Florida HSMV Form 83081 – Press (PRES) License Plate Guide – Florida offers a special Press (PRES) license plate reserved exclusively for qualified members of the press and employees of the reporting media. The official application form is HSMV Form 83081, issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). This guide explains eligibility, required documents, the application process, fees, and how to submit Form 83081 correctly for U.S. residents, particularly those in Florida.
What Is a Florida Press (PRES) License Plate?
Under Section 320.0805(8)(a)(3), Florida Statutes, plates consisting of the four capital letters “PRES” preceded or followed by a hyphen and numerals from 1 to 999 are reserved only for applicants who qualify as members of the press and who are associated with or employed by the reporting media.
These personalized prestige plates help identify vehicles used by journalists, reporters, photographers, and other media professionals while gathering news. They follow the same size, material, and design standards as other Florida personalized plates but carry the distinctive PRES designation.
Who Qualifies for a Press (PRES) License Plate?
Eligibility is limited to individuals who can certify under penalty of perjury that they are:
- Members of the press, and
- Associated with or employees of the reporting media (such as newspapers, radio stations, or television stations).
The applicant must complete the certification section on Form 83081 and provide the name of their newspaper, radio, or TV station. False certification can result in penalties under Florida law.
Download Florida HSMV Form 83081
The official Application for a Press (PRES) License Plate is available as a free PDF from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Download HSMV Form 83081 (PDF)
Always obtain the form directly from the official FLHSMV website to ensure you are using the current version (currently revised 10/11).
Required Documents for Form 83081
According to FLHSMV Motor Vehicle Procedure RS-13, applicants must submit the following when applying at a county license plate agency:
- Completed Form HSMV 83081 – Accurately filled out and signed, including the press certification and up to three preferred plate number choices (each with up to three numbers after PRES).
- Proof of vehicle ownership – One of the following:
- Copy of the current Florida Vehicle Registration Certificate
- Copy of the Florida Certificate of Title
- Copy of a title receipt (HSMV 82041) showing a Florida title has been applied for
- Proof of Florida insurance – Valid Florida insurance meeting state minimum requirements (refer to FLHSMV Procedure RS-36).
PRES license plates may only be ordered through a county license plate agent or tax collector’s office.
How to Complete and Submit HSMV Form 83081?
- Download and print the official form from the FLHSMV website.
- Fill in applicant and vehicle information accurately (name, address, vehicle make, year, color, weight, VIN, title number, current plate/decal if applicable).
- Complete the Press License Plate Certification section, including the name of your media organization and your signature under penalty of perjury.
- List up to three preferred combinations (e.g., PRES-123, PRES-45, PRES-999). Each choice may include up to three numbers.
- Gather the required supporting documents (proof of ownership and insurance).
- Submit the completed package in person to your local county tax collector’s office or license plate agency. Find locations at www.flhsmv.gov/offices/.
Mail-in options may be available in some counties—confirm with your local office. Appointments are often recommended or required.
Fees for a Press (PRES) License Plate
Fees include the regular vehicle registration tax based on vehicle type and weight, plus personalized plate fees. Typical components are:
- Regular license tax (per Florida Statutes and class codes)
- Prestige plate annual use fee ($10)
- Processing fee ($5)
- Original license plate fee
- Decal-on-demand fee (if applicable)
- Service fees (may include branch office fees)
Exact amounts vary by vehicle and county. Contact your local tax collector’s office or license plate agency for current fee information before applying. Renewals and transfers of PRES plates can also be handled at the county level.
Important Tips and Additional Information
- PRES plates are a type of personalized prestige plate and are subject to the same general rules under Florida Statute 320.0805.
- Availability of specific number combinations is limited (1–999). Provide multiple choices on the form.
- If your employment or association with the reporting media ends, you may be required to surrender the plate.
- Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.
- For the most current procedures, refer to the official FLHSMV Motor Vehicle Procedures Manual (RS-13 Legislative and Press License Plates).