Plate Search Florida: A Comprehensive Guide

Florida's license plate system has undergone numerous changes over the years, with various series and designs being introduced to reflect the state's growth and development. In this article, we'll delve into the intricacies of Florida's plate search, exploring its history, design elements, and notable features.

The current Sunshine State series was launched in 1994, following a series of tourist killings that highlighted the need for improved security measures. To address this issue, the state introduced special 'LEASE' plates on rental cars, allowing tourists to be easily identified. This move led to the development of the Sunshine State plate design, which has since become synonymous with Florida's unique identity.

One notable aspect of the Sunshine State series is its use of county name plates in Miami-Dade County, which is the largest county in Florida and does not issue county name plates. Instead, the county issues Sunshine State plates to all passenger vehicles, including rental cars. This move was intended to make it more difficult for tourists to identify rental cars, but it has been reported that some rental cars are still issued with county name plates.

The Sunshine State series is also notable for its distinctive design elements, which include a stylized American flag at the bottom of the plate and a state name in red block letters at the top center. Additionally, some plates feature a full graphic with a 5-character registration to the right of 'In God We Trust' in black bordered gold lettering.

Over the years, various series have been discontinued or replaced, with new designs and numbering schemes being introduced. For example, the AB1 23C and A12 34B formats were discontinued in the middle of their runs, while the PA and PB series have taken over as the newest issues.

Interestingly, some rare plates have been reported, including Jason Taylor's possible low plate number 000 3GA and Phil's narrow dies on X40 3BC. Additionally, there have been reports of regular Sunshine State plates being used on unmarked police cars.

In conclusion, Florida's license plate system is a fascinating aspect of the state's history and culture. With its unique design elements and various series over the years, it provides an intriguing subject for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Whether you're searching for rare plates or simply interested in learning more about Florida's automotive heritage, this comprehensive guide aims to provide a valuable resource for your plate search endeavors.

Plate search florida