Although the state registration of motor vehicles began in 1906, a curious law enacted effective 1911 required each of Florida's then-48 counties to issue their own series of plates annually to be carried in addition to the state-assigned number. Before the series ended with the 1917 issue, four additional counties were formed—two in 1913 and two more in 1915—and these were likewise effected (two more in 1917 were immune to the law as the 1918 state plate would be issued a few months away). Two types were required: for privately owned cars and those used 'for hire' with these plates differing in shape, size, design, colors, and material depending on county. Only 270 different types have surfaced to date but all are scarce and widely sought by collectors. This book is ring bound and 260 of the so far known different plates are shown in stunning color with information on the number of known survivors for each type. Included are additional plates issued by Florida cities and towns, which somehow got into the act and necessitating some cars to display three different plates. This is a volume which shouldn't be ignored by any serious collector of license plates. Its supply is limited.

• Reviewed by Keith Marvin