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 Fiscal Policy
BILL: CS/CS/SB 824
INTRODUCER: Fiscal Policy Committee; Transportation Committee; and Senator Pizzo
SUBJECT: Specialty License Plates
DATE: April 18, 2025
ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR REFERENCE ACTION
1. Shutes Vickers TR Fav/CS
2. Wells Nortelus ATD Favorable
3. Shutes Siples FP Fav/CS
Please see Section IX. for Additional Information:
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE - Substantial Changes
I. Summary:
CS/CS/SB 824 authorizes the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to
create the following new specialty license plates:
• Supporting FHP Troopers;
• Miami Dade College;
• St. Petersburg College;
• Miami Northwestern High School;
• United States Naval Academy;
• United States Military Academy;
• Save Costal Wildlife;
• Broward College;
• The Tampa Theatre; and
• The Florida Aquarium.
The annual use fee for each new plate is $25.
The bill also increases the annual use fee for the existing Florida Wildflower specialty license
plate from $15 to $25, consistent with the annual use fee amount applicable to all new specialty
license plates.
REVISED: BILL: CS/CS/SB 824 Page 2
The bill will have a negative, but insignificant, fiscal impact to DHSMV associated with
programming and implementation costs. See Section V. Fiscal Impact Statement.
The bill takes effect October 1, 2025.
II. Present Situation:
Specialty License Plates
According to the DHSMV, as of February 2025, there are 133 specialty license plates authorized
by the Legislature. Of these plates, 113 are available for immediate purchase and 20 are in the
presale process. Specialty license plates are available to an owner or lessee of a motor vehicle
who is willing to pay an annual use fee, ranging from $15 to $25, paid in addition to required
license taxes and service fees.
1
The annual use fees are distributed to organizations in support of
a particular cause or charity signified on the plate’s design and designated in statute.
2
In order to establish a specialty license plate (after the plate is approved by law) s. 320.08053,
F.S., requires the following actions within certain timelines:
• Within 60 days, the organization must submit an art design for the plate, in a medium
prescribed by the DHSMV;
• Within 120 days, the DHSMV must establish a method to issue presale vouchers for the
specialty license plate; and
• Within 24 months after the presale vouchers are established, the organization must obtain a
minimum of 3,000 voucher sales before manufacturing of the plate may begin.
3
If the minimum sales requirement has not been met by the end of the 24-month presale period,
then the DHSMV will discontinue the plate and issuance of presale vouchers.
4
Upon
discontinuation, a purchaser of a presale voucher may use the annual use fee as a credit towards
any other specialty license plate or apply for a refund with the DHSMV.
5
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 presale requirements have
been met. If the next listed specialty license plate has not met the presale requirement, the
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.
6
1
Section 320.08056(3)(d), F.S., provides that except if specifically provided in s. 320.08056(4), the annual use fee for a
specialty license plate is $25.
2
Section 320.08058, F.S.
3
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, is in the presale period but had not recorded at least 3,000 voucher sales.
4
Section 320.08058(3), F.S., provides that any collegiate plate established after October 1, 2002, must comply with the
requirements of s. 320.08053, F.S., other than the presale voucher requirements in s. 320.08053(2)(b), F.S., and be
specifically authorized by the Legislature.
5
Section 320.08053(2)(b), F.S.
6
Section 320.08053(3)(a), F.S. BILL: CS/CS/SB 824 Page 3
If the Legislature has approved 135 or more specialty license plates, the DHSMV may not make
any new specialty license plates available for design or issuance until a sufficient number of
plates are discontinued so that the number of plates being issued does not exceed 135.
7
Use of Specialty License Plate Fees
The annual use fees collected by an organization and any interest earned from the fees may be
expended only for use in this state unless the annual use fee is derived from the sale of specified
United States Armed Forces and veterans-related specialty plates.
8
Additionally, organizations
must adhere to certain accountability requirements, including an annual audit or attestation
document affirming that funds received have been spent in accordance with applicable statutes.
9
The annual use fees collected by an organization and the interest earned from those fees may not
be used for commercial or for-profit activities, or general or administrative expenses, unless
authorized by s. 320.08058, F.S.
10
Additionally, 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, any 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.
11
Discontinuance of Specialty Plates
Prior to June 30, 2023, the DHSMV was required to discontinue the issuance of an approved
specialty license plate if the number of valid registrations fells below 1,000 plates for at least
12 consecutive months. A warning letter was mailed to the sponsoring organization following the
first month in which the total number of valid specialty license plate registrations fell below
1,000 plates. Collegiate plates for Florida universities were exempt from the minimum specialty
license plate requirement.
12
In addition, the DHSMV was authorized to discontinue any specialty
license plate if the organization ceased to exist, stopped providing services that are funded from
the annual use fee proceeds, or pursuant to an organizational recipient’s request.
13
However, effective July 1, 2023, the requirement increased so that the DHSMV must discontinue
the issuance of an approved specialty license plate if the number of valid registrations falls below
3,000, or in the case of an out-of-state college or university license plate, 4,000, for at least
12 consecutive months. The DHSMV must mail a warning letter to the sponsoring organization
following the first month in which the total number of valid specialty plate registrations is below
3,000, or in the case of an out-of-state college or university license plate, 4,000. This 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
7
Section 320.08053(3)(b), F.S.
8
Section 320.08056(10)(a), F.S.
9
Section 320.08062, F.S.; Such fees may be used to pay for the cost of this required audit or report. See s. 320.08056(10)(a),
F.S.
10
Section 320.08056(10)(a), F.S.
11
Section 320.08056(11), F.S.
12
Section 320.08056(8)(a), F.S.
13
Section 320.08056(8)(b), F.S. BILL: CS/CS/SB 824 Page 4
and retention, or Florida professional sports team license plates established under
s. 320.08058(9), F.S.
14
Florida Wildflower Specialty License Plate
Current law provides that the $15 annual use fee from the sale of the Florida Wildflower
specialty license plate shall be distributed to the Florida Wildflower Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit
corporation under s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The proceeds must be used to
establish native Florida wildflower research programs, wildflower educational programs, and
wildflower grant programs to municipal, county, and community-based groups in this state.
15
According to DHSMV, in 2024 there were 33,988 total sales of the Florida Wildflower specialty
license plate.
16
Organizations Sponsoring New Specialty License Plates
Florida Highway Patrol Advisory Council, Inc. (Supporting FHP Troopers)
The Florida Highway Patrol Advisory Council, Inc., is a Florida not-for-profit corporation
registered with the Florida Department of State.
17
The organization’s website includes the
following statement: “We Serve the Men & Women Who Are Dedicated to Keeping Our Streets
Safe.”
18
The Florida Highway Patrol Advisory Council is comprised of business, professional, and
community leaders throughout the state. Members of the Advisory Council provide assistance to
the Director of the Florida Highway Patrol by offering input regarding the performance of the
Patrol and the quality of service provided to the public. On an ongoing basis the Advisory
Council provides financial and other support to the families of troopers and auxiliary troopers
who lose their life or sustain life-threatening injuries in the line of duty. One hundred percent of
the funding for the Advisory Council is through charitable contributions.
19
Miami Dade College Foundation, Inc. (Miami Dade College)
Miami Dade Colleges’ vision is to be a recognized leader in student learning, achievement, and
success while enriching their community.
20
The college has been in operation since 1960, and is
named among the top institutions in 2025 U.S. News & World Report Rankings for public
regional colleges, for veterans, social mobility, best value schools, and regional colleges of the
south.
21
14
Chapter 2020-181, s. 7, Laws of Fla.
15
Section 320.0858(27)(b), F.S.
16
Email from Jonas Marquez, Director of Legislative Affairs, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, RE:
Information Request, regarding specialty license plate sales (February 4, 2025).
17
Florida Department of State: Division of Corporations, Florida Highway Patrol Advisory Council, Inc. Sunbiz.org,
Document number N99000003623 (April 17, 2025).
18
Florida Highway Patrol Advisory Council, Inc., About the FHP Advisory Council, (last visited April 17, 2025).
19
Id at 1.
20
Miami Dade College, About MDC | Miami Dade College, (last visited April 17, 2025).
21
Id. BILL: CS/CS/SB 824 Page 5
Miami Dade College Foundation Inc. is a Florida not-for-profit corporation registered with the
Florida Department of State.
22
The organization’s website includes the following mission
statement: “We raise essential private funds to enable Miami Dade College to change lives,
families, communities, and the world through the opportunity of education.”
23
St. Petersburg College Foundation, Inc. (St. Petersburg College)
St. Petersburg College (SPC) is regionally accredited and nationally recognized. SPC was
founded in 1927 as St. Petersburg Junior College, Florida's first two-year college. It offers more
than 200 degree, certificate and transfer programs of study, as well as more than 100 high-
demand, high-skill industry-recognized workforce certifications and short-term training
opportunities.
24
St. Petersburg College Foundation Inc., is a Florida not-for-profit corporation registered with the
Florida Department of State.
25
The organization’s website includes the following statement “The
St. Petersburg College (SPC) Foundation supports the vision and mission of SPC. The
Foundation promotes the practice of philanthropy through partnerships with the community and
accepts and prudently manages all gifts including cash, securities, property, bequests and
trusts.”
26
Miami Northwestern Alumni Association, Inc. (Miami Northwestern High School)
Miami Northwestern Alumni Association, Inc., is a Florida not-for-profit corporation registered
with the Florida Department of State.
27
Miami Northwestern Senior High School is a four-year public high school with a student
population of 1,425 students in grades 9-12 located in the Liberty City neighborhood of Miami.
28
The school’s website provides that “Miami Northwestern Senior High is dedicated to assisting
every student with authoring their page in the Bulls’ rich legacy of pride, tradition, and
excellence since 1955.”
29
The mission of the Performing and Visual Arts Program at Miami Northwestern Senior High
School is to “assure that all students have the opportunity to develop their artistic, creative, and
physical abilities research-based instructional strategies, technology-infused instruction, career
22
Florida Department of State: Division of Corporations, Miami Dade College Foundation, Inc. Sunbiz.org, Document
number 709786 (April 17, 2025).
23
Miami Dade College Foundation, Inc., About - Miami Dade College Alumni Association, (last visited April 17, 2025).
24
St. Petersburg College, About SPC || St. Petersburg College, (last visited April 17, 2025).
25
Florida Department of State: Division of Corporations, St. Petersburg College Foundation, Inc. Sunbiz.org, Document
number 749635 (April 17, 2025).
26
St. Petersburg College Foundation, Inc., About the Foundation || St. Petersburg College Foundation, Inc., (last visited April
17, 2025).
27
Florida Department of State: Division of Corporations, Miami Northwestern Alumni Association, Inc. Sunbiz.org,
Document number N17000004247 (April 17, 2025).
28
Miami Northwestern Senior High School., Home - School Profile - Miami Northwestern Senior High School, (last visited
April 17, 2025).
29
Id. BILL: CS/CS/SB 824 Page 6
path exploration, community service opportunities, real-world learning, enhanced parental
involvement, and programs which include partnerships, talents, skill and abilities in a
challenging, safe, and nurturing environment.”
30
Blue Angels Foundation, Inc. (United States Naval Academy)
The Blue Angels Foundation, Inc., is a Florida not-for-profit corporation registered with the
Florida Department of State.
31
The mission of the foundation is to support wounded veterans by
providing funding for critical services and access to the best care available in the nation as they
transition back to the civilian community.
32
The foundation’s focus is on transitional housing,
post-traumatic stress treatment, and suicide prevention.
33
Home Base Florida (United States Military Academy)
Home Base Florida is a Florida chapter of a Massachusetts-based national organization that is
dedicated to healing the invisible wounds of war – such as post-traumatic stress disorder,
traumatic brain injury, anxiety, depression, and co-occurring substance use – for veterans,
service members, and their families through world-class clinical care, wellness, education,
and research.
34
Through key partnerships and philanthropic support, they help eliminate the
financial barrier to accessing high-quality care. All services are provided at no cost to the
participant.
35
Zoo Miami Foundation, Inc. (Save Coastal Wildlife)
Zoo Miami Foundation, Inc., is a Florida not-for-profit corporation registered with the Florida
Department of State.
36
According to the Foundation’s website: “Zoo Miami Foundation is fueled
by the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations, and government entities; the Zoo
Miami Foundation offers robust Learning Experience programs, supports vital conservation
efforts, and funds essential capital projects that enhance animal welfare and visitor experiences at
Zoo Miami.
37
With one of the largest membership bases in South Florida, Zoo Miami Foundation
continues to make a significant impact, educating and inspiring the community to take action in
conservation efforts.”
38
Broward College Foundation, Inc. (Broward College)
30
Id.
31
Florida Department of State: Division of Corporations, Blue Angels Foundation, Inc. Sunbiz.org, Document number
N11000005457 (April 17, 2025).
32
Blue Angels Foundation, Mission Statement - Blue Angels Foundation of Pensacola, FL (last visited April 17, 2025)
33
Id.
34
Home Base Florida, Home Base Florida | Home Base (last visited April 17, 2025)
35
Id.
36
Florida Department of State: Division of Corporations, Zoo Miami Foundation, Inc. Sunbiz.org, Document number 726093
(April 17, 2025).
37
Zoo Miami Foundation, Zoo Miami Foundation | Zoo Miami, (last visited April 17, 2025).
38
Id. BILL: CS/CS/SB 824 Page 7
Broward College was created by the Florida Legislature in 1959, and has the third-largest
enrollment within the Florida College System.
39
Broward College serves more than 51,000
students with the support of more than 3,300 full-time and part-time faculty and staff. Broward
Colleges’ mission includes "Transforming students' lives and enriching our diverse community
through academic excellence, innovation, and meaningful career opportunities," by offering first-
time college students, adult learners, and career professionals academic programs across eight
career-related pathways.
40
Broward College Foundation, Inc., is a Florida not-for-profit corporation registered with the
Florida Department of State.
41
The organization allows alumni to stay informed and connected,
utilize benefits and resources, and serve their communities.
42
The Tampa Theatre, Inc. (Tampa Theatre)
The Tampa Theatre, Inc., is a Florida not-for-profit corporation registered with the Florida
Department of State.
43
According to the Tampa Theatre website, the theatre is “A catapult for the
imagination since 1926, the nonprofit Tampa Theatre is a passionately protected historic
landmark and one of America’s best-preserved examples of grand movie palace architecture. The
Tampa Theatre’s mission is “building community through extraordinary entertainment in an
iconic landmark.”
44
The Florida Aquarium, Inc. (Florida Aquarium)
The Florida Aquarium, Inc., is a Florida not-for-profit corporation registered with the Florida
Department of State.
45
According to The Florida Aquarium’s website, the aquarium is “more
than a must-see attraction, The Florida Aquarium is working to protect and restore our blue
planet through education and environmental conservation programs.
The Florida Aquarium
inspires visitors and engages students in stewardship with interactive experiences and compelling
species ambassadors. Our real and applied conservation efforts include ground-breaking research
and rescue efforts that help restore Florida’s coral and sea turtle populations.”
46
III. Effect of Proposed Changes:
The bill creates ten new specialty license plates and revises the annual use fee for the existing
Florida Wildflower specialty license plate.
Florida Wildflower Specialty License Plate
39
Broward College College, About Broward College, (last visited April 17, 2025).
40
Id.
41
Florida Department of State: Division of Corporations, Broward College Foundation, Inc. Sunbiz.org, Document number
722016 (April 17, 2025).
42
Broward College Foundation, Inc., Broward College Alumni & Friends, (last visited April 17, 2025).
43
Florida Department of State: Division of Corporations, The Tampa Theatre, Inc. Sunbiz.org, Document number
N92000000017 (April 17, 2025).
44
The Tampa Theatre, About - Tampa Theatre, (last visited April 17, 2025).
45
Florida Department of State: Division of Corporations, Florida Aquarium, Inc. Sunbiz.org, Document number N18242
(April 17, 2025).
46
Florida Aquarium Foundation, Get Involved - The Florida Aquarium, (last visited April 17, 2025). BILL: CS/CS/SB 824 Page 8
The bill amends s. 320.08056, F.S., to increase the annual use fee of the Florida Wildflower
specialty license plate from $15 to $25, except for an owner purchasing the specialty license
plate for more than 10 vehicles registered to that owner, the annual use fee remains at $15 per
plate.
The $25 annual use fee is consistent with the amount established in s. 320.08056(3)(d), F.S.,
which is applicable to all new specialty license plates.
Supporting FHP Troopers Specialty License Plate
The bill authorizes the DHSMV to create a new specialty license plate for Supporting FHP
Troopers. The annual use fee for the plate is $25. The plate must bear the colors and design
approved by the DHSMV, with the word “Florida” at the top of the plate and the words
“Supporting FHP Troopers” at the bottom of the plate.
Proceeds of the sale of the Supporting FHP Troopers specialty license plate will be distributed to
the Florida Highway Patrol Advisory Council, Inc. The organization may use up to 10 percent of
the proceeds for marketing and promotion of the plate. Thereafter, the annual use fees from the
sale of the plate will be distributed to fund scholarships, based on the councils’ established
criteria, for current members of the Florida Highway Patrol and their family members who are
attending a vocational school, technical school, college or university.
For the purposes of this plate, the term “family member” means a spouse, child, stepchild, or
legally adopted child of the Florida Highway Patrol member or a child raised in the home and
claimed by the Florida Highway Patrol member as a dependent under the federal income tax
code before the child’s 18
th
birthday.
Miami Dade College Specialty License Plate
The bill authorizes the DHSMV to create a new specialty license plate for Miami Dade College.
The annual use fee for the plate is $25. The plate must bear the colors and design approved by
the DHSMV, with the word “Florida” at the top of the plate and the words “Miami Dade
College” at the bottom of the plate.
Proceeds of the sale of the Miami Dade College specialty license plate will be distributed to the
Miami Dade College Foundation, Inc. The organization may use up to 10 percent of the proceeds
for marketing and promotion of the plate. Thereafter, the annual use fees from the sale of the
plate will be distributed to the Miami Dade College Foundation, Inc. to fund student
scholarships.
St. Petersburg College Specialty License Plate
The bill authorizes the DHSMV to create a new specialty license plate for St. Petersburg
College. The annual use fee for the plate is $25. The plate must bear the colors and design
approved by the DHSMV, with the word “Florida” at the top of the plate and the words “St.
Petersburg College” at the bottom of the plate. BILL: CS/CS/SB 824 Page 9
Proceeds of the sale of the St. Petersburg College specialty license plate will be distributed to the
St. Petersburg College Foundation, Inc. The organization may use up to 10 percent of the
proceeds for marketing and promotion of the plate, 40 percent must be dedicated to funding
student scholarships, and 50 percent must be used to fund initiatives that embolden student
success.
Miami Northwestern Alumni Association Specialty License Plate
The bill authorizes the DHSMV to create a new specialty license plate for the Miami
Northwestern Alumni Association. The annual use fee for the plate is $25. The plate must bear
the colors and design approved by the DHSMV, with the word “Florida” at the top of the plate
and the words “Miami Northwestern Alumni Association” at the bottom of the plate.
Proceeds of the sale of the Miami Northwestern Alumni Association specialty license plate will
be distributed to the Miami Northwestern Alumni Association, Inc. The organization may use up
to 10 percent of the proceeds for marketing and promotion of the plate. Thereafter, the annual
use fees from the sale of the plate will be used to fund need-based scholarships, academic
programs, and athletic programs for the benefit of Miami Northwestern Senior High School
students and the Miami Northwestern Senior High School Performing and Visual Arts Center.
United States Naval Academy Specialty License Plate
The bill authorizes the DHSMV to create a new specialty license plate for the United States
Naval Academy. The annual use fee for the plate is $25. The plate must bear the colors and
design approved by the DHSMV, with the word “Florida” at the top of the plate and the words
“Go Navy, Beat Army” at the bottom of the plate.
Proceeds of the sale of the United States Naval Academy specialty license plate will be
distributed to the Blue Angels Foundation, Inc. The organization may use up to 10 percent of the
proceeds for marketing and promotion of the plate. Thereafter, the annual use fees from the sale
of the plate will be distributed to the Blue Angels Foundation, Inc., to provide funding to
wounded veterans for critical services, with a focus on transitional housing, post-traumatic stress
treatment, and suicide prevention.
United States Military Academy Specialty License Plate
The bill authorizes the DHSMV to create a new specialty license plate for the United States
Military Academy. The annual use fee for the plate is $25. The plate must bear the colors and
design approved by the DHSMV, with the word “Florida” at the top of the plate and the words
“Go Army, Beat Navy” at the bottom of the plate.
Proceeds of the sale of the United States Military Academy specialty license plate will be
distributed to the Home Base Florida, which may use up to 10 percent of the fees for
administrative costs related to the promotion and the marketing of the plate. The balance of the
fees must be used by the Home Base Florida, to assist in world-class clinical care, wellness, BILL: CS/CS/SB 824 Page 10
education, and research, for veterans, service members, and their families who need more
complex care.
Save Coastal Wildlife Specialty License Plate
The bill authorizes the DHSMV to create a new specialty license plate for Save Coastal Wildlife.
The annual use fee for the plate is $25. The plate must bear the colors and design approved by
the DHSMV, with the word “Florida” at the top of the plate and the words “Save Coastal
Wildlife” at the bottom of the plate.
Proceeds of the sale of the Save Coastal Wildlife specialty license plate will be distributed to the
Zoo Miami Foundation, Inc. The organization may use up to 10 percent of the proceeds for
marketing and promotion of the plate.
Thereafter, the annual use fees from the sale of the plate will be distributed as follows:
• 85 percent must be used to maintain programs at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Institute at
Zoo Miami which conserve imperiled coastal wildlife and ecosystems.
• 15 percent must be distributed to eligible Florida-based nonprofit organizations to conserve
native-imperiled coastal wildlife and ecosystems.
Broward College Specialty License Plate
The bill authorizes the DHSMV to create a new specialty license plate for Broward College. The
annual use fee for the plate is $25. The plate must bear the colors and design approved by the
DHSMV, with the word “Florida” at the top of the plate and the words “Broward College” at the
bottom of the plate.
Proceeds of the sale of the Broward College specialty license plate will be distributed to the
Broward College Foundation, Inc. The organization may use up to 10 percent of the proceeds for
marketing and promotion of the plate.
Thereafter, the annual use fees from the sale of the plate will be distributed as follows:
• 40 percent must be dedicated to funding student scholarships to ensure access to quality
education for students in need.
• 50 percent must be used to fund initiatives that embolden student success, particularly in
emerging technologies and workforce development programs to prepare students for high-
demand careers and the future economy.
The Tampa Theatre Specialty License Plate
The bill authorizes the DHSMV to create a new specialty license plate for The Tampa Theatre.
The annual use fee for the plate is $25. The plate must bear the colors and design approved by
the DHSMV, with the word “Florida” at the top of the plate and the words “Historic Tampa
Theatre” at the bottom of the plate.
Proceeds of the sale of The Tampa Theatre specialty license plate will be distributed to The
Tampa Theatre, Inc. The organization may use up to 10 percent of the proceeds for marketing BILL: CS/CS/SB 824 Page 11
and promotion of the plate. Thereafter, the annual use fees from the sale of the plate will be
distributed to The Tampa Theatre, Inc. to fund its efforts to preserve and program the historic
Tampa Theatre.
The Florida Aquarium Specialty License Plate
The bill authorizes the DHSMV to create a new specialty license plate for The Florida
Aquarium. The annual use fee for the plate is $25. The plate must bear the colors and design
approved by the DHSMV, with the word “Florida” at the top of the plate and the words “The
Florida Aquarium” at the bottom of the plate.
Proceeds of the sale of The Florida Aquarium specialty license plate will be distributed to The
Florida Aquarium, Inc. The organization may use up to 10 percent of the proceeds for marketing
and promotion of the plate. Thereafter, the annual use fees from the sale of the plate will be used
to fund its efforts to save marine wildlife, provide environmental education, and inspire
conservation action.
The bill takes effect October 1, 2025.
IV. Constitutional Issues:
A. Municipality/County Mandates Restrictions:
None.
B. Public Records/Open Meetings Issues:
None.
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. BILL: CS/CS/SB 824 Page 12
B. Private Sector Impact:
If the annual use fee increases from $15 to $25, the Florida Wildflowers Foundation, Inc.,
will experience an indeterminate positive fiscal impact associated with increased
revenues available to the foundation.
If the specialty license plates are produced, the various organizations authorized to
receive the proceeds of the sale of the plates will benefit.
C. Government Sector Impact:
The estimated cost for programming and implementation associated with a new specialty
license plate is $8,280 per plate;
47
Therefore, the total for the ten new specialty license
plates is $82,800.
VI. Technical Deficiencies:
None.
VII. Related Issues:
None.
VIII. Statutes Affected:
This bill substantially amends sections 320.08056 and 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.)
CS/CS by Fiscal Policy on April 17, 2025:
The committee substitute creates the following new specialty license plates:
• Miami Dade College;
• St. Petersburg College;
• Miami Northwestern High School;
• United States Naval Academy;
• United States Military Academy;
• Save Costal Wildlife;
• Broward College;
• The Tampa Theatre; and
• The Florida Aquarium.
47
DHMSV, 2025 Legislative Bill Analysis: SB 824 (March 17, 2025) at p. 6 (on file with the Senate Committee on
Transportation). BILL: CS/CS/SB 824 Page 13
It also increases the annual use fee for the existing Florida Wildflower specialty license
plate from $15 to $25, consistent with the annual use fee amount applicable to all new
specialty license plates.
CS by Transportation on March 18, 2025:
The committee substitute removes the exemption in the bill related to the 3,000 pre-sale
voucher requirement and the 3,000 annual registration requirement which are applicable
to all new specialty license plates.
B. Amendments:
None.
This Senate Bill Analysis does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill’s introducer or the Florida Senate.