Florida Antique and Horseless Carriage License Plates: Rules for Classic Car Owners

A classic car in Florida can wear a regular plate, but the state also offers special plates for older vehicles (s. 320.086). Each one has its own age rule, renewal rule and, in some cases, limits on how the car may be used. Here is how they differ.

Horseless Carriage: model year 1945 or earlier

Cars, trucks and motorcycles for private use built in 1945 or earlier can get a Horseless Carriage plate. It is permanent: no renewal as long as the vehicle stays with the same owner, according to FLHSMV’s procedure manual (RS-25). This plate is issued by FLHSMV itself, not your local tax collector. You mail form HSMV 83045 with a copy of your Florida title or registration and proof of insurance, and a department employee calls you to finish processing (HSMV 83045).

Antique: 30 years or older

A vehicle from a model year after 1945 that is 30 years or older can get an Antique plate. This plate is renewed every year through your county tax collector or license plate agency, and form 83045 is not needed for it (RS-25). If you prefer, you may keep a regular or specialty Florida plate instead.

Permanent plates for show vehicles only

A permanent Horseless Carriage or Antique plate is also available for firefighting apparatus, former military vehicles and other historical vehicles 30 years or older that are used only in exhibitions, parades or public display. FLHSMV is clear that this option does not apply to a car driven on a daily basis. A former military vehicle may skip displaying the plate if that is needed to keep its markings accurate, but the plate and registration must be carried inside it.

A plate from the car’s own year

Owners of older models can ask to use an original Florida plate that matches the car’s model year as a personalized plate. The statute sets the cutoff at model year 1974 or earlier. The plate must be the same year as the vehicle and may be refurbished if it stays historically correct and readable. It is renewed every year and, being one of a kind, cannot be replaced if stolen or damaged (RS-25).

Street rods and custom vehicles are different

A modified car falls under other plates. A street rod is a model year 1948 or older (or built to resemble one) and altered from the original design. A custom vehicle is a model year after 1948, at least 25 years old, and altered. Both need an inspection at an FLHSMV regional office and a title brand, and on the application the owner certifies the vehicle will be used for exhibition, not general transportation (HSMV 83045).

Insurance comes first

FLHSMV requires proof of Florida insurance for these plates (TL-72). A registered vehicle with four or more wheels needs at least $10,000 of PIP and $10,000 of property damage liability, and the coverage must stay continuous even when the car is not driven. If you put the car away and want to cancel the policy, surrender the plate first (FLHSMV).

One more practical point: how you describe the car’s use on a plate application (for example, exhibition only) should match how you describe it to your insurer. Our classic car insurance page explains how collector policies handle value and mileage, and our guide to uninsured motorist coverage covers what happens if a driver without insurance hits your car.