Vehicle registration plates of Florida

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Florida
2003 Florida license plate IYT E32.jpg
Current orange blossom license plate, with "Sunshine State" slogan
Current series
SloganCounty name
Sunshine State
In God We Trust
Size12 in × 6 in
30 cm × 15 cm
MaterialAluminum
Serial formatAB1 2CD
ABC D12
A12 3BC
IntroducedDecember 2003 (2003-12)
Availability
Issued byFlorida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
History
First issuedJanuary 1, 1918 (1918-01-01)
(pre-state plates from 1905 to December 31, 1917)

The U.S. state of Florida first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1905. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1918, when the state began to issue plates, becoming the last of the contiguous 48 states to do so.[1][2]

Plates are currently issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Only rear plates have been required since 1922.

Passenger baseplates[]

1918 to 1974[]

In 1956, the United States, Canada, and Mexico came to an agreement with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the Automobile Manufacturers Association and the National Safety Council that standardized the size for license plates for vehicles (except those for motorcycles) at 6 inches (15 cm) in height by 12 inches (30 cm) in width, with standardized mounting holes.[3] The 1955 (dated 1956) issue was the first Florida license plate that complied with these standards.

Image Dates issued Design Slogan Serial format(s) Serials issued Notes
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1918 White serial on black flat metal plate; vertical "1918" and "FLA" at left and right respectively none 12345-A Coded by horsepower class (A) Horsepower classes were B (25 hp and under), C (26-40 hp) and D (41-60 hp).
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1919 Embossed black serial on orange plate with border line; "FLA 1919" at right none 12345-A Coded by horsepower class (A) Horsepower classes were B (22 hp and under), C (23-27 hp), D (28-35 hp) and E (36 hp and over). This continued through 1921.[4]
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1920 Embossed red serial on gray plate with border line; "FLA 20" at left none A-12345 Coded by horsepower class (A)
1921 Florida license plate.jpg 1921 Embossed white serial on brown plate with border line; "FLA 21" at right none 12345-A Coded by horsepower class (A)
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1922 Embossed white serial on green plate with border line; vertical "FLA" and "22" at right; vehicle weight on aluminum tab at bottom left none C-12-345 C-1 to approximately C-94-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1923 Embossed orange serial on dark blue plate with border line; state outline at right with "FLA 23" below; vehicle weight on aluminum tab at bottom left none 123-456-C 1-C to approximately 123-000-C
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1924 Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; state outline at right with "FLA 24" below; vehicle weight on aluminum tab at bottom left none 123-456-C 1-C to approximately 156-000-C
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1925 Embossed orange serial on green plate with border line; "FLA" within state outline at right with "25" below; vehicle weight on aluminum tab at bottom left none 123-456-C 1-C to approximately 250-000-C
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1926 Embossed yellow serial on black plate with border line; "FLA" within state outline at right with "26" below none 123-456-C 1-C to approximately 491-000-C
1927 Florida license plate.JPG 1927 Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; "FLORIDA-27" centered at bottom none 123-456-C 1-C to approximately 409-000-C First use of the full state name.
1928 Florida license plate.png 1928 Embossed yellow serial on maroon plate with border line; "1928 FLORIDA" at bottom none 123-456-C 1-C to approximately 391-000-C
1929 Florida License Plate.png 1929 Embossed yellow serial on dark blue plate with border line; "19-FLORIDA-29" at bottom none C-123-456 C-1 to approximately C-321-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1930 Embossed white serial on dark green plate with border line; "FLORIDA–1930" at bottom none 123-456 1 to approximately 324-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1931 Embossed white serial on maroon plate with border line; "1931–FLORIDA" at bottom none 123-456 1 to approximately 313-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1932 Embossed orange serial on black plate with border line; "FLORIDA–1932" at bottom none 123-456 1 to approximately 288-000 First use of weight classes: all-numeric serials were used for vehicles weighing 3,000 lb and under, and serials with D prefixes for vehicles 3,001 lb and over.[4]
D12-345 D1 to approximately D75-000
1933 Florida license plate.jpg 1933 Embossed black serial on orange plate with border line; "1933–FLORIDA" at bottom none 123-456 1 to approximately 235-000 Weight classes same as 1932, but with D used as a suffix instead of a prefix.
12-345D 1D to approximately 58-000D
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1934 Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; "FLA." centered at top; weight class letter and "34" stamped on locking bar, displayed to left and right of state abbreviation respectively none T12-345
123-456
D12-345
W 1-234
Coded by weight class Weight classes were as follows: T (2,050 lb and under), no letter (2,051 to 3,050 lb), D (3,051 to 4,050 lb) and W (4,051 lb and over). This continued through 1941.[4]
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1935 Embossed black serial on yellow plate with border line; "FLA." centered at top; weight class letter and "35" stamped on locking bar, displayed to left and right of state abbreviation respectively none T12-345
123-456
D12-345
W12-345
Coded by weight class
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1936 Embossed white serial on red plate with border line; "FLORIDA 1936" at top none T12-345
123-456
D12-345
W12-345
Coded by weight class
1937 Florida license plate.JPG 1937 Embossed white serial on green plate with border line; "1937 FLORIDA" at top none 12-345T
123-456
12-345D
1-234 W
Coded by weight class
1938Florida license plate.JPG 1938 Embossed yellow serial on black plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at top; "19" at top left and "38" at top right none T1-1-234
T10-123
1-12-345
10-1-234
D1-12-345
D10-1-234
W1-1-234
W10-123
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class First use of county codes.
1939 Florida license plate.JPG 1939 Embossed red serial on white plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at bottom; "19" at bottom left and "39" at bottom right none 1T-1234
10T-123
1-12345
10-1234
1D12345
10D1234
1W-1234
10W-123
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class
1940 Florida license plate.jpg 1940 Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at top; "19" at top left and "40" at top right none 1T-123
10T-123
1-12345
10-1234
1D12345
10D1234
1W-1234
10W-123
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class
1941 Florida license plate.jpg 1941 Embossed red serial on white plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at bottom; "19" at bottom left and "41" at bottom right none 1T-123
10T-123
1-12345
10-1234
1D12345
10D1234
1W-1234
10W-123
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class
1942 Florida license plate.JPG 1943 Florida license plate.jpg 1942–43 Embossed orange serial on dark blue plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at top; "19" at top left and "42" at top right none 1T-123
10T-12
1-1234
10-123
1D12345
10D1234
1W12345
10W1234
1WW-123
10WW-12
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class Revalidated for 1943 with dark blue tabs, due to metal conservation for World War II. Weight classes were as follows: T (2,000 lb and under), no letter (2,001 to 2,500 lb), D (2,501 to 3,500 lb), W (3,501 to 4,500 lb) and WW (4,501 lb and over); this continued through 1947.[4]
1944 Florida license plate.JPG 1944 Embossed black serial on yellow plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at top; "19" at top left and "44" at top right none 1T-123
10T-12
1-1234
10-123
1D12345
10D1234
1W12345
10W1234
1WW-123
10WW-12
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class
1945 Florida license plate 18D1011.jpg 1945 Embossed yellow serial on black plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at bottom; "19" at bottom left and "45" at bottom right none 1T-123
10T-12
1-1234
10-123
1D12345
10D1234
1W12345
10W1234
1WW-123
10WW-12
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class
1946 Florida license plate.JPG 1946 Embossed white serial on dark blue plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at top; "19" at top left and "46" at top right none 1T-123
10T-12
1-1234
10-123
1D12345
10D1234
1W12345
10W1234
1WW-123
10WW-12
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class
1947 Florida license plate.JPG 1947 Embossed white serial on forest green plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at bottom; "19" at bottom left and "47" at bottom right none 1T-123
10T-123
1-1234
10-123
1D12345
10D1234
1W12345
10W1234
1WW-123
10WW123
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class
1948 Florida license plate.JPG 1948 Embossed yellow serial on black plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at top; "19" at top left and "48" at top right none 1T-1234
10T-123
1D-1234
10D-123
1-12345
1-1234A
10-1234
10/12345
1W12345
10W1234
1WW1234
10WW123
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class Weight classes same as 1942–47, except D used for the 2,001 to 2,500 lb class and no letter for the 2,501 to 3,500 lb class. This continued through 1961.[4]
1949 Florida License Plate.png 1949 Embossed red serial on white plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at bottom; "19" at bottom left and "49" at bottom right "SUNSHINE STATE" centered at top 1T-1234
10T-123
1D-1234
10D-123
1-12345
1-1234A
10-1234
10-123A
1W12345
10W1234
1WW1234
10WW123
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class First use of the "Sunshine State" slogan.
1950 Florida license plate.jpg 1950 Embossed blue serial on orange plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at top; "19" at top left and "50" at top right "SUNSHINE STATE" centered at bottom 1T-1234
10T-123
1D-1234
10D-123
1-12345
1-1234A
10-1234
10-123A
1W12345
10W1234
1WW-123
10WW123
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class
1951 Florida license plate.jpg 1951 Embossed dark green serial on yellow plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at bottom; "19" at bottom left and "51" at bottom right "KEEP FLORIDA GREEN" centered at top 1T-1234
10T-123
1D-1234
10D-123
1-123456
10-12345
1W12345
10W12345
1WW-123
10WW123
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class Plates with eight-character serials (counting the dash, if present) were an inch longer than plates with serials of seven characters or less. This practice continued through 1955.
1952 Florida license plate.JPG 1952 Embossed orange serial on blue plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at top; "19" at top left and "52" at top right "SUNSHINE STATE" centered at bottom 1T-1234
10T-123
1D-1234
10D-123
1-123456
10-12345
1W12345
10W12345
1WW-123
10WW123
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class
1953 Florida license plate 3W~3505.jpg 1953 Embossed blue serial on orange plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at bottom; "19" at bottom left and "53" at bottom right "SUNSHINE STATE" centered at top 1T-1234
10T-123
1D-1234
10D1234
1-123456
10-12345
1W12345
10W12345
1WW-123
10WW123
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class
1954 Florida license plate 7W12558.jpg 1954 Similar to 1952 base, but with "19" at bottom left and "54" at bottom right "SUNSHINE STATE" as on 1952 base 1T-1234
10T-123
1D-1234
10D1234
1-123456
10-12345
1W12345
10W12345
1WW-123
10WW123
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class
1955 Florida license plate 3W~3973.jpg 1955 Similar to 1953 base, but with "19" at top left and "55" at top right "SUNSHINE STATE" as on 1953 base 1T-1234
10T-123
1D-1234
10D1234
1-123456
10-12345
1W12345
10W12345
1WW-123
10WW123
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class
1956 Florida (USA) License Plate.JPG 1956 Embossed white serial on blue plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at top; "19" at bottom left and "56" at bottom right "SUNSHINE STATE" centered at bottom 1T-1234
10T-123
1D-1234
10D-1234
1-123456
10-12345
1W123456
10W12345
1WW-1234
10WW1234
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class First 6" x 12" plate.
1957 Florida license plate.jpg 1957 Embossed blue serial on white plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at bottom; "19" at top left and "57" at top right "SUNSHINE STATE" centered at top 1T-1234
10T-1234
1D-1234
10D-1234
1-123456
10-12345
1W123456
10W12345
1WW-1234
10WW1234
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class
1958 Florida license plate 14~10047.jpg 1958 Embossed white serial on dark green plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at top; "19" at bottom left and "58" at bottom right "SUNSHINE STATE" centered at bottom 1T-12345
10T-1234
1D-1234
10D-1234
1-123456
10-12345
1W123456
10W12345
1WW-1234
10WW1234
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class
1959 Florida license plate.JPG 1959 Embossed dark green serial on white plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at bottom; "19" at top left and "59" at top right "SUNSHINE STATE" centered at top 1T-12345
10T-1234
1D-1234
10D-1234
1-123456
10-12345
1W123456
10W12345
1WW12345
10WW1234
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class
1960 Florida license plate.jpg 1960 Embossed yellow serial on royal blue plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at top; "19" at bottom left and "60" at bottom right "SUNSHINE STATE" centered at bottom 1T-12345
10T-1234
1D-12345
10D-1234
1-123456
10-12345
1W123456
10W12345
1WW12345
10WW1234
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class
1961 Florida License Plate.JPG 1961 Embossed navy blue serial on lemon yellow plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at bottom; "19" at top left and "61" at top right "SUNSHINE STATE" centered at top 1T-12345
10T-1234
1D-12345
10D12345
1-123456
10-12345
1W123456
10W12345
1WW12345
10WW1234
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class
1962 Florida license plate.jpg 1962 Embossed blue serial on white plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at top; "19" at bottom left and "62" at bottom right "SUNSHINE STATE" centered at bottom 1D-12345
10D12345
1-123456
10-12345
1W123456
10W12345
1WW12345
10WW1234
10W/W12345
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class Weight classes same as 1948–61, except D used for all vehicles 2,500 lb and under. This continued until the cessation of weight classes and county codes in 1977.[4]
1963 Florida license plate.JPG 1963 Embossed white serial on blue plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at bottom; "19" at top left and "63" at top right "SUNSHINE STATE" centered at top 1D-12345
10D12345
1-123456
10-12345
1W123456
10W12345
1WW12345
10WW1234
10W/W12345
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class
1964 Florida license plate.JPG January 1964 – January 1965 Embossed blue serial on orange plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at top; "19" at bottom left and "64" at bottom right "SUNSHINE STATE" centered at bottom 1D-12345
10D12345
1-123456
10-12345
1W123456
10W12345
1WW12345
10WW1234
10W/W12345
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class
1965 Florida license plate 7~51135.jpg February 1965 – February 1966 Embossed gold serial on red plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at bottom; "19" at top left and "65" at top right "400TH ANNIVERSARY" centered at top 1D-12345
10D12345
1-123456
10-12345
1W123456
10W12345
1WW12345
10WW1234
10W/W12345
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class Commemorated the 400th anniversary of the founding of St. Augustine, the oldest continuously-inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States.
1966 Florida license plate.jpg March 1966 – March 1967 Embossed white serial on blue plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at top; "19" at bottom left and "66" at bottom right "SUNSHINE STATE" centered at bottom 1D-12345
10D12345
1-123456
10-12345
1W123456
10W12345
10/W-123456
1WW12345
10WW1234
10W/W12345
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class
1967-1968 Florida license plate 7~35064.jpg April 1967 – April 1968 Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at bottom; "67" at top left and "68" at top right "SUNSHINE STATE" centered at top 1D-12345
10D12345
1-123456
10-123456
1W123456
10W12345
10/W-123456
1WW12345
10WW1234
10W/W12345
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class
1968-1969 Florida license plate 7W~20106.jpg May 1968 – May 1969 Embossed white serial on red plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at top; "68" at bottom left and "69" at bottom right "SUNSHINE STATE" centered at bottom 1D-12345
10D12345
1-123456
10-123456
1W123456
10W12345
10/W-123456
1WW12345
10WW1234
10W/W12345
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class
1969-70 Florida license plate.JPG June 1969 – June 1970 Embossed white serial on green plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at bottom; "69" at top left and "70" at top right "SUNSHINE STATE" centered at top 1D-12345
10D12345
1-123456
10-123456
1W123456
10W12345
10/W-123456
1WW12345
10WW1234
10W/W12345
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class
1970 Florida license plate 64WW2412.jpg July 1970 – June 1971 Embossed white serial on blue plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at top; "70" at bottom left and "71" at bottom right "SUNSHINE STATE" centered at bottom 1D-12345
10D12345
1-123456
10-123456
1W123456
10W12345
10/W-123456
1WW12345
10WW1234
10W/W12345
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class
1972 Florida License Plate.JPG July 1971 – June 1972 Embossed orange serial on reflective white plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at bottom; "72" at top right "SUNSHINE STATE" centered at top 1D123456
10D12345
1-123456
10-123456
1W123456
10W12345
10/W-123456
1WW12345
10WW1234
10W/W12345
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class
1973 Florida license plate 34D~255.jpg July 1972 – June 1973 Embossed green serial on reflective white plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at top; "73" at bottom right "SUNSHINE STATE" centered at bottom 1D123456
10D12345
1-123456
10-123456
1W123456
10W12345
10/W-123456
1WW12345
10WW1234
10W/W12345
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class
1974 Florida license plate 11WW~517.jpg July 1973 – June 1974 As 1971–72 base, but with "74" at top right "SUNSHINE STATE" as on 1971–72 base 1D123456
10D12345
1-123456
10-123456
1W123456
10W12345
10/W-123456
1WW12345
10WW1234
10W/W12345
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class

1974 to present[]

Image Dates issued Design Slogan Serial format(s) Serials issued Notes
1974–1977 series Floridian license plate with October 1979 sticker.png July 1974 – March 1977 Embossed red serial on reflective white plate with border line; "FLORIDA" centered at top; "75" at top left "SUNSHINE STATE" centered at bottom 1D123456
10D12345
1-123456
10-123456
1W123456
10W12345
10/W-123456
1WW12345
10WW1234
10W/W12345
Coded by county of issuance (1 or 10) and weight class Monthly staggered registration introduced July 1976, with each plate expiring in the same month as the registrant's birthday.[2] Revalidated with stickers until 1980.
1977–1979 series Florida license plate with November 1979 sticker.png April 1977 – February 1979 Embossed green serial on reflective white plate; "FLORIDA" centered at top none ABC 123 AAA 000 to approximately FBN 999 Issued only to new registrants. Letters I, O and Q not used in serials. County-name sticker added at bottom in 1978. Revalidated with stickers until 1987.
1978 Florida license plate XRN 061.jpg February 1979 – February 1984 Embossed green serial on reflective white plate; orange state map screened to left of center behind serial; "FLORIDA" centered at top County name centered at bottom ABC 123 FBP 000 to YZZ 999;
AIA 000 to YQZ 999
'M' and 'Z' series in the ABC 123 serial format reserved for dealers and rental vehicles respectively. After YZZ 999 was issued in late 1982, serials with I and Q as the first and/or second letters were issued, before the 123 ABC format was introduced. Revalidated with stickers until 1992.
Florida license plate 1987.png February 1984 – June
1986
123 ABC 000 AAA to approximately 999 KTG
Florida license plate, 1986–1991 series with November 1989 sticker.png June 1986 – November 1991 Embossed red serial on reflective white plate; green state map screened to left of center behind serial; "FLORIDA" centered at top County name centered at bottom ABC 12D Exclusively from AAA 00A to approximately JUQ 99Z; intermittently from JUR 00A to approximately KGW 99Z Early plates used a lighter shade of green for the state map, while some plates manufactured during 1988 featured a smaller-size state name. Letter O not used in serials (this practice continues today); 'M' series reserved for dealers and 'Y' and 'Z' series for rental vehicles. Replaced from 1992 through 1996 as part of five-year plate replacement cycle.
Florida 1996 QNJ 07D.jpg November 1991 – November 1994 As 1979–86 base County name centered at bottom ABC 12D Intermittently from JUR 00A to approximately KGW 99Z; exclusively from KGX 00A to approximately RWV 99Z
November 1994 – July
1997
County name or "SUNSHINE STATE" centered at bottom Exclusively from RWW 00A to approximately XBQ 99Z; intermittently from XBR 00A to approximately XDQ 99Z "Sunshine State" slogan reintroduced on all plates in Dade County.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg July 1997 – February 1998 Embossed green serial on reflective white plate; citrus orange graphic over green state map screened in the center; "FLORIDA" screened in orange and yellow centered at top County name or "SUNSHINE STATE" embossed in green centered at bottom ABC 12D Intermittently from XBR 00A to approximately XDQ 99Z; exclusively from XDR 00A to XZZ 99Z "Sunshine State" plates issued in Dade County (renamed Miami-Dade County in late 1997); county-name plates in all other counties.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg February 1998 – early 1999 AB1 23C CY0 00X to IZ9 99Z
Blank License Plate Shape.svg A12 34B I00 00V to L99 99Z
Blank License Plate Shape.svg early 1999 – 2000 A12 BCD A00 AAA to approximately B99 FWB
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2000 – December 2003 County name A12 BCD B00 FWC to approximately I99 YXW Issued in all counties except Miami-Dade County.
2006 Florida license plate W71 GJF.jpg "SUNSHINE STATE" T00 AAA to approximately X99 FTJ Issued in Miami-Dade County. First use of a separate serial block for this county.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg December 2003 – August 2004 Embossed green serial on reflective white plate; orange blossom graphic over green state map screened in the center; "MYFLORIDA.COM" screened in green centered at top County name A12 BCD I00 ZAA to approximately K99 AAR Issued in all counties except Miami-Dade County.
Florida license plate Sunshine State.gif "SUNSHINE STATE" X00 FTN to X99 ZZZ Issued in Miami-Dade County.
August 2004 – March 2009 County name A12 3BC A00 0AA to N99 9ZZ Issued in all counties except Miami-Dade County. Wider serial dies introduced 2006.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg March 2009 – July
2015
123 ABC 000 MAA to 999 RZZ
Blank License Plate Shape.svg July 2015 – mid-2018 A12 BCD Y00 AAA to Z99 ZZZ
Blank License Plate Shape.svg mid-2018 – present AB1 2CD IA0 0AA to IY0 1AX (as of June 4, 2021)
Blank License Plate Shape.svg August 2004 – late
2006
"SUNSHINE STATE" A12 3BC P00 0AA to X99 9ZZ Issued in Miami-Dade County. Dies changed from narrow set to wider set mid-production.
2003 Florida license plate sample.gif 123 ABC 000 HAA to 999 LZZ;
000 VAA to 999 YZZ;
000 TAA to 999 TZZ
Issued in Miami-Dade County, as well as alternate choice in all other counties. In 2008 state changes mandatory 5 year license plate replacement to 6 years.
2003 Florida license plate IYT E32.jpg November 2009 – present ABC D12 AAA A00 to QZZ Z99 Issued in Miami-Dade County, as well as alternate choice in all other counties. 'M' series reserved for motorcycles. State changes mandatory 6 year license plate replacement to 10 years.
12A BCD 00A AAA to 51A FIE

(as of June 4, 2021)

New standard Sunshine State format following the above Q series.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg October 1, 2008 – present "IN GOD WE TRUST" 123 4AB 000 0GA to 999 9YZ Issued in all counties as no-cost alternative issue. Progression of first letter in the 123 4AB serial format: G, H, I, J, B, P, Q, T, U, V, X, Y.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 123 45Z 000 00Z to 999 99Z
Florida license plate In God We Trust.jpg A12 3BC Z00 0AA to Z99 9ZZ; Y00 0AA to Y96 9IS (as of January 31, 2021)

County coding, 1938–77[]

Florida used numeric county codes on its license plates between 1938 and 1977, with the order of the codes based on the populations of each of the state's 67 counties according to a 1935 census.[2] There was also code 68 on plates ordered from the state tag office in Tallahassee, and code 90 on replacement plates.

Vehicle classes, 1932–77[]

Between 1932 and 1977, Florida used letters on its license plates that corresponded to the class of vehicle.

Through 1937, the letters were placed before or after the numeric part of the serial, depending on the year. When county codes (above) were introduced in 1938, the letters were placed before the code (e.g. G10-123 for a commercial truck in Broward County). From 1939 onwards, the letters were placed after the code, but before the rest of the serial (e.g. 10G-123).

Throughout this period, license plates without letters were used on passenger cars. In 1932 and 1933, they were used on cars weighing 3,000 lb and under; from 1934 through 1941, on cars weighing between 2,051 and 3,050 lb; and from 1942 through 1947, on cars weighing between 2,001 and 2,500 lb. From 1948 onwards, they were used on cars weighing between 2,501 and 3,500 lb, as there were now more heavy cars.[2]

Non-passenger plates[]

The state issues many non-passenger types of license plates to various vehicle classes and types.

Image Type First issued Serial format(s) Notes
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Amateur Radio FCC call sign
Florida Antique car license plate.jpg Antique 123 456
BB1 234
IB1 234
Issued to cars and trucks that are at least 30 years old.
Florida Antique Motorcycle license plate.jpg Antique Motorcycle Q123456
Florida Apportioned license plate.jpg Apportioned A12 34B Annual plates. Issued in pairs.
Florida City Government license plate.jpg City Government 123456
XB1234
"City" legend.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg College 1234
Florida County Government license plate.jpg County Government 123456
TB1234
"County" legend.
Florida Custom Vehicle license plate.jpg Custom Vehicle 2008 VBC1D
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Dealer MBC 123
MBC 12D
NB1 23C
PB1 23C
Disabled Person 123456 Disabled access
Y1BCD Disabled access
Z1BCD Disabled access
YB12C Disabled access
ZB12C Disabled access
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Disabled Person – Motorcycle 1234 Disabled access
WB1C Disabled access
XB1C Disabled access
Florida Fleet license plate.jpg Fleet GBC 123
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Honorary Consul 1
123
Florida Horseless Carrage license plate.jpg Horseless Carriage 12345
Florida Horseless DMV license plate.jpg Horseless Carriage - DMV
Florida Horseless Permanent license plate.jpg Horseless Carriage - Permanent
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Indefinite YB1 23C
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Manufacturer A12 345
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Member of Congress 1
12
Serial is district number.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Motor Scooter—driver under 21 years old 12ABC
Florida Motorcycle license plate.jpg Motorcycle 12345A
1234AB
MBCD12
E, K, L, N and R used as first letters in the 1234AB serial format. MBCD12 format began 2016. Current highest serial seen: MMTD08 (on October 30, 2020).
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Permanent Trailer C12 34B
123 4CB
Permanent plates.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Seminole Indian 1234
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Sheriff 12345
ZBC12
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Temporary registration P-123456
Q-123456
R-123456
S-123456
ABC1234
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Truck over 5,000 lb. N12 34B County name or "SUNSHINE STATE" slogan at bottom. Issued in pairs with the validation sticker placed on the front plate.
Florida Transporter license plate.jpg Transporter G12 34B
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Wrecker D12 34B
E12 34B
"WRECKER" legend.

Personalized plates[]

Florida offers personalized license plates for an extra fee, on the standard orange blossom design and on specialty designs (below). On the orange blossom design and specialty designs with centered graphics, combinations can consist of between one and seven characters specified by the registrant, including letters, numbers, spaces and hyphens. On specialty designs with left-aligned graphics, combinations are limited to a maximum of five characters, and on the Motorcycle Specialty plate, they are limited to a maximum of six characters.[5]

Specialty plates[]

Florida has offered over 120 specialty license plates to its motorists, most for an extra fee. Some of these plates are no longer issued, while others have been redesigned since they were first issued.[6]

Only Virginia and Texas have offered more specialty plates than Florida.[7]

Collegiate[]

Image Type First issued
(redesigned)
Serial format(s) Notes
Blank License Plate Shape.svg AdventHealth University
(Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences prior to 2012)
2002-10-01 H12 345
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Barry University 1998-07-01 AB12C
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Bethune–Cookman University
(Bethune–Cookman College prior to 2007)
1997-02-15 BB12C
BB1CD
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Eckerd College 2002-10-01 E12 345
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Edward Waters College 2002-10-01 B1BC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University 2002-10-01 K1BC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Flagler College 2002-10-01
(2018)
C1BC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Florida A&M University 1987-10-01 M1234
M123B
M12BC
Y12BC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Florida Atlantic University 1987-10-01 A123B
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Florida College 2002-10-01 L1BC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Florida Gulf Coast University 1997-11-01 V1234
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Florida Institute of Technology 2002-10-01 Q1BC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Florida International University 1987-10-01 I1234
I123B
I12BC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Florida Memorial University 1999-07-01 FBC1D
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Florida Southern College 2002-10-01 D1BC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Florida State University 1987-10-01 S1234
S123B
S12BC
S1BCD
VB123
WB123
WB12C
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Jacksonville University 2002-10-01 R1BC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Keiser University 2015 123NB
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Lynn University 2002-10-01 E1BC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg New College of Florida 2002-07-01 N123
N12B
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Nova Southeastern University 2002-10-01 S1BC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Palm Beach Atlantic University 2002-10-01 F1BC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Ringling School of Art and Design 2002-10-01 U1BC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Rollins College 2002-10-01 G1BC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Saint Leo University 2002-10-01 V1BC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Saint Thomas University 2002-10-01 H1BC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Southeastern University 2002-10-01 W1BC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Stetson University 2002-10-01 I1BC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg University of Central Florida 1987-10-01
(2016)
C123B
Blank License Plate Shape.svg University of Florida 1987-10-01
(1997, 2007)
F1BCD
GBC1D
HBC1D
IBC1D
Blank License Plate Shape.svg University of Miami 1989-10-01 H1234
H123B
H12BC
HBC1D
X12BC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg University of North Florida 1987-10-01 N1234
N123B
N12BC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg University of South Florida 1987-10-01
(2018)
U1234
U123B
U12BC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg University of Tampa 2002-10-01
(2016)
X1BC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg University of West Florida 1987-10-01
(2015)
W1234
W123B
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Warner University
(Warner Southern College prior to 2008)
2002-10-01 J1BC

Environmental/Wildlife[]

Image Type First issued
(redesigned)
Serial format(s) Notes
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Animal Friend 2004-07-01
(2016)
ABC12
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Aquaculture 2004-07-01 AB1 234
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Conserve Wildlife 1998-07-01 CB123
CB12C
CB1CD
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Discover Florida's Horses 2010-01-10 12DBC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Discover Florida's Oceans 2004-07-01 DBC12
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Endless Summer 2010 12EBC
12JBC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Everglades River of Grass 1998-07-01 EB12C
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Fish Florida 2003-10-01 JB1CD
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Go Fishing 1997-03-15 LB12C
LB1CD
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Helping Sea Turtles Survive 1998-02-01 RBC 123
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Indian River Lagoon 1995-02-15 R1234
R123B
R12BC
R1BCD
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Protect Florida Springs 2007-10-01 P12 345
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Protect Florida Whales 2002-07-01 WBC1D
Protect Our Oceans 2010-10-01 12GAB The "Protect Our Oceans" plate, introduced in the spring of 2015, is a re-design of the original "Catch Me, Release Me" plate.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Protect Our Reefs 2003-07-01 RBC1D
Florida License Plate Panther.png Protect the Panther 1990-10-15 LBC 123
MBC 123
Original design: white plate with panther in center (serials LAA 001 through LEE 999). Current design: white and orange gradient plate with panther's head in center and grass at bottom (serials LEF 001 and up).
Florida 1998 Protect The Panther License Plate.jpg 1993
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Protect Wild Dolphins 1998-07-01 DB12C
DB1CD
DBC1D
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Save Our Seas 2004-07-01 RBC12
SBC12
Florida License Plate Save the Manatee.png Save the Manatee 1990-03-16 HBC 123
IBC 123
Original design: red serial on white, blue and green plate with manatee in center (serials HAA 001 through IBX 999). Current design: black serial on yellow, green and blue plate with manatee in center (serials IBY 001 and up).
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2008
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Save Wild Florida 12FBC Features a Miami blue butterfly at left.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Sportsmen's National Land Trust / Wildlife Foundation of Florida 2004-07-01
(2014)
VBC12 Both designs feature a white-tailed deer at left.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg State Wildflower 1999-07-01 WBC 123
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Tampa Bay Estuary 1999-06-10 TBC1D
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Trees Are Cool 2007-10-01 12CBC

Special Interest[]

Image Type First issued
(redesigned)
Serial format(s) Notes
Blank License Plate Shape.svg A State of Vision 2006-07-01 XB123
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Agricultural Education 2006-07-01 JB123
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Agriculture 1997-04-01 VBC 123
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Challenger/Columbia 1987-01-01
(2001, 2005)
ABC 123
BBC 123
TB123
TB1CD
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Choose Life 1999-07-01 CBC1D
Blank License Plate Shape.svg End Breast Cancer 2002-07-01 KBC1D
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Family First 2004-07-01 FB1 234
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Family Values 2004-07-01 VB1 234
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches 1998-07-01 RB12C
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Horse Country 2008-10-01 12HBC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Hospice – Every Day Is a Gift 2003-07-01 123HB
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Imagine 2004-07-01 123 4FB
Blank License Plate Shape.svg In God We Trust 2008-10-01 IBC12
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Invest in Children 1995-05-01 123 CBC
123 DBC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Keep Kids Drug Free 1998-07-01 KB123
KB12C
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Kids Deserve Justice 2004-07-01 KBC12
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Lauren's Kids 2014 123GB
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Live the Dream 2004-07-01 DB1 234
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Moffitt Cancer Center 2015 123PB
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Parents Make a Difference 2004-07-01 PBC12
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Salutes Firefighters 2002-10-01 YB1CD
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Scouting Teaches Values 1997-02-15 123 SBC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg State of the Arts 1995-02-01 FBC 123
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Stop Child Abuse 2003-07-01 123SB
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Stop Heart Disease 2003-07-01 S12 345
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Support Autism Programs 2009-09-01 12SBC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Support Education 1994-10-01
(2018)
123 ABC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Support Homeownership for All 2006-07-01 QB123
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Support Law Enforcement 2002-10-01 PBC1D
Blank License Plate Shape.svg United We Stand 2002-07-01 123 UBC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Visit Our Lights 2008-10-01 VB12C

Sports[]

Image Type First issued
(redesigned)
Serial format(s) Notes
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Florida Panthers 1995-06-01
(2017)
P1234
P123B
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Golf Capital of the World 2002-07-01 JB1 23C
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Jacksonville Jaguars 1995-06-01 J123B
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Miami Dolphins 1995-04-01
(2015)
D123B
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Miami Heat 1995-06-01
(2018)
L123B
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Miami Marlins
(Florida Marlins prior to 2012)
1995-07-01
(2019)
E1234
E123B
E12BC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg NASCAR 2007-10-01
(2015)
12NBC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Olympic Spirit 1994-01-01 G1234
G123B
G12BC
G1BCD
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Orlando Magic 1995-06-01 K1234
K123B
K12BC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Play Tennis 2008-10-01 123BB
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Police Athletic League 1997-02-15 PB123
PB12C
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Share the Road 1999-06-10
(2007)
123 EBC
EBC1D
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Special Olympics 1994-01-01 SBC 123
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1998-04-01
(2008, 2015)
B1234
B123B
B12BC
B1BCD
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Tampa Bay Lightning 1995-06-01
(2019)
T1234
T123B
T12BC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Tampa Bay Rays
(Tampa Bay Devil Rays prior to 2008)
1997-03-01
(2008)
Q1234
Q123B
Q12BC

Military[]

Image Type First issued
(redesigned)
Serial format(s) Notes
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Salutes Veterans 1989-10-01 DBC 123
SBC1D
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Support Our Troops 2007-10-01 12TBC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg U.S. Air Force 2003-07-01 ABC1D
Blank License Plate Shape.svg U.S. Army 2003-07-01 BBC1D
Blank License Plate Shape.svg U.S. Coast Guard 2003-07-01 123VB
Blank License Plate Shape.svg U.S. Marine Corps 1999-07-01 UBC1D
Blank License Plate Shape.svg U.S. Navy 2003-07-01 NBC1D

Special Military[]

Image Type First issued
(redesigned)
Serial format(s) Notes
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Disabled Veteran 1234
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Ex-Prisoner of War EX-POW 1234 Orange blossom design.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Gold Star Family 2008-04-01 1GBC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Pearl Harbor Survivor 1234 Orange blossom design.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Purple Heart 12345
Blank License Plate Shape.svg U.S. Paratrooper 2003-07-01 123WB

Other[]

Image Type First issued Serial format Notes
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Motorcycle Specialty 2003-10-01 Y12345 Red, white and blue design.

Discontinued[]

Image Type Dates issued Serial format(s) Notes
Blank License Plate Shape.svg American Red Cross July 1, 2002 – March 2016 123AB
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Clearwater Christian College October 1, 2002 – September 2015 A1BC Discontinued following the college's closure.[6]
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Corrections Foundation October 1, 2007 – 2009 1CBC
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Donate Organs July 1, 2006 – 2016 Y123B
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Girl Scouts GB12C
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Support Soccer July 1, 2004 – 2018 123 4SB

References[]

  1. ^ "Old Florida License Plates". LeatherLicensePlates.com. Retrieved July 29, 2017.
  2. ^ a b c d Simpers, M. R. (September 18, 2015). "Florida License Plates" (PDF). Antique Automobile Club of Cape Canaveral. Retrieved July 29, 2017.
  3. ^ Garrish, Christopher (October 2016). "Reconsidering the Standard Plate Size". Plates. Vol. 62 no. 5. Automobile License Plate Collectors Association.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Tanner, Eric N. "Florida Passenger License Plates". allaboutlicenseplates.com. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  5. ^ "Application for Personalized License Plate" (PDF). Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
  6. ^ a b "Florida License Plate History" (PDF). Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. May 2019. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
  7. ^ Pascale, Jordan (November 30, 2015). "Virginia offers more specialty license plates than most states. Here's why". The Virginian-Pilot. Norfolk, VA. Retrieved January 29, 2019.

External links[]

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