Bling out your vehicle with the latest FIU specialty license plate

FIU-loving Panthers in Florida who enjoy wearing their heart on their SUV - or sports car, pickup truck or family sedan – have an updated option for doing just that.

Vehicle owners can demo their school spirit and make a stylish addition to their hot wheels when they act on a very special accessory available now: the redesigned FIU specialty license plate.

The newest iteration of the must-have gives fans the chance to sidestep the standard state-issued plate for something that reflects their pride. Featuring the Panther head against an FIU-blue background, the latest rendition has folks waiting eagerly.

“The minute that it’s possible, I’m getting my new plate,” says alumnus and FIU employee David Roberts MS ’18, who has already gotten plenty of mileage from the current, soon-to-be-outdated version affixed to his Ford Explorer.

A big bonus, Roberts adds: Sporting the oh-so-cool tag while zipping down the road connects him to the thousands of other Panthers prowling Florida’s streets and highways.

“I’m one of those people who when I’m driving to Orlando, I’ll always be on the lookout for someone with the plate,” he says. “And if I see one, I’ll give the other driver a look as I pass and then drive ahead so that he sees that we’re brothers.”

Beyond broadcasting one’s affinity, going in on the metal marker supports the university. The FIU plate costs $25 annually (typically paid for at the same time as one’s annual vehicle registration fee), with proceeds supporting students and academic excellence at Miami's Top 50 Preeminent public research university

The specialty license plate can be purchased online or in person through FIU’s campus parking and transportation office, in person at tag agencies throughout the state and online through the state’s designated vendor.