Plate Look Up: Sunshine State Plates in Florida

When it comes to identifying vehicles in Florida, there are various types of license plates that can help law enforcement and others identify the owner or type of vehicle. One such plate is the Sunshine State plate, which was introduced in 1994 in response to a series of tourist killings. These plates were designed to make it more difficult for rental cars to be identified by special 'LEASE' plates.

The Sunshine State plate design has undergone changes over the years, with new series and formats being introduced. The latest format ranges from 000 HAA to 999 LZZ, then 000 VAA to 999 ZZZ, and finally 000 TAA to 999 TZZ. These plates are issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and are available for purchase by the public.

Interestingly, some Sunshine State plates are being used on unmarked police cars in certain areas, including Miami-Dade County. This is because these counties do not issue county name plates, making it more difficult to identify rental cars.

In addition to these general-issue plates, there are also specialized plates available for purchase by the public. For example, some people may choose to purchase a Sunshine State plate with a unique design or message, such as a plate featuring a Florida state park logo.

The sale of Sunshine State plates helps support the Florida Park Service and its mission to preserve and protect state parks across the state. The money raised from these sales goes directly to the Florida State Parks Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that supports and sustains the Florida Park Service.

If you're interested in purchasing a Sunshine State plate, pre-sales are expected to begin in October. To make it happen, at least 3,000 people must place pre-sale orders before manufacturing can begin. After the design is selected, it will be submitted to FLHSMV for display on their website.

Overall, the Sunshine State plate is an important part of Florida's vehicle identification system, and its unique design helps to promote tourism and support state parks across the state.

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