Florida residents can make a voluntary donation of $5 or more for a manatee conservation sticker through their county Tax Collector’s Office, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The contributions support the Save the Manatee Trust Fund, which funds research, rescue, rehabilitation and education efforts for the protected marine mammals. Stickers are available through revenue offices, including during vehicle and vessel registration or renewal.
The 2026-27 design, called Rescue, Rehab, Release, marks the 25th anniversary of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership. The network includes more than 20 organizations working on manatee rescue, treatment, release and monitoring in Florida. FWC says the partnership has rescued more than 2,350 manatees since 2001.
Artist Mike Hunter created this year’s illustration, which includes a satellite tracking device to reflect post-rehabilitation monitoring. The waterproof decals can be used on cars, boats, laptops and reusable bottles.
The campaign began during the 1992-93 vessel registration period and is highlighted during November’s Manatee Awareness Month. As water temperatures fall below 68 degrees Fahrenheit, manatees move toward warmer springs, canals and other refuge areas for the winter.
FWC urges boaters to slow down in manatee areas, use polarized glasses to look for animals below the water and follow posted protection zones. Feeding, harassing, disturbing or harming manatees is prohibited under state and federal law. Anyone who finds an injured, sick, trapped or imperiled manatee can call FWC’s 24-hour wildlife assistance hotline at 888-404-3922.
