With a donation of just five dollars, Florida residents can contribute to the protection of manatees and receive a collectible sticker featuring original illustrations of these marine mammals, one of the most iconic animals of the state.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) maintains this voluntary contribution program to fund research, rescues, rehabilitation, and educational activities aimed at the conservation of manatees.
The agency reminded about the initiative during the Manatee Awareness Month, which is celebrated every November, and invited residents to support the protection of the species by using one of its official decals.
In a posting shared on Facebook, FWC showcased several illustrations of manatees with cute expressions, created by graphic specialists from the institution itself.
The agency joked that a manatee emoji is not just something to wish for, but rather something to need, and asked its followers to choose which of the designs they liked best.
The illustrations are part of the creative work that the designers of the FWC carry out each year to prepare the stickers used in their conservation campaigns.
How to get a manatee sticker?
Interested parties can visit a local office of the county's Tax Collector's Office in Florida and make a voluntary donation of five dollars or more to receive the annual sticker.
According to the official program, these decals are distributed through the revenue offices, among other times, during the registration or renewal processes for vehicles and vessels.
The designs are waterproof and can be applied to cars, boats, laptops, reusable bottles, and other items.
The contribution for manatees supports the Save the Manatee Trust Fund, which finances activities aimed at studying and preserving the species.
The FWC also offers stickers dedicated to sea turtles, with donations going to conservation programs for these animals.
The edition for 2026-2027 is titled Rescue, Rehab, Release and commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership.
It is a network comprised of more than 20 organizations that collaborate on the rescue, treatment, release, and monitoring of manatees in Florida.
According to FWC, since 2001 this partnership has rescued over 2,350 manatees. This year's illustration, created by the artist Mike Hunter, includes a satellite tracking device, referring to the monitoring of the animals after their rehabilitation.
The sticker campaign is not new. It officially began during the 1992-1993 vessel registration period and has since been updated with different designs to raise funds and promote the protection of these mammals.
The initiative becomes particularly relevant in November when manatees begin to move to warmer waters to protect themselves from the drop in temperatures.
This Monday, Florida authorities warned about the seasonal movement of manatees and urged caution to boaters to reduce the risk of accidents with vessels.
The FWC explained that when the water temperature falls below 68 degrees Fahrenheit, which is about 20 degrees Celsius, the animals seek refuge in springs, canals, and other places where they find suitable temperatures to survive the winter.
The institution recommends traveling at low speeds in areas where manatees reside, using polarized glasses to spot them underwater, and respecting designated areas for their protection.
It was also reminded that it is forbidden to feed, harass, disturb, or harm these animals, which are protected by state and federal laws.
Those who find an injured, sick, trapped, or endangered manatee can call the FWC's wildlife assistance hotline, available 24/7, at 888-404-3922.
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