Florida Freedom Boater Decals

IMPORTANT UPDATE: The 2025 Florida Legislature passed SB 1388 – Vessels – directing FLHSMV to issue a Florida Freedom Boater Safety inspection decal, upon the original registration, renewal, or transfer of vessel ownership.  The customer must submit an attestation signifying that the vessel is deemed to have met the safety equipment carriage and use requirements.

Effective July 1, 2025 customers may request a Florida Freedom Boater Safety inspection decal by submitting completed form HSMV 87191 – Vessel Safety Equipment Attestation.  All offices can begin taking decal orders immediately and FLHSMV will fulfill these requests as soon as the decals are available.  FLHSMV anticipates delivery of the new decals within the next 6 to 8 weeks. 

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission has compiled a list of FAQs to assist. You can read them here

Phishing Scam Alert

Beware of Scam Text Messages

LEE COUNTY, Fla. (May 23, 2025) – Local residents are urged to be cautious of scam text messages. Recent messages include scammers claiming to be from toll agencies like SunPass. Messages stating licenses will be suspended if fines not paid are also circulating and include links that have FLHSMV in the URL. These fraudulent messages typically warn of unpaid tolls and traffic tickets and prompt recipients to click a link or make an immediate payment. Do not click any links or respond to these messages.

The Florida Department of Transportation and SunPass have issued a statement reinforcing that SunPass does not ask customers via text to make a payment or take immediate action on their account. If SunPass needs to contact its customers, the communication will appear through official channels.
Email: [email protected] or [email protected] 
Text: 786727 

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles also issued warnings that will never contact customers via text messages demanding payments or threatening suspensions. 

Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated methods to trick drivers into sharing personal and financial information. These messages may look official, but they are not connected with SunPass or FLHSMV.

Residents should:

  • Delete suspicious messages immediately.

  • Avoid clicking links or calling numbers in unsolicited texts.

  • Access their SunPass account only through the official website (www.sunpass.com) or the official app.

  • Access their MyDMV portal via FLHSMV’s website or app. 

If you’ve received a suspicious message or believe you’ve been targeted, it’s recommended to report the message to Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.

Always take a moment to double check before you respond. When in doubt, don’t click.

STUDENTS HONORED FOR AWARD-WINNING DESIGNS

creative excellence celebrated at kids tag art awards

Decorative license plate with colorful text

LEE COUNTY, Fla. (March 28, 2025) – The Lee County Tax Collector and the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools honored 91 fifth-grade students with Awards of Distinction for their outstanding creativity in the annual Kids Tag Art program. The celebration of young artists, held at Cypress Lake High School, recognized student achievements and provided critical funding to support elementary art classrooms across the district.

The program’s continued success resulted in 45 elementary art teachers receiving $600 each to enhance their classrooms. Since its inception in 2016, Kids Tag Art has raised over $291,000 for local elementary art programs.

“This program is about helping students to see how creativity connects to real-world opportunities,” said Noelle Branning, Lee County Tax Collector. “Through their designs, these students learn that their artistic talents can make an impact, and we’re proud to support both them and their teachers.”

Kids Tag Art is a program where fifth-grade students design a decorative, front-end license plate. The inspiration comes from Florida’s selection of 100 specialty plate options that fund important causes like education, environmental conservation, and health initiatives.

“Kids Tag Art is a perfect example of how partnerships can strengthen education,” said Marshall Bower, President & CEO of the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. “This initiative connects students, teachers, businesses, and the community to ensure the arts remain a vital part of a student’s education.”

In addition to the Awards of Distinction, four students received special recognition for their themed designs:

  • Suncoast Credit Union’s Florida Explorer Award Celina Dominguez, Trafalgar Elementary School
  • School District of Lee County’s School Spirit Award Giovanni Rivera, Patriot Elementary School
  • Foundation for Lee County Public Schools’ Community Heroes Award Adrian Castillo, Trafalgar Elementary School
  • Tax Collector’s Choice AwardAdriana Valdez, Allen Park Elementary School

Additionally, Michele Sipos from San Carlos Park Elementary received the Teacher’s Tag Art Award, recognizing her unique plate design and dedication to arts education.

This year, more than 4,000 students participated in the Kids Tag Art program. The public can view and purchase student artwork at LeeTC.com/2024-25schools, with proceeds continuing to support elementary art education in Lee County.

The event was made possible by generous sponsors, including Suncoast Credit Union, The Community Foundation, Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands, Grant Street Group, Lee County Electric Co-Op (LCEC), JP Morgan, and D-Print.

For more details about the ceremony head to the Foundation for Lee County Public School’s website.

April is National Donate Life Month

This annual observance features an entire month of local, regional and national activities to help encourage individuals to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to celebrate those that have saved lives through the gift of donation.

County tax collector offices provide many services to the community, including the issuance of driver licenses and identification cards, at which time customers are asked the powerful, lifesaving question, “Would you like to register to be an organ and tissue donor?” More than 90 percent of the over 12 million Floridians who have already registered as a donor, did so at their local tax collector office.

During April, Donate Life Florida, the state’s alliance of all organ, eye and tissue donor programs, will partner with county tax collectors across the state, including us, to encourage even more customers to register on Florida’s organ, tissue and eye donor registry – to Save Lives. Say Yes!

Of the more than 100,000 patients currently listed on the national transplant waiting list, approximately 4,900 live here in Florida. And many more will benefit from tissue and cornea donation. Individuals can register during their appointment with us or by visiting Donate Life Florida.

Lee Clerk waives 25% collection fee on overdue traffic tickets during Operation Green Light

Collection fees will not be charged March 13-24

Drivers with a suspended license or overdue traffic tickets may be eligible to get back on the road through the Lee County Clerk’s annual Operation Green Light event March 13-24. Anyone with cases in collections will be allowed to pay their court fees and fines without getting charged the 25% collection surcharge.

The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at both Clerk locations in downtown Fort Myers and Cape Coral. Special extended hours will be held from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, March 17 and 24 at the downtown Fort Myers office.

“Since 2020, this event has saved customers nearly $2.5 million in collection fees, and more than 2,500 people became eligible to get their licenses back,” said Kevin Karnes, Lee County Clerk of the Court & Comptroller. “Operation Green Light is the perfect opportunity for citizens to save money and get back behind the wheel.”

To take advantage of the offer, visit the Lee Clerk’s office at the downtown Fort Myers Justice Center or call 239-533-5000. Customers can also save time by scheduling an appointment online at leeclerk.com/appointment.

“Once drivers are in compliance with the courts, they can conveniently apply to have their licenses reinstated right at the Justice Center or Cape Coral branch,” said Noelle Branning, Lee County Tax Collector. “We are proud to partner with the Clerk’s office to offer our citizens the ability to get back on the road.”

Traffic tickets must be paid in full, but customers may enter into an affordable monthly payment plan for criminal court fees.

Customers can pay their court fees and fines to the Clerk in cash, cashier’s check, money order or credit card. Additional fees to the Tax Collector are required to reinstate a driver license. Payments by credit card are subject to a transaction fee. The Justice Center is located at 2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Fort Myers. The Cape Coral branch is located at 1039 SE 9th Place, 2nd Floor.

2022 Industry Appreciation Award Winners recognized by the Horizon Council, Lee County Economic Development and the Horizon Foundation

Congratulations to all the 2022 Industry Appreciation Award Winners who were recognized by the Horizon Council, Lee County Economic Development, and the Horizon Foundation. A special shoutout to Vectra Digital which won the Technology Award and partnered with us to redesign our website LEETC.com! It was wonderful to celebrate the industry leaders in Lee County.

Tax Collector Noelle Branning with Board of County Commissioners Ray Sandelli and Cecil Pendergrass
Tax Collector Noelle Branning with Christine Brady, Assistant County Manager
IAA Award Stage
Vectra Digital winning the Technology Award.

LCTC partners with local agency for Saturday hours

First Lee Tag Agency, an agent operating under the authority of the Lee County Tax Collector, is open to customers on Saturdays. Hours are from 9am to noon and no appointment is necessary.

First Lee Tag Agency is located at Grand Bay Plaza, 18990 South Tamiami Trail Suite 5, Fort Myers and offers limited services, including:

  • Fast Title Services
    – Initial Florida Title
    – Out of State Title Transfers
  • Vehicle Registration
    – Application
    – Renewal
  • Disabled Parking Permits
  • Specialty Plates
  • Dealer Services

FLTA does NOT offer Driver License services.

In addition to the Saturday hours, First Lee Tag Agency offers extended hours to Lee County residents during the week. First Lee Tag Agency is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5:30pm. No appointments are needed.

For more information, please visit FLTA’s website by clicking here.

About Noelle Branning, Lee County Tax Collector

Noelle Branning is dedicated to serving the citizens of Lee County by providing exceptional service, financial transparency, and innovation. Under her leadership, the Lee County Tax Collector’s Office manages a variety of online services like renewing vehicle and vessel registrations and paying property taxes, tangible property taxes, tax certificates, and business taxes. For more information, visit www.leetc.com or follow Noelle Branning, Lee County Tax Collector on social media.

Tax Warrants

Tax warrants will be issued against the delinquent taxpayers on unpaid tangible personal property tax accounts providing for the levy upon, seizure and sale of tangible personal property to satisfy the delinquent taxes, plus costs, interest, attorney’s fees, and other charges.

FLHSMV Changes Requirements for Obtaining Commercial Learners Permit or Commercial Driver License

Starting June 1, 2022, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) will require applicants for a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) or Commercial Driver License (CDL) to provide two acceptable proofs of residential address listing their own name.

A CDL allows a driver to:

Operate a vehicle that has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 Ibs. or more for commercial use
Transport Hazardous Materials
Operate a vehicle designed to carry more than 15 passengers

Applicants will be required to provide one document from List A and one document from List B, shown below. Current CLP or CDL holders who are requesting a renewal or replacement license must also abide by this requirement, regardless of any prior proof of address provided.

LIST A

  • A recent lease or rental agreement for the residence with a term of 6 months or greater
  • Current Florida voter registration card
  • Florida vehicle registration or title
  • Florida vessel registration or title
  • Current homeowner’s insurance policy or bill
  • Current electricity or water bill
  • Recent cellular or landline telephone bill
  • Recent internet service provider bill
  • Latest property tax bill

LIST B

  • Latest W-2 or 1099 form
  • Recent bank statement
  • Recent credit card statement
  • Latest military orders
  • Recent pay stub
  • Recent official government documents

All documents MUST BE IN THE APPLICANTS NAME. If unable to provide an acceptable document from List A, applicant must provide a Declaration of Domicile filed with the Lee Clerk of Court AND one document from List B.

The Lee County Tax Collector is an independent Constitutional Officer who serves as an agent to the FLHSMV and as such, must abide by its rules and policies.

About Noelle Branning, Lee County Tax Collector

Noelle Branning is dedicated to serving the citizens of Lee County by providing exceptional service, financial transparency, and innovation. Under her leadership, the Lee County Tax Collector’s Office manages a variety of online services like renewing vehicle and vessel registrations and paying property taxes, tangible property taxes, tax certificates, and business taxes. For more information, visit www.leetc.com or follow Noelle Branning, Lee County Tax Collector on social media.

Contact:
Communications
[email protected]
239-533-6046

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