You know what we love here at eTags? Cars. And trucks. And SUV’s. And motorcycles. And trailers. And basically anything related to the world of automotives. So yes, we love vehicles. But we also love rules and regulations. Even if that sounds weird, it’s true. We love to keep up with the new laws and changing speed limits. And trends…don’t get us started on trends. How exciting is it to know the latest and greatest? Well, for us, very.
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But there’s something else we love. And that is helping folks. We love to lend a hand with titles and tags. With transfers and replacements. With selling and buying. With renewals and upgrades. If it’s in our online wheelhouse, we’re in it to assist with it.
So, it’s kind of a no-brainer when we can involve ourselves in a project or program that encompasses not only automotive aspects, but also benefits people, animals, the environment, society at large. Enter our ongoing series: The Florida Specialty Plate Spotlight Series. For those of you that are regulars, you know the drill. But if you’re new here, don’t worry, we got you. 
Here is how the program works and why it’s so cool:
The state of Florida, in addition to its regular license plates made available for initial vehicle registration, offers over one hundred alternative tags. Yep, one hundred. These additional plates are called Specialty Plates, and they are completely different from the standard Florida plate. Each Specialty Plate bears a unique design, a unique motif. And each design represents a particular enterprise.
The varying Specialty Plate themes include but are certainly not limited to:
- Environmental Causes – Endless Summer, Helping Sea Turtles, Save the Manatee, Protect Wild Dolphins, Save our Seas etc
- School Scholarship Funds – University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, University of Miami, Support Education etc
- Military and Law Sectors – Marine Corps, Army, Support Law Enforcement, Airforce, Navy, Salutes Firefighters etc
- Sports Teams – Miami Heat, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, Miami Marlins etc
- Health Awareness – End Breast Cancer, Support Autism Programs, Hospice Everyday, Stop Heart Disease etc
- Society and Safety – Lauren’s Kids, Invest in Children, Family First, Keep Kids Drug Free etc
And this list is just a fraction, just a wee sample of how many Specialty Plates are available.
The thing about the Specialty Plate program is that these tags are not just a series of pretty faces.
Each design represents more than just a team or a nice thought about saving an animal or helping out a veteran. You see, behind each theme there lies a cause, a foundation, and actual repository of funds collected from the sale of these plates that is then directed to the associated charity.
In short, when you buy a Specialty Plate – even if for no other reason than because you just dig the artwork – you are automatically supporting the worthy people, places, or things behind the plate. Because the proceeds are sent off in the right direction without your having to do anything. Rad, right? We think so. That’s why we feature this program on a regular basis.
So this week’s feature….drumroll please…is: Protect the Panther.
Let’s get into this cool cat. The Florida Panther Research and Management Trust Fund (The Trust Fund) is a subsidiary of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The Trust Fund is the main support channel for the state’s panther-related research, rescue, and conservation efforts.
The goal set forth by the FWC in the world of Florida panthers is to “manage this significant resource for its long-term well-being and the benefit of the people.”
Their intention is to help the species overcome its endangered status, and enjoy sufficient protection so that they can re-populate, gain in numbers and maintain the stability to endure any outside threats. In other words, the FWC is all about helping the Florida panther makes its comeback.
Their conservation and rescue considerations include understanding and managing threats to these magnificent creatures. Threats such as habitat loss, vehicle collisions, inbreeding, and the perils of disease. Through focused research and population monitoring, the FWC seeks to uncover integral insights regarding the panthers’ coping capability as far as current dangers and possible future changes are concerned. 
Thus, in opting for a Protect the Panther plate, you are essentially – though indirectly – hopping on board a research and rescue team on behalf of these gorgeous animals. And there is so little for you to do. No lab time, no field time, no expertise, no nothin’ needed!
Okay, not nothing. You will have to make the choice first. But it’s super easy to help contribute to this worthy cause. We make it really simple here at eTags. Simply head over to our site, choose Florida as your state of residence, and choose Specialty Plate from our drop-down menu.
Oh, you might notice that there is also an option in that menu for a Personalized Plate. What is this, you ask? Well, the good just got better. Personalizing means that you have the option to not only donate to a beautiful charity and research fund, but to also make the Specialty Plate even more fabulous by making it your own.
With personalization there is no leaving your license plate number to chance; any combination of letters and numbers. – as long as they are approved by the DMV – can adorn this Panther tag, thereby rendering it a Personalized Specialty Plate.
We promise, the process is so easy. You don’t have to wait until your registration is up for renewal. You don’t have to wait until you buy a new vehicle. You can upgrade to a Specialty Plate at etags.com at any time during your registration period. And you know what, if you have any questions or feel like a little assistance might benefit you, just let us know. We love this program, we love our clients, and more than anything, here at eTags, we’re here to help!
