Manatee Decals

New decals are designed and created each year in preparation for the manatee Voluntary Contribution Campaign. As these decals help to raise money for manatee recovery around the State of Florida, your contribution to this cause is appreciated.

Now available at Florida Tax Collector offices
2012 - 2013 Decal: Springs Help Florida Manatees Survive

The official manatee Voluntary Contribution Campaign began during the June boat registration period in fiscal year 1992-93. Chapter 327.25 (7), Florida Statutes, states that a registrant who provides a voluntary contribution of $5.00 or more shall be given a sticker or emblem by the tax collector to display, which signifies support for the Save the Manatee Trust Fund. Prior to this time, donations were received under the Manatee Donation Campaign and no decals were issued to show the donor's support.

Current year manatee decals are available at Florida County Tax Offices. These decals are given to individuals who donate $5.00 or more at the time of vessel or vehicle registration. The donations from the manatee decals support manatee research, rehabilitation and educational programs.

FWC has a limited supply of some of the earlier decals. We would like to offer them to individuals who are interested in collecting them. Please indicate the decals you would like to obtain by checking the appropriate area on the order form and sending a check for the number of decals selected. The decals will be sent to you within 4-6 weeks.

Springs Help Florida Manatees Survive

In Florida, freshwater springs historically provided manatees with the warm-water sanctuaries necessary for this species to survive cold weather. In the early 20th century, coastal power plant construction created new warm-water habitats that eventually replaced natural springs as the primary winter destination for manatees in most of Florida. Currently, only about 20 percent of the state’s manatee population depends on natural springs during the winter. Yet during most winters, there are fewer manatee deaths from cold stress where manatees use springs than where manatees use artificial warm-water sites.

Over the next 50 years, many warm-water sites at coastal power plants are expected to be lost due to the industry’s regulatory and technological changes. More manatees will need to rediscover their historic warm-water winter habitats at natural springs. As a result, springs currently used by manatees in the winter will be more critical than ever to long-term recovery of Florida manatees. With your support, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission wants to ensure the long-term health of Florida springs and restore the natural manatee warm-water habitat that also serves people’s needs for water resources and recreation.