The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has introduced its 2025-26 decals for Florida manatees and sea turtles. These waterproof decals, featuring original artwork, are suitable for vehicle bumpers, watercraft, water bottles, coolers, tackle boxes, and laptops.
Starting July 1 each year, new decals become available for a $5 donation at local tax collector’s offices. The funds support research, rescue, and management efforts for these species in Florida.
This year’s designs emphasize best practices for protecting these animals while enjoying Florida’s waterways and beaches:
“Manatee Manners” encourages individuals to maintain distance from manatees in shared aquatic habitats by being cautious near seagrass beds and warm-water refuges. It advises against approaching or feeding manatees to ensure safety for both the animals and waterway users.
“Protect Florida Sea Turtles: Give Them Space” focuses on the endangered Kemp’s ridley turtle. Despite infrequent nesting in Florida, a record 34 nests were confirmed in 2024. The decal highlights the importance of giving space to all sea turtles and suggests removing beach equipment and trash before sundown while keeping beaches dark at night to aid safe navigation for adult and hatchling sea turtles.
Support can also be shown by purchasing “Save the Manatee” or “Helping Sea Turtles Survive” specialty license plates from local tax collector’s offices.
The FWC urges reporting of dead, injured, sick or entangled manatees or sea turtles through their Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
For further details on conservation efforts or past decals (1992-2024), visit MyFWC.com/Manatee or MyFWC.com/SeaTurtle.
