A new law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis will introduce five additional specialty license plates across Florida, expanding the state’s lineup of themed plates tied to charities, educational institutions, and public service organizations.
The legislation, SB 246, authorizes the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to develop plates supporting a range of causes, with proceeds from annual use fees directed to designated nonprofit and institutional partners.
New specialty plates approved
The new plates include designs for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Miami Northwestern Senior High School alumni, the “Outsider” foundation, St. Petersburg College, and first responders’ mental health support.
The UFC plate will support the UFC Foundation, funding initiatives such as children’s hospitals, first responder and military support, and youth mentorship programs. The legislation requires the words “UFC Lives Here” to appear on the plate.
The Miami Northwestern Alumni Association plate will direct funds to the Miami Northwestern Alumni Association, supporting academic and athletic programs as well as need-based scholarships for students at Miami Northwestern Senior High School and its Performing and Visual Arts Center.
The “Outsider” plate will benefit the Hoober Brothers Foundation, which focuses on improving public spaces across the state. The word “OUTSIDER” will be displayed on the plate.
A St. Petersburg College plate will support the St. Petersburg College Foundation, funding scholarships and student success initiatives, while a First Responders Resiliency plate will benefit the First Responders Resiliency Foundation Corp. to expand mental health services for emergency personnel. That plate must display the words “First Responders Resiliency.”
Rollout timeline and requirements
Officials said drivers will be able to begin purchasing the new plates starting October 1, although actual production may take longer depending on demand and pre-sale performance.
Organizations sponsoring each plate must begin offering pre-sale vouchers once the law takes effect. They will then have two years to sell 3,000 vouchers in order for the plate to be manufactured. If that threshold is not met, the plate will be deauthorized and not produced, with refunds available for customers who purchased vouchers.
Each sponsoring organization must also submit a proposed design to the Division of Motorist Services within 60 days of October 1.
Design standards
State guidelines require all specialty plates to measure 12 inches by 6 inches, with clear contrast for visibility by law enforcement. The word “FLORIDA” must appear at the top in Arial font, while sponsor text must appear at the bottom in Arial Bold.
Plates may feature either a centered or left-aligned graphic design, with strict size limits for imagery and character placement depending on the format.
While final designs have not yet been released, officials say they must meet state specifications ensuring readability and uniformity across all specialty plate offerings.
