The Florida Specialty License Plate Program started when the Florida Legislature approved a tag commemorating the space shuttle Challenger, which was introduced in January 1987. Many specialty plates are unique to the Sunshine State, and much of the artwork that decorates them was created by accomplished artists. Some plates are tributes to landmarks, icons, pastimes, social causes and, of course, schools, with Florida Gulf Coast University among 35 state and private colleges and universities with designated plates.
