Florida HSMV Form 83109 Legislative License Plate Guide – Florida offers special prestige license plates to current and certain former members of the state legislature, the U.S. Congress, and designated legislative leaders under Florida Statutes Section 320.0807. The official application form for these plates is HSMV Form 83109 – Application for Legislative License Plate, issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
This comprehensive guide explains eligibility, required documents, fees, the application process, and where to submit Form 83109. All information is based on official FLHSMV procedures and Florida law.
What Is Florida HSMV Form 83109?
HSMV Form 83109 is the official application used exclusively by the FLHSMV Office of Legislative Affairs to issue legislative and retired legislative license plates. These plates feature special designations such as “Official House,” “Official Senate,” “House Speaker,” “Senate President,” “Retired House,” or “Retired Senate.”
Unlike standard or specialty plates, legislative plates cannot be obtained at local tax collector offices or license plate agencies. Only the FLHSMV Office of Legislative Affairs processes the initial issuance of these plates.
Download the official form here: Florida HSMV Form 83109 PDF
Who Is Eligible for a Legislative License Plate?
Eligibility is strictly defined by Florida Statutes Section 320.0807:
- Current members of the Florida House of Representatives or Florida Senate
- Current or former Presidents of the Florida Senate
- Current or former Speakers of the Florida House of Representatives
- Current members of the U.S. House of Representatives or U.S. Senate representing Florida
- Retired (former) members of the Florida Legislature who meet specific service requirements
For retired legislative plates, applicants must have served at least four years as a state senator or state representative, with at least two of those years served prior to January 1, 2021.
Businesses owned by the legislative member, immediate family members, or dependent children may also qualify for active legislative plates (this does not apply to retired plates).
Available Legislative License Plate Types
Form 83109 allows applicants to select from the following plate designations:
- Official Congress
- Official House
- Official Senate
- Senate President
- House Speaker
- Retired House
- Retired Senate
Each plate allows up to four characters (letters, numbers, or dashes) on the right side of the plate, with the official graphic design on the left. Applicants may list up to five preferred configurations in order of preference.
Required Documents for Form 83109
When submitting HSMV Form 83109, include the following:
- A completed and signed HSMV Form 83109
- Copy of the current Florida vehicle registration certificate or Florida Certificate of Title (or title receipt HSMV 82041 if a title has been applied for)
- Proof of Florida insurance showing Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage (insurance card, policy, binder, certificate, or affidavit)
- Applicable fees (payable to the Division of Motorist Services)
An application must be completed for each vehicle.
Fees for Legislative License Plates
Fees are governed by Florida Statutes Section 320.0805. Contact the Office of Legislative Affairs for the exact amount due, as fees can vary.
For retired legislative plates, an additional one-time fee of $500 applies:
- $450 is distributed to the Florida Historic Capitol Museum’s direct-support organization
- $50 is deposited into the Highway Safety Operating Trust Fund
Always verify current fees by contacting the Office of Legislative Affairs before submitting payment.
How to Complete and Submit HSMV Form 83109?
Follow these steps carefully:
- Download the official form: HSMV Form 83109 (PDF)
- Fill in the legislator’s name, district number, and select the appropriate plate type
- Complete the Owner/Applicant Identification section (name, date of birth, address, email, Florida driver license or ID number)
- Enter vehicle information (title number, current plate number, VIN, make, year, color, and vehicle type)
- List up to five preferred four-character plate configurations
- Gather the required supporting documents and fees
- Submit the application only to the Office of Legislative Affairs (do not take it to a local tax collector)
Submission options:
- Mail: Office of Legislative Affairs, MS# 01, 2900 Apalachee Parkway, Neil Kirkman Building, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0500
- Fax: 850-617-5207
- Email: [email protected]
Processing and delivery typically take four to six weeks.
Important Rules After Issuance
Once the legislative plate is issued:
- Local tax collector offices or license plate agencies can process renewals and transfers
- When an elected official leaves office, the prestige plate must be surrendered and replaced with a standard, specialty, or special plate within 30 days
- Displaying a prestige plate after leaving office without obtaining a replacement is a second-degree misdemeanor
- Replacement legislative plates must be processed by FLHSMV (not local offices)
Contact Information for Assistance
For questions about Form 83109, eligibility, or fees, contact the FLHSMV Office of Legislative Affairs:
- Phone: 850-617-3195
- Email: [email protected]
Official resources:
- Download HSMV Form 83109
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
- Florida Statutes Section 320.0807
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a legislative plate at my local tax collector’s office?
No. Initial issuance is handled exclusively by the FLHSMV Office of Legislative Affairs.
How many characters can I put on a legislative plate?
Up to four characters (letters, numbers, or dashes).
Do retired legislators pay an extra fee?
Yes. A one-time $500 fee applies in addition to standard plate fees.
How long does it take to receive the plate?
Allow four to six weeks for manufacturing and delivery.
What happens when a legislator leaves office?
The prestige plate must be surrendered, and a replacement plate obtained within 30 days.