Understanding Florida Vehicle License Plates (2026)

Types of Florida License Plates

There are a few types of Florida vehicle license plates. Take a closer look at some of the common ones you may encounter.

Standard License Plate Options

Standard Florida vehicle license plates are made of metal. There are three main options, including one that offers the name of the county in which the vehicle is registered. Keep in mind that this is not an option in all counties. You can also choose between the “In God We Trust” and the “Sunshine State” design.

Specialty and Personalized License Plates

Additionally, you can select specialty and personalized Florida vehicle license plates. The state has over 100 specialty license plates that can help you support charities and other causes that matter to you.

Special requirement plates are a subsection of specialty ones. They have more requirements that the registrant has to meet.

Military and Veteran License Plates

When you think of how many people are in the U.S. military, it’s no surprise that there are Florida vehicle license plates made especially for those who have served the country. These plates can be purchased at your local motor vehicle service center.

The only exception would be Medal of Honor plates. To order these, you have to write to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Direct Mail, 2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS #72, Tallahassee, FL 32399.

Disabled Person License Plates

If you have a disabling condition and have a disabled person's parking permit, you can obtain a wheelchair license plate. To do so, you will need to prove long-term impairment every four years by getting a certificate from a medical authority.

Temporary License Plates and Their Uses

You can obtain temporary Florida vehicle license plates for a few reasons. These can be issued for 10, 30 or 90 days.

The most common use of these plates involves motor vehicle dealers. They can allow someone who has purchased a car to drive it off the lot if they don’t already have a license plate they can transfer. This type of license plate is usually valid for 30 days.

Similarly, 10-day temporary license plates can be issued in instances that involve needing to weigh a motor vehicle to register it or when the car needs to have its vehicle identification number verified.

When certain credit unions, banks and other financial institutions need plates to demonstrate repossessions for sale, 30-day temporary license plates may be appropriate. Casual or private sales can use temporary license plates, too.

If a vehicle is sold to someone not from Florida who will take the car to their home state, getting a temporary license plate may be the right choice. Commercial vehicles can also benefit from these plates if they have to remain in Florida.

Finally, 90-day temporary licenses are available for people who are temporarily employed in Florida. They are also helpful for those who apply for a personalized or special license plate and have to wait for it to be manufactured.

Florida has strict laws regarding the use of temporary license plates. It is a first-degree misdemeanor to abuse the use of a temporary plate to avoid registering a vehicle. Additionally, it’s a third-degree felony to issue or have someone else issue a temporary license to a fictitious person as well.

License Plate Fees and Replacement Requirements

The fee for first-time registrations is $225. This is for vehicles that do not have previous Florida tags. The standard fee for Florida vehicle license plates is $28, but you can expect higher costs if you get a specialized one. These can have annual fees as well as processing fees.

You will need to replace your license plate every 10 years. To do so, you will have to pay a replacement fee of $36.90.

How to Surrender Your License Plate

If you canceled insurance or sold a vehicle, you can avoid issues like driver’s license suspension by surrendering the plate. You can do this by taking the plate to your local tax collector’s office or Driver License and Motor Vehicle Service Center, or by mailing it.

If you go in person, take the plate with you, along with the registration decal. You’ll need a photo ID and the completed Surrender License Plate form. If you do this by mail, include the license plate, the form and a copy of your ID.

Get Legal Help With License Plate Issues

If you are facing legal problems involving your Florida license plate, you need assistance from reliable attorneys. At ConsumerShield, we can put you in contact with some of the leading lawyers in your local area so that you can get the support you need from a trusted legal team. Contact us for a free case review today.