Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law on Friday bringing new specialty plates to the state, according to a report from News4JAX sister station WKMG in Orlando. This move follows a series of legislative actions, including recent developments where the Florida House approved a bill to raise highway speed limits and end plate stickers, signaling ongoing changes in Florida’s transportation landscape.
Drivers can begin buying any new plates starting on Oct. 1, though it might take a while before drivers will actually receive one.
According to state officials, each plate’s respective organization is supposed to begin offering pre-sale vouchers when any new laws go into effect on Oct. 1. Starting on that date, the organizations will have two years to sell 3,000 vouchers before the license plate will be manufactured.
If the pre-sale period ends without an organization hitting that target, their respective specialty plate will instead be deauthorized, meaning it won’t actually be produced. In that case, anyone who bought a pre-sale voucher for the plate can apply for a refund.
SB 246 creates new specialty license plates for the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, Miami Dade College, Florida Film Legacy, Christopher Columbus High School, as well as the following:
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)
Annual use fees from the sale of this plate will go to the UFC Foundation, which must use the funds to support charities and nonprofits, such as children’s hospitals, support for first responders/military members, and youth mentorships. According to the legislation, the words “UFC Lives Here” must appear at the bottom of the plate.
Miami Northwestern Alumni Association
Annual use fees from the sale of this plate will go to the Miami Northwestern Alumni Association, which must use the proceeds to fund academic programs, athletic programs and need-based scholarship programs. This funding would be to the benefit of Miami Northwestern Senior High School students and the school’s Performing and Visual Arts Center. According to the legislation, the words “Miami Northwestern Alumni Association” must appear at the bottom of the plate.
Outsider
Annual use fees from the sale of this plate will go to the Hoober Brothers Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing public spaces throughout the state. According to the legislation, the word “OUTSIDER” must appear at the bottom of the plate.
St. Petersburg College
Annual use fees from the sale of this plate will go to the St. Petersburg College Foundation to help fund student scholarships and initiatives that embolden student success. According to the legislation, the words “St. Petersburg College” must appear at the bottom of the plate.
First Responders Resiliency
Annual use fees from the sale of this plate will be given to the First Responders Resiliency Foundation Corp. to fund mental health services for first responders. According to the legislation, the words “First Responders Resiliency” must appear at the bottom of the plate.
Designs for the new plates haven’t been released yet, but each respective organization is responsible for submitting a proposed art design to the Florida Division of Motorist Services (DMS) within 60 days of Oct. 1. The DMS will then be responsible for developing the specialty plate based on state requirements. For additional insight into recent legislative activity and public statements by the governor, see coverage of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ news conference in Fort Pierce.
The bill also directs the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), which oversees the specialty plate program, to develop an “Endless Summer” plate for motorcycles.
Endless Summer specialty license plate (Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles)
The Endless Summer tag, featuring an iconic image of a surfer silhouetted against an orange-yellow sunset, is the top selling design in Florida with 145,063 plates sold. The plate supports the Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation.
The department has authorized 132 specialty license plates, 14 of which are still in the pre-sale stage.
After Endless Summer, the top-selling license plates in Florida are for: Helping Sea Turtles Survive, with 113,962 sold; the University of Florida, 93,439 sold; the Miami Heat, 90,413 sold; and Florida State University, 68,926 sold. For more updates on legislative developments affecting drivers, including recent appearances by state officials, check out the details from Gov. Ron DeSantis’ news conference at IRSC Fort Pierce.
Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.
About the Authors
Anthony Talcott
Anthony, a graduate of the University of Florida, joined ClickOrlando.com in April 2022.
Jim Turner
Jim is a Capitol reporter for the News Service of Florida, providing coverage on issues ranging from transportation and the environment to Legislative and Cabinet politics.
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