Ahead of the busy travel week of Thanksgiving, here’s one for the road: More than 2 million Floridians pay extra to show a little personality with their license plate. The Number of the Week is 2,210,484, the number of vehicles in the state with specialty plates.
In Duval County, the Gators are more popular than the Jaguars: the University of Florida’s specialty plate comes in No. 1 with 6,683. The Jags are a close second, with 6,232.
Statewide, the Endless Summer plate take first place. The sunset-themed design that features the silhouette of a surfer was sponsored by a charity created by Ron and Lynne DiMenna, of Ron Jon Surf Shop fame. The plate’s proceeds benefit Florida’s beaches.
The Gators take the top spot in Baker and Putnam counties, also, and Endless Summer leads in St. Johns County. In Clay County, the Vets of the U.S. Armed Forces plate is most popular. Nassau County prefers the Helping Sea Turtles Survive option.
On the other hand, some specialty plates are relatively rare. Next time you’re stuck in traffic, here are some of North Florida’s most rare plates to keep your eyes peeled for to help pass the time.