DeSantis Greenlights UFC, Colleges in Florida's New License Plates

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis on April 11 signed Senate Bill 246, approving eight new specialty license plates that tap into Florida's passion for sports, education and service. The plates honor the Ultimate Fighting Championship, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, Miami Dade College, Florida Film Legacy, St. Petersburg College, Miami Northwestern Alumni Association and Christopher Columbus High School in Miami. The law takes effect Oct. 1, kicking off a presale process managed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motorist Services.

Organizations have 60 days from Oct. 1 to submit artwork to the Division of Motorist Services, which will develop designs meeting state specs: 12 inches by 6 inches, with black, blue, green, red or white characters ensuring readability day and night. Each group must hit 3,000 presale vouchers within two years for production; failure means deauthorization and refunds. Plates risk cancellation if sales dip below 3,000 for 12 straight months. The bill also mandates five-year revenue projections from beneficiaries and adds an 'Endless Summer' motorcycle plate.

Funds will fuel targeted causes: St. Petersburg College plates support scholarships via its foundation, with 'St. Petersburg College' printed at the bottom; First Responders Resiliency aids mental health for firefighters and police. Florida's program boasts 132 authorized plates, 14 in presale, and 2,369,857 special tags on roads as of April 1. Top sellers like Helping Sea Turtles Survive (113,962) and University of Florida (93,439) show demand, with plates costing drivers an extra $15-$25 atop registration fees.