All annual passes start the first day you go through the turnstiles with them.
From the website ... Florida Resident entitles one (1) guest admission to BOTH Universal Studios Florida™ and Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ theme parks for a one (1) year period beginning and including the first day this pass is used
Just purchased 2 Silver Annual Passes for my husband and myself. Since we are staying for a week in January, its is well worth it.
Free admission to any park with certain black out dates (mostly holidays and June and July - which we would not go anyway).
Free parking which is normally $25 a day which will save us $200 alone.
20% off dining - a huge saving
20% off merchandise - a win-win for us.