Florida offers the Gadsden Flag specialty plate, which displays the "Don't Tread On Me" design

Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles issues a specialty plate featuring the Gadsden Flag — the historical "Don't Tread On Me" design with a coiled rattlesnake. The plate is available to any Florida resident with a valid driver's license or vehicle registration, and you can order it when you first register your vehicle or switch from a standard plate at any time.

The Gadsden Flag plate costs more than a standard Florida plate. As of 2024, the additional fee is $25 per year on top of your regular registration renewal cost. That fee supports the specialty plate program itself rather than a specific charity or cause, unlike some other Florida specialty plates that fund particular organizations.

You do not need to meet any special requirements beyond holding a valid Florida vehicle registration. The plate is not restricted by vehicle type, age, or registration status — you can use it on a passenger car, truck, motorcycle, or commercial vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • The Gadsden Flag specialty plate is available to any Florida resident with a current vehicle registration, with no special requirements or restrictions.
  • The plate costs an extra $25 per year beyond your standard registration renewal fee.
  • You can order the plate when you register a new vehicle or switch from a standard plate during any renewal cycle.
  • The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles processes all orders, either online through their website or in person at a local tax collector's office.

How to order the plate online or by mail

The fastest route is the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. Go to their specialty plate section, search for "Gadsden Flag," and add it to your order. You will need your current vehicle registration number and your driver's license information. Pay the standard registration renewal fee plus the $25 specialty plate fee, and the new plate ships to your address within 7 to 10 business days.

If you prefer not to order online, visit your county tax collector's office in person. Bring your current registration, proof of residency, and your driver's license. The tax collector can issue the plate on the spot or order it for delivery. Some offices stock specialty plates; others order them and mail them to you. Call ahead to confirm whether your local office has the Gadsden Flag plate in stock.

You can also renew by mail if you receive a renewal notice from your county tax collector. Check the box for the Gadsden Flag specialty plate on the form, include the extra $25 fee, and mail it back. Processing takes longer by mail — typically 2 to 3 weeks — so plan ahead if your registration is expiring soon.

Switching from a standard plate to the specialty plate

You do not have to wait for your registration to expire to switch plates. Visit your county tax collector's office and request a plate change. You will pay the $25 specialty plate fee plus any applicable transfer or administrative fee your county charges (usually $5 to $10). The new plate is issued when ready if the office has it in stock, or mailed to you within a week if they order it.

If you switch plates before your registration expires, your old registration sticker remains valid — you straightforward attach it to the new plate. The expiration date does not change. When your registration does expire, you renew as normal and can keep the Gadsden Flag plate or switch back to a standard plate at that time.

What to do if your plate is damaged or lost

If your Gadsden Flag plate is stolen, damaged, or unreadable, report it to your county tax collector's office. Bring your driver's license and current registration. The office will issue a replacement plate, usually on the spot. Most counties charge a replacement fee of $5 to $15, depending on local policy.

If you lose your plate in the mail after ordering it, contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles directly. They can reissue the plate or refund your specialty plate fee if you prefer to cancel the order. Keep your order confirmation number handy when you call.

Renewing your Gadsden Flag plate each year

Your specialty plate registration renews on the same schedule as any other Florida plate — typically every two years for passenger vehicles, though commercial and motorcycle registrations may differ. You will receive a renewal notice from your county tax collector 60 days before expiration. The notice will show the Gadsden Flag plate as your current plate type, so you do not need to request it again unless you want to switch.

Renew online through the tax collector's website, by mail, or in person at the tax collector's office. The $25 specialty plate fee is included in your renewal notice. If you do not pay it, you will receive a standard plate with your next registration sticker, and you will need to switch back to the specialty plate at a later renewal or through a plate change request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Gadsden Flag plate on a motorcycle or commercial vehicle?

Yes. The specialty plate is available for any vehicle type registered in Florida, including motorcycles, trucks, and commercial vehicles. The $25 annual fee applies regardless of vehicle class.

What if my county tax collector's office does not have the plate in stock?

They will order it for you and mail it to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You can also order directly through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website and have it shipped to you. Either route takes about the same time.

Do I lose my current registration sticker if I switch to the Gadsden Flag plate?

No. Your registration sticker remains valid and is transferred to the new plate. Your expiration date does not change. You straightforward move the sticker from your old plate to the new one.

Can I transfer the Gadsden Flag plate to a different vehicle I own?

Yes, but only if both vehicles are registered in your name. Visit your tax collector's office with both vehicle registrations and request a plate transfer. You may pay a small transfer fee. The plate keeps its expiration date and transfers with the registration.

What happens if I do not renew the specialty plate fee?

Your registration will renew with a standard plate instead. You can switch back to the Gadsden Flag plate at your next renewal or request a plate change at any time by visiting your tax collector's office and paying the $25 specialty plate fee.