TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida has nearly 150 specialty license plates, giving drivers the chance to show off their favorite causes, universities, sports teams, and even Disney World.
On Monday, the Florida Senate voted unanimously on a bill that would provide even more license plate options for state residents.
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The bill — HB 403 — passed through the House by an overwhelming majority last month, so it is set to go before Gov. Ron DeSantis for approval.
That bill directs the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to design plates, some of which include options for plates themed around Universal Orlando or Margaritaville.
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Each plate costs an additional $15 to $25 a year. Part of the proceeds from each plate sold goes to a particular organization associated with the plate.
Several of the plates offered through the legislation would have their annual plate fees directed toward nonprofits across the state.
The full list of license plates offered by the bill is as follows:
- Collegiate (themed around state and independent universities in Florida)
- Funds will go toward corresponding universities as determined by the purchaser.
- “Live the Dream”
- Up to 5% of funds will go toward the King Center as royalty fees for the use of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s image. The remaining funds will be placed into an account within the Historical Resources Operating Trust Fund to support research for abandoned African-American cemeteries.
- “Protect the Eagle”
- Divine Nine
- Only Divine Nine members or their immediate family members are eligible for this license plate.
- “Universal Orlando Resort”
- Funds will be given to the Give Kids The World nonprofit, which seeks to provide “week-long, cost-free vacations to children with critical illnesses and their families.”
- “Margaritaville”
- Funds will be distributed to Singing for Change, which provides grants to nonprofits to help with recovery efforts in areas impacted by disasters.
- “Clearwater Marine Aquarium”
- Funds will be given to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to help rescue marine life, perform research and provide environmental education.
- “Support General Aviation”
- Fees will be given to the Aerospace Center for Excellence in Lakeland to fund student scholarships.
- “The Villages: May All Your Dreams Come True”
- Funds will be given to The Villages Charter School to provide support for its K-12 education.
- “Cure Diabetes”
- Funds will be distributed between the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami, the University of Florida Foundation, and the JDRF International Incorporated to research cures for Type 1 diabetes.
- “Recycle Florida”
- Funds will be given to the Recycle Florida Today Foundation to increase public awareness about the importance of recycling.
- “Boating Capital of the World”
- Funds will be given to Captain Sandy Yawn, Inc., to “increase public awareness of employment opportunities in the maritime industry.”
- “Overdose Awareness”
- Funds will be given to Project Addiction: Reversing the Stigma, Inc., to promote awareness about substance-use disorders.
- “USO” (United Service Organizations)
- Funds will be given to United Service Organizations to support members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.
If signed by DeSantis, the bill will take effect on Oct. 1.
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