Given that we put out an ongoing feature (that we love) about Florida’s Specialty Plates, we also receive a bunch of questions about the program, about the plates, and about how to order them online. So we thought we’d take a moment to address some of our most frequently asked questions on the topic.
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Reasy? Here go our FAQs:
Is a Florida Specialty Plate the same thing as a vanity plate?
Yes and No.
A vanity plate is simply a standard DMV (FLHSMV) issued registration tag that has been personalized by the registered vehicle owner with a unique number and/or letter choice in lieu of the alphanumeric combination assigned by the DMV.
A Specialty Plate is a tag that is offered – for a fee – through a program by the Florida DMV. These tags are made available as alternatives to the conventional plates given at the time of registration or renewal. They are different from the standard-issue tags due the nature of their design, of which there are over one hundred themes to choose from. These plates can also be personalized, which would turn them into what some call “vanity” plates.

Do Specialty Plates cost extra?
Yes. There is an additional fee to upgrade to a Specialty Plate, and the reason for this is quite nice: each unique design represents and is affiliated with some sort of charity, organization, or foundation, to which the extra fees are directed. Meaning, the increased cost of a Specialty Plate goes straight to a worthy cause. So in addition to being a fun way to express a hobby, interest, or passion, they are, in essence, a way to give back.
What are the most popular Specialty Plates available?
By far, the top five most sought-after Florida Specialty Plates and their current circulation numbers are:
- Endless Summer – 143,346
- Helping Sea Turtles Survive – 113,056
- University of Florida – 93, 158
- Miami Heat – 88, 823
- Florida State University – 69,074
Do I have to wait until my registration is up for renewal to get a Specialty Plate?
Nope. You are free to upgrade to a Florida Specialty Plate at any time during your registration period. No initial registrations or renewals are required.

Can I order a Florida Specialty Plate Online?
You sure can! It’s a super easy and straightforward process with eTags. Simply head over to our homepage, select Florida as your state from our drop-down menu, and then choose the service that best suits your needs. Your options will be to renew your registration along with a Specialty Plate/Personalized Plate or to order a cool tag/personalization outside of renewal. Remember, personalization is optional here and you will not be required to personalize your Specialty Plate if that’s not your thing.
What if I need help ordering my Specialty Plate online?
Well, you’re in luck. We’ve got a team of Florida tag experts at your disposal. So should you have any questions or need a hand at any point doing the process, feel free to reach out to us for some assistance. Because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!