Driving Florida’s Image: The 1985 License Plate Contest

Thirty years ago, Florida citizens got a rare opportunity to answer the question, “What should Florida’s new license plate look like?” After Governor Bob Graham and Cabinet members rejected a proposed license plate designed by a State-employed artist, they created a contest inviting citizens to design Florida’s next license plate. In all, more than 3,500 designs were received.

The entries provide an interesting snapshot of Florida in the mid-1980s and reveal how citizens felt about their state. The designs highlighted their thoughts about what was special about Florida. Common themes included Florida’s unique natural environment, the space program, and tourist attractions. While most letters and designs were positive, some entrants expressed negative feelings about Florida’s rapid development and population growth, and others wrote about their preference to keep the current license plate.

If you were a designer, how would your plate look?

Visitors are invited to create their own plates and display them as part of the exhibit at the Design Station. For inspiration, be sure to flip through Florida’s 130 current specialty plate designs in the License Plate Lookbook.

The Florida Historic Capitol Foundation, as the Direct Support Organization for the Museum, extends its deepest appreciation to the following Sponsors for their support and efforts in making this exhibit possible.