Chapter 11 · Topic 11.2 · Driving in Florida
Florida license plates — standard, specialty, and what Canadians need to know
Florida requires only a rear plate (no front). The standard "Sunshine State" plate is blue and orange. Over 100 specialty plates are available. Here's how plates work for new Florida residents.
Direct answer · 60-second summary
The 60-second version
Florida vehicle registration includes a license plate. Key rules: (1) Rear plate only — Florida does not require a front license plate; (2) Standard plate: "Sunshine State" design (orange/blue) issued automatically unless you choose a specialty plate; (3) 100+ specialty plates available for extra fees ($25+ per year) supporting various causes; (4) Annual renewal sticker: a new sticker is mailed each year — affix it to the bottom right of the plate; (5) Plate transfer: you can transfer your Florida plate to a new vehicle when you sell/buy; (6) Canadian-plated visitors: snowbirds keep their Canadian plates — no Florida plate needed for temporary visits.
Acronyms used in this guide
- FLHSMV — Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
The standard Florida plate
The standard Florida plate features an orange grove and the words "Sunshine State" — the classic Florida design updated periodically. It is issued automatically when you register your vehicle unless you choose a specialty plate.
- Rear plate only: unlike many Canadian provinces and some US states, Florida requires only a rear license plate. No front plate mount is needed.
- Plate size: US standard 6×12 inches.
- Renewal sticker: each annual renewal includes a sticker showing the new expiration month and year. Affix it to the bottom right of the plate.
Specialty plates
Florida offers over 100 specialty license plates that support various causes — universities, wildlife, military branches, professional sports teams, environmental funds, and more. Examples:
- Manatee protection, sea turtle protection, Florida panther.
- University of Florida, Florida State, University of Miami.
- Military: Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard.
- Breast Cancer Awareness, "In God We Trust."
Most specialty plates cost an additional $25/year on top of standard registration fees, with proceeds going to the designated cause. Some prestigious plates cost more.
Order specialty plates at flhsmv.gov or at the Tax Collector office.
Transferring plates
When you sell a vehicle and buy a new one, you can transfer your Florida plate to the new vehicle. Requirements:
- Same owner name (or authorized transfer).
- Pay a transfer fee (~$4.50).
- New vehicle must be registered and insured in Florida.
Canadian plates — what snowbirds need to know
If you are a Canadian driving your Canadian-registered vehicle to Florida on a tourist/B-2 visitor admission, you keep your Canadian plates for the duration of your visit. No Florida plate is needed or appropriate for temporary stays.
Only if you permanently register a vehicle in Florida (because you established Florida residency) do you need Florida plates. At that point, your Canadian registration expires and you switch to Florida plates. Keep your Canadian plates — return them to your province when your Canadian registration lapses.
Every figure, rate, threshold, and deadline in this guide is drawn from a verifiable primary source listed at the bottom of the page. The article is updated whenever the underlying rules change, with a fresh review date stamped at the top.
Sources and references
Public sources verified as of the last review date.
- FLHSMV — License Plates. flhsmv.gov/license-plates
- Florida Statutes §320.06 — License plates issued. flsenate.gov/320.06
Disclaimer
This guide is for educational purposes only. Figures, rules, and procedures are sourced from public sources as of the date shown and may change.
For any concrete decision, consult the relevant official agencies and, if needed, a licensed professional (attorney, accountant, insurance broker).