Florida Launches “Florida Stands with Israel” License Plate, Deepening Ties Between Sunshine State and Jewish Homeland

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a powerful show of solidarity and community-driven purpose, the Israeli-American Council (IAC) and Hatzalah South Florida (HSF) have announced the official statewide release of the “Florida Stands with Israel” (FSWI) specialty license plate. Now available at all 67 Florida county tax collector offices and more than 300 Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) distribution locations, this license plate initiative is being hailed as both a symbol of unity and a vehicle for life-saving support.

The project, which began as a grassroots effort in 2020, has now reached a significant milestone, reflecting what organizers call Florida’s “unwavering support for Israel” and the deeply rooted partnership between the Jewish and Christian communities in the state.

According to FSWI Spokesperson and Marketing Director Michael Ackerman, the plate is expected to generate widespread interest across Florida’s diverse population. “With 700,000 Jewish residents and 2.7 million Evangelical Christians in Florida,” Ackerman said, “we see the potential for over 300,000 motorists to display their support by acquiring the FSWI specialty license plate. This plate is more than just a symbol—it strengthens the bond between Florida and Israel.”

The plate features design elements that visually express this connection, serving as a rolling declaration of support for the U.S.-Israel alliance, Jewish heritage, and shared democratic values.

While the plate is a visible expression of solidarity, its impact goes far beyond symbolism. The $25 plate fee will directly benefit Hatzalah South Florida (HSFEMS) — an all-volunteer, rapid-response emergency medical service composed of more than 350 trained paramedics and EMTs. The funds raised will bolster Hatzalah’s efforts to reduce emergency response times and improve survival outcomes in critical care situations.

“This plate represents both solidarity and life-saving action,” emphasized HSF Executive Director Andre Roitman. “Every time someone purchases this plate, they’re not only showing their support for Israel — they’re helping to save lives right here in South Florida.”

HSF is widely recognized for its rapid deployment capabilities, often arriving within minutes at emergency scenes in Jewish neighborhoods and other high-density areas of South Florida. The funding from license plate purchases will help expand coverage, train more volunteers, and maintain essential equipment used in daily emergencies.

To commemorate the license plate’s launch, the IAC and HSF have unveiled a Florida Stands with Israel branded pace car, which will make appearances at community events across the state. Wrapped in vibrant blue and white with the plate prominently displayed, the car serves as a mobile symbol of unity, faith, and purpose.

Community members and event organizers interested in booking the FSWI pace car can send requests to info@floridastandswithisrael.org, including event venue, date, expected attendance, website, and contact details. The organizers hope to bring this visual representation of support to synagogues, schools, charity galas, sports events, and patriotic parades.

The initiative has received strong backing from Governor Ron DeSantis, whose support was crucial in advancing the legislative and administrative groundwork required for specialty plate approval. Long a staunch ally of the Jewish community and Israel, DeSantis has led multiple pro-Israel initiatives in Florida, including legislation to combat antisemitism on campuses and official recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

Supporters of the initiative are encouraged to express gratitude to the governor by emailing GovernorRon.DeSantis@eog.myflorida.com or visiting the official “Florida Stands with Israel” campaign site.

Floridians wishing to proudly display the FSWI plate can now do so by visiting their local county tax collector office, any FLHSMV service center, or by ordering directly through the official site:

 www.floridastandswithisrael.org and clicking the ORDER NOW button.

Whether you are motivated by faith, cultural identity, geopolitical concern, or public service, the Florida Stands with Israel plate offers a rare opportunity to drive with purpose — turning an everyday action into a profound statement.

For more information and to stay updated on events, visit www.floridastandswithisrael.org.