The Florida Senate
BILL ANALYSIS AND FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(This document is based on the provisions contained in the legislation as of the latest date listed below.)
Prepared By: The Professional Staff of the Committee on Transportation
BILL: SB 948
INTRODUCER: Senator Thompson
SUBJECT: Divine Nine Specialty License Plate
DATE: February 6, 2024
ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR REFERENCE ACTION
1. Shutes Vickers TR Favorable
2. ATD
3. FP
I. Summary:
SB 948 defines the term “immediate relative” for purposes of the existing Divine Nine specialty
license plate and expands eligibility for the purchase of the specialty plate to a member’s
immediate relative and motor vehicle lessees.
The Divine Nine specialty license plates consist of plates authorized for the nine member
organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Each organization’s plate has a unique logo,
graphic, or colors, as well as distribution specific to the individual organization.
The bill will take effect July 1, 2024.
II. Present Situation:
Divine Nine Specialty License Plates
In 2020, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) was authorized to
create the Divine Nine specialty license plates.
1
The Divine Nine specialty license plates consist
of plates authorized for the nine member organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council.
2
The nine member organizations include:
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity;
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority;
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity;
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity;
1
Chapter 2020-181, Laws of Fla., creating s. 320.08058(101), F.S.
2
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 December 20, 2023).
REVISED: BILL: SB 948 Page 2
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority;
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity;
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority;
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority; and
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity.
Each organization’s plate has a unique logo, graphic, or colors, as well as distribution specific to
the individual organization.
3
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.
4
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
additional organizations as specified to promote community awareness and action through
educational, economic, and cultural service activities within the state.
5
To be eligible for issuance of a Divine Nine specialty license plate, a person must be a Florida
resident, the registered owner of a motor vehicle, and a member of the applicable organization.
6
III. Effect of Proposed Changes:
The bill amends s. 320.08058 (101), F.S., to expand eligibility for issuance of the Divine Nine
specialty license plates. The bill provides 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.
IV. Constitutional Issues:
A. Municipality/County Mandates Restrictions:
None.
B. Public Records/Open Meetings Issues:
None.
3
Section 320.08058(101)(a) and (b), F.S.
4
Section 320.08058(101), F.S.
5
Section 320.08058(101)(b), F.S.
6
Section 320.08058(101)(c), F.S. BILL: SB 948 Page 3
C. Trust Funds Restrictions:
None.
D. State Tax or Fee Increases:
None.
E. Other Constitutional Issues:
None.
V. Fiscal Impact Statement:
A. Tax/Fee Issues:
None.
B. Private Sector Impact:
The bill will significantly expand the number of persons eligible to purchase a Divine
Nine specialty license plate, which will have an indeterminate, positive fiscal impact on
the recipient organizations.
C. Government Sector Impact:
The bill will have an insignificant fiscal impact on DHSMV.
VI. Technical Deficiencies:
None.
VII. Related Issues:
None.
VIII. Statutes Affected:
This bill substantially amends section 320.08058 of the Florida Statutes.
IX. Additional Information:
A. Committee Substitute – Statement of Changes:
(Summarizing differences between the Committee Substitute and the prior version of the bill.)
None.
B. Amendments:
None. BILL: SB 948 Page 4
This Senate Bill Analysis does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill’s introducer or the Florida Senate.