This document does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill sponsor or House of Representatives.
STORAGE NAME: h0403z.DOCX
DATE: 3/13/2024
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES STAFF FINAL BILL ANALYSIS
BILL #: CS/CS/HB 403 Specialty License Plates
SPONSOR(S): Infrastructure Strategies Committee, Transportation & Modals Subcommittee, Chaney and
others
TIED BILLS: IDEN./SIM. BILLS: CS/CS/SB 434
FINAL HOUSE FLOOR ACTION: 108 Y’s
6 N’s GOVERNOR’S ACTION: Pending
SUMMARY ANALYSIS
CS/CS/HB 403 passed the House on February 22, 2024, as amended, and subsequently passed the Senate
on March 4, 2024. The bill includes portions of HB 105, CS/HB 121, HB 407, HB 645, HB 733, CS/HB 911, and
CS/HB 1671.
Currently, there are 113 specialty license plates available for sale and an additional 30 in presale. Specialty
license plates are available to the owner or lessee of any motor vehicle who is willing to pay an annual use fee,
in addition to the required license tax and fees. The collected fees are distributed by the Department of
Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to statutorily-designated organizations in support of a particular
cause or charity.
The bill:
Exempts Florida collegiate license plates from the presale voucher requirement and the annual
discontinuation process for specialty license plates;
Allows discontinued collegiate license plates to be reauthorized by DHSMV;
Revises the distribution of proceeds from the Live the Dream License Plate;
Replaces the phrase “In God We Trust” with “Protect the Eagle” on the bottom of the American Eagle
License Plate design;
Expands eligibility for issuance of the Divine Nine license plates; and
Renames the Give Kids The World License Plate to establish the Universal Orlando Resort License
Plate.
The bill also creates the following new specialty license plates with an annual use fee of $25:
Margaritaville
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
General Aviation
The Villages: May All Your Dreams Come True
Cure Diabetes
Recycle Florida
Boating Capital of the World
Project Addiction: Reversing the Stigma
United Service Organizations (USO)
The bill will have an indeterminate fiscal impact on the state, local governments, and the private sector.
Subject to the Governor’s veto powers, the effective date of this bill is October 1, 2024.
STORAGE NAME: h0403z.DOCX PAGE: 2
DATE: 3/13/2024
I. SUBSTANTIVE INFORMATION
A. EFFECT OF CHANGES:
Background: Specialty License Plates Generally
Currently, there are 113 specialty license plates available for sale and an additional 30 in presale.
1
Specialty license plates are available to the owner or lessee of any motor vehicle who is willing to pay
an annual use fee, in addition to the required license tax and fees.
2
The annual use fees range from
$15 to $25,
3
and are distributed directly to the sponsoring organization or other entity as designated in
statute.
4
In order to establish a specialty license plate, an organization must first receive approval by law. Once
this approval has been granted, the organization has 60 days to submit the proposed art design for the
specialty license plate to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
5
Within 120
days of the specialty license plate becoming law, DHSMV must establish a method to issue presale
vouchers for the specialty license plate. The applicant for a specialty license plate pays a $5 processing
fee
6
, a $2.50 service charge, a $.50 branch fee
7
, and the annual use fee.
8
All other applicable fees are
paid at the time of issuance of the specialty license plate.
9
After the presale vouchers are established, the organization has 24 months to obtain a minimum of
3,000 voucher sales before manufacturing of the plate can begin.
10
If the minimum sales requirement
has not been met by the end of the 24-month presale period, the specialty license plate is
deauthorized, and DHSMV must discontinue the development of the plate and issuance of the presale
vouchers. Upon deauthorization of the license plate or if the plate has met the presale requirement but
has not been issued, a purchaser of the license plate voucher may use the annual use fee paid as a
credit towards any other specialty license plate or may apply for a refund.
11
New specialty license plates that have been approved by law but are awaiting issuance will be issued
in the order they appear in s. 320.08058, F.S., provided that they have met all statutory requirements,
including the presale requirement. If the next listed specialty license plate has not met the presale
requirement, DHSMV will proceed in the order provided in s. 320.08058, F.S., to identify the next
qualified specialty license plate that has met the presale requirement. DHSMV must cycle through the
list in statutory order.
12
The number of specialty license plates issued cannot exceed 135. If the Legislature approves more
than 135 specialty license plates, DHSMV cannot issue any new specialty license plates until a
sufficient number of plates are discontinued in order to not exceed the limit.
13
1
Email from Jonas Marquez, Director of Legislative Affairs, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Specialty
License Plates Questions (Feb. 9, 2024).
2
S. 320.08056(2)(a), F.S.
3
Section 320.08056(3)(d), F.S., states that the annual use fee for any specialty license plate is $25, except if otherwise
specified in s. 320.08056(4), F.S.
4
S. 320.08058, F.S.
5
S. 320.08053(1), F.S.
6
The processing fee is prescribed in s. 320.08056, F.S.
7
The service charge and branch fee are prescribed in s. 320.04, F.S.
8
The annual use fee is prescribed in s. 320.08056, F.S.
9
S. 320.08053(2)(a), F.S.
10
Chapter 2022-189, Laws of Fla., extended the presale requirement by an additional 24 months for an approved
specialty license plate organization that, as of June 15, 2022, was in the presale period but had not recorded at least
3,000 voucher sales.
11
S. 320.08053(2)(b), F.S.
12
S. 320.08053(3)(a), F.S.
13
S. 320.08053(3)(b), F.S.
STORAGE NAME: h0403z.DOCX PAGE: 3
DATE: 3/13/2024
DHSMV must discontinue the issuance of an approved specialty license plate if the number of valid
specialty license plate registrants falls below 3,000 plates for 12 consecutive months. A warning letter
is mailed to the sponsoring organization following the first month in which the total number of valid
specialty plate registrations falls below 3,000. For out-of-state college or university plates, this number
is 4,000.
14
This requirement does not apply to in-state collegiate license plates established under
s. 320.08058(3), F.S., license plates of institutions in and entities of the State University System,
specialty license plates that have statutory eligibility limitations for purchase, specialty license plates for
which annual use fees are distributed by a foundation for student and teacher leadership programs and
teacher recruitment and retention, or Florida professional sports team license plates established under
s. 320.08058(9), F.S.
15
DHSMV may discontinue the issuance of a specialty license plate and distribute associated annual use
fee proceeds if the organization no longer exists, stops providing services that are authorized to be
funded from the annual use fee proceeds, or pursuant to an organizational recipient’s request.
16
On January 1 of each year, DHSMV must discontinue the specialty license plate with the fewest
number of plates in circulation, including specialty license plates exempt from the sales requirement. A
warning letter is mailed to the organizations in the lowest ten percent of valid, active specialty license
plate registrations as of December 1 of each year.
17
The annual use fees collected by an organization and any interest earned from those fees may not be
used for commercial or for-profit activities or for general or administrative expenses, unless authorized
by s. 320.08058, F.S.
18
Further, the annual use fees and interest earned from those fees may not be
used for the purpose of marketing to, or lobbying, entertaining, or rewarding, an employee of a
governmental agency that is responsible for the sale and distribution of specialty license plates, or any
elected member or employee of the Legislature.
19
Annual use fees collected by an organization and any interest earned from those fees may be
expended only in Florida, unless the annual use fees are derived from the sale of United States Armed
Forces or veterans-related specialty license plates.
20
Additionally, organizations receiving annual use
fees must submit an annual audit or attestation document to DHSMV that proceeds were used in
compliance with the applicable specialty license plate statutes.
21
Collegiate License Plates
Current Situation
Each state and independent university in Florida has the ability to develop a collegiate license plate if
authorized by an act of the Legislature. The specialty license plate fees collected must be used by the
respective foundation for academic enhancement, including scholarships and private fundraising
activities, in a plan approved by the Board of Governors of the State University System.
22
Currently,
there are 41 specialty collegiate license plates in circulation.
23
14
S. 320.08056(8)(a), F.S.
15
Id.
16
S. 320.08056(8)(b), F.S.
17
S. 320.08056(8)(f), F.S.
18
S. 320.08056(10)(a), F.S.
19
S. 320.08056(11), F.S.
20
S. 320.08056 (10)(a), F.S.
21
S. 320.08062, F.S. Annual use fees may be used to pay for the cost of this required audit or report. See
s. 320.08056(10)(a), F.S.
22
S. 320.08058(3), F.S.
23
Email from Jonas Marquez, supra note 1.
STORAGE NAME: h0403z.DOCX PAGE: 4
DATE: 3/13/2024
Effect of the Bill
The bill:
Exempts a collegiate license plate from being discontinued based on having the fewest number
of plates in circulation.
Exempts collegiate license plates from presale voucher requirements.
Allows a previously discontinued collegiate license plate to be reauthorized by DHSMV if the
university resubmits the collegiate license plate for authorization.
Live the Dream License Plate
Current Situation
In 2004, DHSMV was authorized to create the Live the Dream specialty license plate. The proceeds for
the Live the Dream specialty license plate are currently distributed to the Dream Foundation, Inc., which
is required to distribute the funds in the following manner:
Up to 5 percent for administration and marketing (retained by the Dream Foundation, Inc.);
At least 25 percent to various sickle cell-focused organizations;
At least 22 percent to Chapman Partnership Inc., for social services programs;
At least 20 percent in scholarship funding for students with an incarcerated parent/guardian;
At least 15 percent to unnamed programs to assist former inmates reentering the community;
and
At least 8 percent to the Dream Foundation, Inc., to assist inmates reentering the community.
24
Five percent of the proceeds are distributed by DHSMV to the Martin Luther King Center for Nonviolent
Social Change as a royalty for the use of the image of Dr. Martin Luther King.
25
On December 13, 2023, DHSMV issued a report which indicated that revenues associated with the Live
The Dream specialty license plate were being withheld as a result of unresolved audit findings.
26
The
report noted that the board of directors of the Dream Foundation, Inc., was non-operational, and, as of
September 2023, the Dream Foundation, Inc., was listed as inactive with the Florida Division of
Corporations.
27
As of December 6, 2023, DHSMV was withholding $179,843, and there were 5,585
active Live The Dream specialty license plates.
28
Effect of the Bill
The bill revises the distribution of the proceeds for the Live the Dream specialty license plate by
providing that all remaining annual proceeds, after the distribution of up to 5 percent to the Martin
Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, will be deposited into the Operating Trust Fund
within the Department of State instead of the Dream Foundation, Inc. Such funds must be used to
support the Historic Cemeteries Program established in s. 267.21, F.S. The funds must be used to
24
S. 320.08058(47), F.S.
25
Id.
26
DHSMV, Withheld Specialty License Plate Fund (Dec. 13, 2023), p. 2.
27
Id.
28
Id.
STORAGE NAME: h0403z.DOCX PAGE: 5
DATE: 3/13/2024
research, identify, and record abandoned African-American cemeteries and provide grants to eligible
entities.
29
American Eagle License Plate
Current Situation
Florida law currently authorizes the development of an American Eagle License Plate.
30
The specialty
plate is required to:
Bear the colors and design approved by DHSMV; and
Have the word “Florida” appear at the top of the plate and the words “In God We Trust” appear
at the bottom of the plate.
31
The annual use fees from the sale of the plate must be distributed to the American Eagle Foundation
for deposit in the foundation’s national endowment fund. Up to 10 percent of the funds received may be
used for administrative costs and marketing of the plate. The remainder of the proceeds may be used
by the American Eagle Foundation to fund public education programs, rescue and care programs, and
other conservation efforts in Florida that benefit bald eagles.
32
The plate has sold 145 presale vouchers and must sell an additional 2,855 presale vouchers in order to
be placed in production.
33
Effect of the Bill
The bill replaces the phrase “In God We Trust” with “Protect the Eagle” on the bottom of the American
Eagle license plate design.
Divine Nine License Plate
Current Situation
In 2020, DHSMV was authorized to create the Divine Nine specialty license plates.
34
The Divine Nine
specialty license plates consist of plates authorized for the nine-member organizations of the National
Pan-Hellenic Council.
35
The nine member organizations are:
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity;
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority;
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity;
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity;
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority;
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity;
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority;
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority; and
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity.
29
Section 267.21(2), F.S., provides that eligible entities include research institutions, colleges and universities, and
qualified nonprofit organizations, for the purpose of conducting genealogical and historical research necessary to identify
and contact the relatives and descendants of persons buried in abandoned African-American cemeteries; and local
governments and qualified nonprofit organizations, for the purposes of repairing, restoring, and maintaining abandoned
African-American cemeteries.
30
S. 320.08058(95), F.S.
31
Id.
32
Id.
33
This data is as of January 29, 2024, which is the most recently available data on DHSMV’s website. DHSMV,
SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES: Pre -Sale Data, https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/personalized-specialty-
license-plates/specialty-license-plates/pre-sale-data/ (last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
34
Ch. 2020-181, Laws of Fla., creating s. 320.08058(101), F.S.
35
The National Pan-Hellenic Council’s purpose is to foster cooperative actions of its members in dealing with matters of
mutual concern and to promote the well-being of its fraternities and sororities. See National Pan-Hellenic Council, About
the NPHC, https://www.nphchq.com/about (last visited Mar. 4, 2023).
STORAGE NAME: h0403z.DOCX PAGE: 6
DATE: 3/13/2024
Each organization’s plate has a unique logo, graphic, or colors, as well as distribution specific to the
individual organization.
36
However, plate sales are combined as one Divine Nine specialty license plate
for the purpose of meeting the minimum license plate sales threshold and for determining the license
plate limit.
37
The plate has a $25 annual use fee. The revenue generated through the sale of the plate is distributed
to following recipient organizations: the United Negro College Fund, Inc., for college scholarships for
Florida residents attending Florida’s historically black colleges and universities; the Association to
Preserve African American Society, History and Tradition, Inc.; and to the Divine Nine organizations as
aforementioned to promote community awareness and action through educational, economic, and
cultural service activities within the state.
38
To be eligible for issuance of a Divine Nine specialty license plate, a person must be a Florida resident,
be the registered owner of a motor vehicle, and be a member of the applicable organization.
39
Effect of the Bill
The bill expands eligibility for issuance of the Divine Nine specialty license plates. The bill extends
eligibility for such plates to an organization member’s immediate relative and to motor vehicle lessees.
The bill defines “immediate relative” as a spouse, domestic partner, or child of a member.
Proof of relationship will be established by providing a marriage license, domestic partnership
agreement, birth certificate, or record of adoption. Motor vehicle lessees will be required to provide a
lease agreement and the vehicle identification number for the motor vehicle that is being leased.
Universal Orlando Resort License Plate
Current Situation
Give Kids the World License Plate
Florida law currently authorizes the development of a Give Kids The World license plate.
40
The
specialty plate is required to:
Bear the colors and design approved by DHSMV; and
Have the word “Florida” appear at the top of the plate and the words “Give Kids The World”
appear at the bottom of the plate.
41
The annual use fees from the sale of the plate must be distributed to Give Kids The World, Inc., a
nonprofit organization under s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Up to 10 percent of the
proceeds may be used for the promotion and marketing of the plate. The remainder of the proceeds
may be used by Give Kids The World, Inc., to support their mission of providing week-long, cost-free
vacations to children with critical illnesses and their families.
42
The plate has sold 116 presale vouchers and must sell an additional 2,884 presale vouchers in order to
be placed in production.
43
36
S. 320.08058(101)(a) and (b), F.S.
37
S. 320.08058(101), F.S.
38
S. 320.08058(101)(b), F.S.
39
S. 320.08058(101)(c), F.S.
40
S. 320.08058(107), F.S.
41
Id.
42
Id.
43
This data is as of January 29, 2024, which is the most recently available data on DHSMV’s website. DHSMV,
SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES: Pre -Sale Data, https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/personalized-specialty-
license-plates/specialty-license-plates/pre-sale-data/ (last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
STORAGE NAME: h0403z.DOCX PAGE: 7
DATE: 3/13/2024
Give Kids The World and Universal Orlando Resort Partnership
Give Kids The World provides week-long, cost-free vacations to children with critical illnesses and their
families. Since 1990, Universal Orlando Resort has assisted Give Kids The World, Inc. by:
Providing free tickets, guest assistance passes, souvenirs, and costume characters;
Creating and funding the Give Kids the World’s Dinosaur-themed and fully interactive miniature
golf course; and
Providing their employees as volunteers.
44
Effect of the Bill
The bill renames the Give Kids The World license plate in order to establish the Universal Orlando
Resort license plate and revises the design of such plate to replace the words “Give Kids The World”
with the words “Universal Orlando Resort” at the bottom of the plate.
Margaritaville License Plate
Current Situation
SFC Charitable Foundation, Inc, also known as Singing for Change, was founded by Jimmy Buffett in
1995 and is a Florida not-for-profit corporation registered with the Florida Department of State (DOS).
45
According to the organization’s website, Singing for Change supports small nonprofits by providing
such entities with grants that aim to create positive social change within communities and help
individuals become more self-sufficient. The organization focuses on low-income communities or
people living in poverty.
46
Effect of the Bill
The bill creates the Margaritaville license plate, with an annual use fee of $25.
47
The plate must bear
DHSMV-approved colors and designs, with “Florida” appearing at the top of the plate and
“Margaritaville” appearing at the bottom of the plate.
The annual use fees from the sale of the plate must be distributed to the SFC Charitable Foundation,
Inc, also known as Singing for Change, which may use up to 10 percent of such fees for administrative
costs and marketing of the plate. The balance of the fees must be used by SFC Charitable Foundation,
Inc., and must be distributed with the approval of, and accountability to, the board of directors of the
SFC Charitable Foundation, Inc., to:
Provide grants to nonprofit organizations in communities impacted by natural and manmade
disasters for recovery, rebuilding, and future sustainability; and
Promote and inspire grassroots leadership that will work to improve the quality of life in those
communities and others in this state.
44
Give Kids The World Village, Universal Orlando Resort, https://www.gktw.org/help/bio/universal.php (last visited Mar. 4,
2024).
45
SFC Charitable Foundation, Inc., Articles of Incorporation,
https://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/ConvertTiffToPDF?storagePath=COR%5C1407%5C0118%5CAR014
708.tif&documentNumber=N94000005329 (last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
46
Singing For Change, Mission Statement, https://www.singingforchange.org/mission-statement (last visited Mar. 4,
2024).
47
S. 320.08056(3)(d), F.S.
STORAGE NAME: h0403z.DOCX PAGE: 8
DATE: 3/13/2024
Clearwater Marine Aquarium License Plate
Current Situation
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is dedicated to marine
mammal research and environmental conservation; marine life rescue, rehabilitation, and release;
animal care; and environmental education.
48
The aquarium is located in Clearwater, Florida and, according to the DOS, the Clearwater Aquarium,
Inc., is an active Florida not-for-profit corporation that has been active since March 23, 1972.
49
Effect of the Bill
The bill creates the Clearwater Marine Aquarium license plate, with an annual use fee of $25.
50
The
plate must bear DHSMV-approved colors and designs, with “Florida” appearing at the top of the plate
and “Clearwater Marine Aquarium” appearing at the bottom of the plate.
The annual use fees from the sale of the plate must be distributed to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium,
Inc. Up to 10 percent of the fees from the sale of the plate may be used for the administration,
promotion, and marketing of the plate. The aquarium must use the remainder of the fees to fund its
efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and release marine life; provide environmental education; conduct
research; and promote conservation strategies.
General Aviation License Plate
Current Situation
The Aerospace Center for Excellence, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is dedicated to providing the
next generation with experiences and opportunities in aviation to help those pursuing a career in a
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) field. The center offers a range of year-
round educational programs for all ages, including summer camps and field trip opportunities.
51
The
center also provides annual scholarships for students to pursue a private pilot certificate, advanced
rating, industry certification, or college degree.
52
The center is located in Polk County at the Lakeland Linder International Airport; and, according to the
DOS, the Aerospace Center for Excellence is an active Florida not-for-profit corporation that has been
active since November 1, 2000.
53
Effect of the Bill
The bill creates the General Aviation license plate, with an annual use fee of $25.
54
The plate must
bear DHSMV-approved colors and designs, with “Florida” appearing at the top of the plate and
“Support General Aviation” appearing at the bottom of the plate.
The annual use fees from the sale of the plate must be distributed to the Aerospace Center for
Excellence located in Lakeland, Florida. The Aerospace Center for Excellence may use up to 10
percent of such fees for administrative costs and marketing of the plate. The balance of the fees may
be used by the Aerospace Center for Excellence to fund scholarships for students in this state who are
pursuing careers in the field of aviation.
48
Clearwater Marine Aquarium, What We Do, https://mission.cmaquarium.org/what-we-do/ (last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
49
Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Inc., Articles of Incorporation,
https://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/ConvertTiffToPDF?storagePath=COR%5C2014%5C0716%5C62340
728.Tif&documentNumber=722979 (last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
50
S. 320.08056(3)(d), F.S.
51
Aerospace Center for Excellence, About, https://aceedu.org/about/ (last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
52
Aerospace Center for Excellence, Scholarships, https://aceedu.org/scholarships/ (last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
53
Aerospace Center for Excellence, Inc., Articles of Incorporation,
https://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/ConvertTiffToPDF?storagePath=COR%5C2000%5C1103%5C70447
177.tif&documentNumber=N00000007283 (last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
54
S. 320.08056(3)(d), F.S.
STORAGE NAME: h0403z.DOCX PAGE: 9
DATE: 3/13/2024
The Villages: May All Your Dreams Come True License Plate
Current Situation
The Villages Charter School, Inc., is a Florida not-for-profit corporation registered with the DOS.
55
The
Villages Charter School, Inc., has a contract with the Sumter County School Board and is dedicated to
nurturing productive citizens and life-long learners through an integrated, relevant curriculum tailored to
the individual needs of its students.
56
The Village Charter School offers K-12 curriculum at its six
attendance centers.
57
Effect of the Bill
The bill creates The Villages: May All Your Dreams Come True license plate, with an annual use fee of
$25.
58
The plate must bear DHSMV-approved colors and designs, with “Florida” appearing at the top of
the plate and “The Villages: May All Your Dreams Come True” appearing at the bottom of the plate.
The annual use fees from the sale of the plate must be distributed to The Villages Charter School, Inc.
Up to 10 percent of the fees may be used for administrative costs and marketing of the plate. The
remaining funds must be distributed with the approval of, and accountability to, the board of directors of
The Villages Charter School, Inc., and must be used to provide support to The Villages Charter School
as it provides K-12 education.
Cure Diabetes License Plate
Current Situation
The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, Inc.
The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, Inc., is a Florida not-for-profit corporation registered with
the DOS
59
with a mission to provide the funding necessary to cure diabetes through research.
60
The
Diabetes Research Institute is a designated Center of Excellence at the University of Miami Miller
School of Medicine, providing informative education and training programs for many types of health
care professionals and industry representatives.
61
JDRF International Incorporated
JDRF International Incorporated is an international, non-profit organization registered with the DOS.
62
The foundation has a northern and southern Florida chapter. The local chapters serve as the hub of
55
The Villages Charter School, Inc., Articles of Incorporation,
https://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/ConvertTiffToPDF?storagePath=COR%5C1999%5C0908%5CH9022
104.TIF&documentNumber=N99000005259 (last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
56
The Villages Charter School, Charter School in the Workplace,
https://www.tvcs.org/centralOffice/charterInTheWorkplace/charterInTheWorkplace.asp (last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
57
The Villages Charter School, Central Office, https://www.tvcs.org/centralOffice/centraloffice.asp (last visited Mar. 4,
2024).
58
S. 320.08056(3)(d), F.S.
59
The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, Inc., Articles of Incorporation,
https://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/SearchResultDetail?inquirytype=EntityName&directionType=Initial&s
earchNameOrder=DIABETESRESEARCHINSTITUTEFOUND%207298461&aggregateId=domnp -729846-215a7797-
ce70-42a0-821f-
1c4bdfb16616&searchTerm=The%20Diabetes%20Research%20Institute%20Foundation&listNameOrder=DIABETESRE
SEARCHINSTITUTEFOUND%207298461 (last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
60
Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, About Us, https://diabetesresearch.org/about-dri-foundation/ (last visited Mar.
4, 2024).
61
Diabetes Research Institute, About Us, https://diabetesresearch.org/about-dri/ (last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
62
JDRF International Incorporated, Articles of Incorporation,
https://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/SearchResultDetail?inquirytype=EntityName&directionType=Initial&s
STORAGE NAME: h0403z.DOCX PAGE: 10
DATE: 3/13/2024
foundation information and events held in the area.
63
JDRF International Incorporated is dedicated to
raising funds to support and promote Type 1 diabetes research.
64
The University of Florida (UF) Foundation, Inc.
The UF Foundation, Inc., is a Florida not-for-profit registered with the DOS.
65
The UF Foundation, Inc.,
supports the UF Diabetes Institute, which was founded in 2015 and serves as the umbrella organization
for diabetes research, treatment, and education coordinated at UF and UF Health. Researchers and
physicians affiliated with the UF Diabetes Institute are working to prevent, diagnose, and treat diabetes
in a wide array of areas, including immunology, genetics, endocrinology, metabolism, pediatrics, and
social sciences.
66
Effect of the Bill
The bill creates the Cure Diabetes license plate, with an annual use fee of $25.
67
The plate must bear
DHSMV-approved colors and designs, with “Florida” appearing at the top of the plate and “Cure
Diabetes” appearing at the bottom of the plate.
The annual use fees from the sale of the plate must be distributed equally to the following
organizations:
The Diabetes Research Foundation, which supports the Diabetes Research Institute at the
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine;
The JDRF International Incorporated, which supports the JDRF Northern Florida Chapter; and
The UF Foundation, Inc., which supports the UF Diabetes Institute.
Each organization may use up to 10 percent of the proceeds received by the organization to promote
and market the plate. All remaining proceeds must be used for the purpose of funding research to cure
Type 1 diabetes.
Recycle Florida License Plate
Current Situation
Recycle Florida Today Foundation is a Florida not-for-profit corporation registered with the DOS.
68
The
organization’s statement of purpose is “to serve and support the professional development and related
educational objectives of source reduction and waste prevention, reuse, recycling, composting and
earchNameOrder=JUVENILEDIABETESRESEARCHFOUNDA%208331742&aggregateId=fornp -833174-b7f1f564-4580-
4f2e-ab1a-
4d6392cbf27e&searchTerm=The%20Juvenile%20Diabetes%20Research%20Foundation&listNameOrder=JUVENILEDIA
BETESRESEARCHFOUNDA %207298460 (last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
63
JDRF, Northern Florida Chapter, https://www.jdrf.org/northernflorida/ (last visited Mar. 4, 2024). See also JDRF,
Southern Florida Chapter, https://www.jdrf.org/southernflorida/ (last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
64
JDRF, About JDRF,https://www.jdrf.org/about/?_ga=2.216079830.1597347397.1666008274-1688791745.1661161232
(last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
65
University of Florida Foundation, Inc., Articles of
Incorporation,https://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/SearchResultDetail?inquirytype=EntityName&directionT
ype=Initial&searchNameOrder=UNIVERSITYFLORIDAFOUNDATION%207066761&aggregateId=domnp -706676-
0326352e-c135-4f57-9430-
b6f7499776e3&searchTerm=The%20University%20of%20Florida%20Foundation%2C%20Inc&listNameOrder=UNIVERSI
TYFLORIDAFOUNDATION%207066760 (last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
66
University of Florida Diabetes Institute, About the UF Diabetes Institute, https://diabetes.ufl.edu/about-us/ (last visited
Mar. 4, 2024).
67
S. 320.08056(3)(d), F.S.
68
DOS, Division of Corporations,
https://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/SearchResultDetail?inquirytype=EntityName&directionType=Initial&s
earchNameOrder=RECYCLEFLORIDATODAY%20N415170&aggregateId=domnp -n41517-79e1bdd2-b6c8-4a69-8d51-
ae28e316089b&searchTerm= Recycle%20florida% 20today%2C%20Inc&listNameOrder=RECYCLEFLORIDATODAY%20
N415170 (last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
STORAGE NAME: h0403z.DOCX PAGE: 11
DATE: 3/13/2024
sustainability professionals through education, grants, research, and certifications.”
69
The organization
was founded in 1990 and consists of a network of approximately 200 members from governments,
businesses, institutions, and organizations focused on sustainable source and waste prevention and
legislative advocacy for those engaged in the business of recycling.
70
Effect of the Bill
The bill authorizes the Recycle Florida specialty license plate with an annual use fee of $25.
71
The plate
must bear DHSMV-approved colors and designs, with “Florida” appearing at the top of the plate and
“Recycle Florida” appearing at the bottom of the plate. The annual use fees from the sale of the plate
must be distributed to the Recycle Florida Today Foundation, Inc.
Recycle Florida Today Foundation, Inc., may use up to 10 percent of such fees for administrative costs
and marketing of the plate. The balance of the annual use fees must be used to:
Increase public awareness about the importance of recycling, resource conservation, and
environmental stewardship;
Promote robust, comprehensive, and sustainable recycling programs; and
Support the professional development of persons employed in fields relating to recycling,
conservation, and sustainability.
Boating Capital of the World License Plate
Current Situation
Captain Sandy Yawn, Inc., also known as Captain Sandy’s Charities, is a Florida not-for-profit
registered with the DOS.
72
The organization focuses on promoting awareness and funding of maritime
employment opportunities, environmental education, behavioral health assistance, and developmental
disability services.
73
The organization was founded in 2019 by Captain Sandy Yawn, a renowned
superyacht captain with over 30 years of international maritime experience.
74
Effect of the Bill
The bill authorizes the Boating Capital of the World specialty license plate with an annual use fee of
$25.
75
The plate must bear DHSMV-approved colors and designs, with “Florida” appearing at the top of
the plate and “Boating Capital of the World” appearing at the bottom of the plate. The annual use fees
from the sale of the plate must be distributed to Captain Sandy Yawn, Inc.
Captain Sandy Yawn, Inc., may use up to 10 percent of such fees for administrative costs and
marketing of the plate. The balance of the annual use fees must be used to:
Increase public awareness of employment opportunities in the maritime industry;
Fund maritime workforce instruction and training;
Promote professional development and job placement in all sectors of maritime employment;
and
Support the advancement of education of trainees in the maritime industry, both at sea and on
land.
69
Id.
70
Recycle Florida Today, Our History, https://recyclefloridatoday.org/our-
history/#:~:text=Founded%20in%201990%2C%20four%20women,formed%20Recycle%20Florida%20Today%2C%20Inc.
(last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
71
S. 320.08056(3)(d), F.S.
72
DOS, Division of Corporations, Articles of Incorporation,
https://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/ConvertTiffToPDF?storagePath=COR%5C2019%5C0626%5C00195
476.Tif&documentNumber=N19000006425 (last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
73
Captain Sandy Yawn, Donate to Captain Sandy’s Charities, https://captainsandyyawn.com/charities/ (last visited Mar. 4,
2024).
74
Captain Sandy Yawn, About Captain Sandy Yawn, https://captainsandyyawn.com/about/ (last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
75
S. 320.08056(3)(d), F.S.
STORAGE NAME: h0403z.DOCX PAGE: 12
DATE: 3/13/2024
Project Addiction: Reversing the Stigma License Plate
Current Situation
Project Addiction: Reversing the Stigma, Inc., is a Florida not-for-profit corporation registered with the
DOS.
76
According to the organization’s website, Project Addiction: Reversing the Stigma, Inc., spreads
awareness of the opioid overdose epidemic
77
and finds proactive ways to honor family members lost to
substance use disorder (SUD) and mental illness. The mission of Project Addiction: Reversing the
Stigma, Inc., is to empower the lives of those with SUD and mental illness through education,
awareness, and support.
78
Effect of the Bill
The bill creates the Project Addiction: Reversing the Stigma License plate, with an annual use fee of
$25.
79
The plate must bear DHSMV-approved colors and designs, with “Florida” appearing at the top of
the plate and “Overdose Awareness” appearing at the bottom of the plate.
The annual use fees from the sale of the plate must be distributed to Project Addiction: Reversing the
Stigma, Inc. Up to 10 percent of such fees may be used for the promotion and marketing costs of the
license plate. The remaining funds must be distributed with the approval of and accountability to the
board of directors of Project Addiction: Reversing the Stigma, Inc., and must be used to promote and
support awareness of and education about substance use disorder and mental illness.
United Service Organizations (USO) License Plate
Current Situation
United Service Organizations, Inc., is a foreign, non-profit organization registered with the DOS.
80
United Service Organizations, Inc., has ten locations in Florida
81
and serves men and women in the
United States military and their families through its programs and services. Such programs include, but
are not limited to, USO Reading Program
82
and USO Coffee Connections.
83
The overall focus of its
programs is to keep service members connected to the people, places, and things they love.
84
Effect of the Bill
The bill creates the United Service Organizations (USO) license plate, with an annual use fee of $25.
85
The plate must bear DHSMV-approved colors and designs, with “Florida” appearing at the top of the
plate and the acronym “USO” appearing at the bottom of the plate.
76
Project Addiction: Reversing the Stigma, Inc., Articles of Incorporation,
https://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/ConvertTiffToPDF?storagePath=COR%5C2021%5C1006%5C70462
037.tif&documentNumber=N21000011775 (last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
77
From 1999 to 2021, nearly 645,000 people in the United States died from an overdose involving any opioid, including
prescription and illicit opioids. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Understanding the Opioid Overdose Epidemic,
https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/basics/epidemic.html (last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
78
Project Addiction: Reversing the Stigma, About Us, https://reversingthestigma.com/ (last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
79
S. 320.08056(3)(d), F.S.
80
USO, Inc., Authorization to Conduct Affairs in Florida,
https://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/ConvertTiffToPDF?storagePath=COR%5C2006%5C1130%5C50247
405.Tif&documentNumber=F06000007371 (last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
81
USO Florida, Volunteer, https://florida.uso.org/support/volunteer (last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
82
The USO helps service members read to their children from around the world. USO, USO Reading Program,
https://www.uso.org/programs/uso-reading-program (last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
83
The USO has supported military spouses for many years and, in 2016, launched a worldwide initiative focusing on
programs to strengthen and empower military spouses by connecting them to others in their communities, simply over a
cup of coffee. USO, USO Coffee Connections, https://www.uso.org/programs/uso-coffee-connections (last visited Mar. 4,
2024).
84
USO, Programs, https://www.uso.org/programs (last visited Mar. 4, 2024).
85
S. 320.08056(3)(d), F.S.
STORAGE NAME: h0403z.DOCX PAGE: 13
DATE: 3/13/2024
The annual use fees from the sale of the plate must be distributed to United Service Organizations,
Inc., which may use up to 10 percent of the fees for administrative costs and marketing of the plate.
The United Service Organizations, Inc., must distribute the remainder of the fees equally among its ten
locations in Florida to be used to promote its mission of supporting members of the United States
Armed Forces and their families through its various programs, services, and events.
Production of Specialty License Plates
The new specialty license plates will be added to DHSMV’s presale voucher process, but the plates will
only be placed into production once each plate meets the 3,000 minimum sales threshold
86
and if the
135 plate cap has not been reached.
87
II. FISCAL ANALYSIS & ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT
A. FISCAL IMPACT ON STATE GOVERNMENT:
1. Revenues:
To the extent that sales continue for the Live the Dream License Plate, the Historical Resources
Operating Trust Fund within the DOS will see an increase of revenues for the purpose of supporting
the Historic Cemeteries Program.
2. Expenditures:
DSHMV will need to update its procedures, forms, and website to incorporate the new license
plates and the changes to the collegiate, Live the Dream, American Eagle, Divine Nine, and Give
Kids The World specialty license plates. Additionally, programming will be required for DHSMV to
accept presale vouchers for the new specialty license plates. According to DHSMV, a specialty
license plate with one distribution will require approximately 216 hours of programming. This
programming can be done using existing resources.
88
B. FISCAL IMPACT ON LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
1. Revenues:
The bill may have a positive impact on local governments who are eligible to receive funds under
the Historic Cemeteries Program, to the extent that they receive any of the proceeds from the sale
of the Live the Dream license plate.
2. Expenditures:
None.
C. DIRECT ECONOMIC IMPACT ON PRIVATE SECTOR:
Once a specialty license plate goes into production, organizations authorized for a distribution from the
proceeds of the sale of the respective license plate will benefit. Therefore, the following organizations
may see an increase in revenues:
Various in-state colleges and universities
Eligible grant entities under the Historic Cemeteries Program
The American Eagle Foundation
86
S. 320.08053(2)(b), F.S.
87
S. 320.08053(3)(b), F.S.
88
DHSMV, Agency Analysis of 2024 House Bill 403, p. 5-6. (Nov. 13, 2023).
STORAGE NAME: h0403z.DOCX PAGE: 14
DATE: 3/13/2024
Nine Member Organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine Nine)
United Negro College Fund, Inc.
Association to Preserve African American Society, History, and Tradition, Inc.
Give Kids The World, Inc.
SFC Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Inc.
Aerospace Center for Excellence
The Villages Charter School, Inc.
The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, Inc.
JDRF International Incorporated
The UF Foundation, Inc.
Recycle Florida Today Foundation, Inc.
Captain Sandy Yawn, Inc.
Project Addiction: Reversing the Stigma, Inc.
United Service Organizations, Inc.
D. FISCAL COMMENTS:
None.