Florida HSMV Form 83020 – Front End License Plates – Florida residents who serve as public safety officers can obtain a special front-end license plate under Florida HSMV Form 83020 – Application for Front End License Plates. These plates are issued exclusively by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and are authorized by Florida Statute 320.0898.
Unlike standard Florida license plates (which are required only on the rear of most vehicles), these special plates are designed specifically for display on the front of a motor vehicle owned by eligible emergency service personnel.
What Is Florida HSMV Form 83020?
Form HSMV 83020 is the official application used to request a Front End Emergency Service License Plate. The form was last revised in December 2024 (Rev. 12/24). It allows qualified applicants to request one of four types of front-end plates:
- Emergency Medical Services (Certified EMT or Paramedic)
- Firefighter
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Emergency Management Personnel (Civil Defense)
You can download the official form directly from the FLHSMV website:
Download Florida HSMV Form 83020 (PDF)
Who Is Eligible for a Florida Front End License Plate?
Eligibility is strictly limited to active public safety officers. According to Florida Statute 320.0898 and FLHSMV Procedure RS-32, applicants must provide specific proof depending on their category:
- Emergency Medical Services (EMT or Paramedic): A copy of current certification under Florida Statute Chapter 401. The applicant must be actively serving with a licensed emergency medical or rescue service or a hospital emergency department.
- Firefighter: A letter from a supervisor confirming the applicant is currently a member of a fire department and actively engages in firefighting (includes volunteer fire departments).
- Law Enforcement Officer: A letter from a supervisor stating the applicant is currently an active law enforcement officer as defined in Florida Statute Chapter 943.
- Emergency Management Personnel: A letter from a supervisor confirming the applicant is currently active emergency management personnel of the civil defense as specified in Florida Statute Chapter 252.
Fees for Florida Front End License Plates
As listed on the current Form HSMV 83020 (Rev. 12/24), the total fee is $10.70. This includes:
- $5.00 license plate fee
- $5.70 license plate mail fee
Payment must accompany the completed application. The plates are permanent while the recipient remains eligible.
How to Apply for Florida HSMV Form 83020?
Applications cannot be processed at local tax collector offices or license plate agencies. All original and replacement requests must be mailed directly to FLHSMV in Tallahassee.
- Download and complete Form HSMV 83020.
- Select the appropriate plate type in Section 2 and attach the required supporting documentation.
- Include a check or money order for $10.70 payable as directed by FLHSMV.
- Mail the complete package to:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS #72
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
The Division of Motorist Services processes these plates. Allow sufficient time for review and mailing.
Design of Florida Front End Emergency Service Plates
Florida Statute 320.0898 specifies the official designs:
- EMS (EMT/Paramedic): White background with orange letters and the designation “EMS”
- Firefighter: White background with red letters, the designation “F.D.”, and a Maltese cross
- Law Enforcement Officer: White background with blue letters and the designation “P.O.”
- Emergency Management Personnel: White background with red letters, the designation “CD”, and the civil defense logo
Important Rules and Restrictions
- These plates may be displayed only on the front of a motor vehicle owned by the eligible applicant.
- They are not assigned to a specific vehicle and may be transferred between vehicles owned by the same person.
- One or more plates may be issued to an authorized individual.
- If the recipient becomes disassociated from the qualifying service or organization, the plate must be returned to FLHSMV within 10 days.
- Willfully or fraudulently obtaining a special plate is a second-degree misdemeanor under Florida Statutes 775.082 or 775.083.
Replacement of Front End License Plates
Lost, stolen, or damaged front-end plates can be replaced by submitting a new Form HSMV 83020 with the required documentation and fees. FLHSMV does not issue free replacements for these specialty plates.
Official Sources and Additional Resources
- Official Form HSMV 83020 (PDF)
- FLHSMV Procedure RS-32 – Front End Emergency Service License Plates
- Florida Statute 320.0898 – Emergency Service Special Registration Plates
- FLHSMV Forms Directory
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a front-end plate if I am retired?
No. The plate remains valid only while the recipient is actively engaged in the qualifying service.
Do I need a front plate on my personal vehicle in Florida?
No. Florida requires only a rear license plate for most private passenger vehicles. The Form 83020 plate is optional and available solely to eligible public safety officers.
Can the plate be personalized?
No. These are fixed-design specialty plates issued under specific statutory authority.
Where can I verify the most current form and fees?
Always download the latest version directly from the official FLHSMV website, as fees and requirements can be updated.