Vote FHP
The American Association of State Troopers (AAST) announced the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) as the 2024 winner of its annual America’s Best Looking Cruiser Competition.
With the invaluable support of our partners at Space Florida and the crucial assistance from the United Launch Alliance (ULA) and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), FHP was able to secure a photo taken at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex on April 18, 2024, during the final liftoff of the United Launch Alliance(ULA) Delta IV Heavy.
“This year, we took the competition to new heights and were able to showcase Florida’s Space Coast,” said Executive Director Dave Kerner. “I am proud of my team and grateful for the incredible support we have seen from our public safety partners, state leaders, and most importantly, our citizens. Thank you for backing the black and tan.”
“This competition is very important to our troopers, who are truly ambassadors for Florida,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze II. Florida came together for the win, but the real winner is the public that benefits from cooperative law enforcement nationwide working toward public safety. I am incredibly proud of our FHP Family and our Florida law enforcement partners, who truly made it happen back-to-back!”
Rob Long, president and CEO, Space Florida said, “We’re thrilled to see Florida claim victory for the second year in a row and are grateful to the Florida Highway Patrol for their partnership and collaboration. This well-deserved win celebrates our state’s leadership in both public safety and space technology.”
![winning photo of FHP vehicle in front of rocket](https://www.flhsmv.gov/wp-content/uploads/pr-072924-2.jpg)
The competition, which kicked off on July 15, 2024, saw a record 49 states participate. Over the course of two weeks, each state rallied its citizens to cast their votes, making it one of the most engaging contests in its history.
Pre-Orders for the 2025 Calendar begin August 1st, be sure to visit the American Association Of State Troopers website for more information.
Thank you to all who decided to #VoteFHP last year to help take a bite out of the competition! Keep scrolling to read the 2023 post-contest win press release.
![Florida wins AAST Best Looking Cruiser Competition](https://www.flhsmv.gov/wp-content/uploads/pr-073123-1.jpg)
The American Association of State Troopers (AAST) announced the winner of its 2023 America’s Best Looking Cruiser Competition is the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
Final results were tallied at noon and showed Florida Highway Patrol in the top spot with a lead of almost 39,000 votes. In second place was California Highway Patrol, followed by Nevada Highway Patrol, Indiana State Police in fourth, and Kentucky State Police in fifth.
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and FHP used a variety of strategies to engage the community in this year’s competition which ultimately led to an increase in votes and a surge of teamwork felt throughout the state as different law enforcement, state agencies, media organizations, businesses, and public figures came together to raise awareness of the competition and share in the state effort to win first place.
The competition, which began on July 17, 2023, was fierce and, for those following, consisted of many ups and downs, with no clear winner holding the top spot for a significant length of time. Without a clear forerunner, states resorted to playful yet competitive banter and went head-to-head like never before, in fact there were over 1 million votes cast in this competition.
“I am incredibly proud that the Florida Highway Patrol won first place in this year’s competition,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. “I know that the effort displayed by those pushing us toward this victory came from a deep love and respect for the patrol and its history as Florida’s finest.”
“FHP was proud to have participated in this year’s American Association of State Troopers Best Looking Cruiser Contest,” said Colonel Gary Howze, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “It’s gratifying to see the inclusion and enthusiasm for supporting Florida by citizens, other partners, and our FHP members.”
“FHP certainly deserves to be the winner of the Best-Looking Cruiser contest! They went all out with their media platforms, law enforcement partners and engaged the citizens of Florida to all get involved,” said John Bagnardi, Executive Director American Association of State Troopers. “We are very proud to have the Black and Tan on our cover!”
The FHP picture submission was taken by retired FHP Lieutenant Jeff Frost and featured a 2019 Dodge Charger at Gatorland in Orlando and featured a 15-year-old, 8.5 ft long, 180-lb female American alligator named Tamale.
We thank everyone who took the time to vote in this year’s competition and appreciate all the shares and encouragement from individuals statewide. To the other participating states, thank you for stepping up your game and increasing awareness and pride in law enforcement endeavors; we all stand together in our public safety mission.
Video Recap
Previous Year Submissions
![2022 best looking cruiser contest submission](https://www.flhsmv.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022-150x150.jpg)
![2021 best looking cruiser contest submission](https://www.flhsmv.gov/wp-content/uploads/aast-2021-150x150.jpg)
![2020 best looking cruiser contest submission](https://www.flhsmv.gov/wp-content/uploads/aast-2020-150x150.jpg)
![2019 best looking cruiser contest submission](https://www.flhsmv.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019-BLC-150x150.jpg)
![2018 best looking cruiser contest submission](https://www.flhsmv.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018-BLC-150x150.jpg)
![2017 best looking cruiser contest submission](https://www.flhsmv.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017-150x150.jpg)
![2015 best looking cruiser contest submission](https://www.flhsmv.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016-150x150.jpg)
![2015 best looking cruiser contest submission](https://www.flhsmv.gov/wp-content/uploads/aast-2015-150x150.jpg)
Dave Kerner, Executive Director