• Send your application to FDHSMV and a $5 check or money order to register for the plate.
The program has evolved over the years, adding new specialty license plates to raise additional funds for the state’s highway safety programs. In addition, the program has expanded to include specialty license plates for law enforcement officers, veterans, sports teams, etc.
In 2022, the public will have the opportunity to apply for the new specialty license plate “Florida Heartland”, which will be available statewide.
Specialty license plates will be applied for through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ online store, at any one of the 567 license branches or through the mail. Customers can apply for many specialty plates depending on their needs and desires. The Florida Heartland specialty license plate will be available to all Floridians who wish to purchase an annual specialty plate.
Each year, the FDHSMV issues new specialty license plates. In addition, the specialty license plate program has expanded to include specialty plates for law enforcement officers, veterans, sports teams and many others.
FDHSMV has created an Online Application where applicants can apply for any of the available specialty plates without completing an application form or mail-in physical applications. The online application is available at http://www.myfloridalicenseplate.com and is free to Floridians who meet the eligibility requirements. The online application gives applicants the ability to print and send in applications, take and upload digital photographs, upload supplemental documents and choose a preferred payment option.
The FLHIP program was originally available to Floridians who meet the eligibility requirements but now, residents of other states may obtain a specialty plate through their Department of Motor Vehicles if they choose to purchase one for that state.
Florida currently has five types of specialty license plates:
1) Veterans - Eligibility is based on residency, military service, honorably discharged status and related criteria.
2) Law Enforcement - Eligibility is based on residency, commission on the job, funded by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FDHSMV) and award of a blue uniform.
3) Orange Excellence - Eligibility is based on residency; 50% of the state population must have at least one licensed vehicle in Orange County; at least 50% must live in Orange County.
4) Olympic Games – Eligibility is based on residency.
5) Paralympic Games - Eligibility is based on residency.
Annually, FDHSMV rakes in millions of dollars in revenue associated with selling specialty license plates. The program has been so successful that the agency can’t keep up with the demand for new plates.
To be eligible for a Florida specialty plate, an applicant must:
• Be at least 18 years old if you apply for a personalized plate or a current/retired law enforcement officer plate.
• Be able to afford to pay for your desired specialty plate. Applications cost $20 per plate per vehicle registration year.
• Complete the application form.
• Send your application to FDHSMV and a $5 check or money order to register for the plate.