Proceeds from a new, “Protect the Panther” license plate now available for purchase throughout the state of Florida will go directly into the Florida Panther Research and Management Trust Fund.
The new plate was created through a collaboration by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and photographer Carlton Ward.
The plate features a photo that Ward took in 2018 depicting a well-known panther, who was the first female documented north of the Caloosahatchee River since 1973 and the first female documented to have had kittens north of the river in over 40 years.
Fees from the Protect the Panther license plate go directly into the Florida Panther Research and Management Trust Fund, which is a main source of funding for the state’s panther-related research, monitoring, and conservation efforts.
When renewing vehicles, Florida motorists can exchange their old plates for the new Protect the Panther plate by going in person to your local tax collector office or the FLHSMV. At this time, the new plates are not available through online renewals but can be purchased in person.
To purchase the new license plate, visit Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles online or check with a local tax collector for availability.
Florida panthers are native to the state, with the majority of panthers found south of Lake Okeechobee. Florida panthers are listed as an Endangered species under the federal Endangered Species Act. There are approximately 120-230 adult panthers in the population.
To learn more about Florida panthers and the FWC’s work to conserve the species, visit MyFWC.com/Panther.