Clearwater Marine Aquarium on Monday announced it had received more than $17,000 from the Sea Turtle Grants Program.
With the new funding, the aquarium says its veterinary team was able to purchase new medical equipment for sea turtle rehabilitation — including a new surgical exam table, a single head ceiling surgical light, a wound VAC and dressings, and a digital camera. Since receiving the equipment, CMA says more than 75 sea turtles have been treated.

The Sea Turtle Grants Program is partially funded by Florida's 'Helping Sea Turtles Survive' Specialty License Plate, according to the aquarium. The license plate is also the primary source of funding for Florida's Marine Turtle Protection Program. 
According to CMA, the grants program has awarded more than $2.7 million in grants for research, education and conservation programs to benefit sea turtles in Florida. 

If anyone wants to get a personalized license plate from the state of Florida, it's best to be creative and avoid vulgar language — and don't try "WANKRR" because it's already been rejected.
Florida drivers have a lot of leeway when it comes to personalized license plates. They can be used to describe oneself or a vehicle and can sometimes be humorous to other drivers on the road. But in large part, it's a crapshoot for those who don't know the rules.
Over the last three years, Floridians have applied for more than 1,000 personalized license plates, records obtained by the Gainesville Sun show, a vast majority of which were rejected.
​Since 2018, only about 25% of the personalized plates submitted for review have been approved by the state of Florida.

Plates like “SXY GRMA” got the green light from state officials, while “FARTMAN” was left in the virtual dust bin.
Offensive or objectionable plates are often rejected by the state. "DOO DOO" and "UID IOT" didn't make the cut, while more revealing "I GOTA P" and "MO STIKY" requests did, the state's list shows.
Plates with phrases like "GET SOME" or "MCNASTY" made it through. While "OH FARTS" and "MR POOP" got blocked.

​"Personalized license plate requests received by the department with obscene or objectionable words will be rejected," said Jessica Kelleher, the deputy communications director at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
The state rejected 275 personalized plates from 2013 to 2018, The Gainesville Sun reported in 2018. But over the past three years since, the state rejected 790 requested plates, according to data from a public records request.

​The coronavirus pandemic coincided with a large drop in requests, the state's list shows. But the prison was also closed for manufacturing on numerous occasions due to Covid infections and precautions. While more than 1,000 plate requests were received in 2019, only about 250 were submitted in the following two years combined. During that same time, just four personalized plates were approved.
"GETU5UM," "FREEAZ" and "POOBLIX" were first rejected, but after a further review was overturned and approved. "SATN LVS" is the only personalized plate since 2020 to be approved on initial review.
One driver expressed frustration with the pandemic, applying for "FUCOVID," but that plate was rejected. Other submissions got political with "FUBDN" and "FTR UMP," both of which, of course, were rejected.
Personalized plates are first reviewed by staff at local tax collection offices and state motor vehicle offices. Other submissions are screened through the FLHSMV Inventory Control Unit.

"Anyone can contact the FLHSMV or their local tax collector's office to file a complaint should they encounter a plate that is obscene or objectionable," said Kelleher.
If a requested plate has a curse word, like "HELL NAW," it is rejected immediately. A reference to cursing, like "HELYAZ," got through on initial review, but was overturned and recalled.

It's clear from reviewing the list that drivers are getting more aggressive with their requests. "V10L3NT," "KRZYBCH," "KDNAPPR" and "HOMICDL" got the axe. Yet "5ICKO" and "DA BULLY" punched their way through.
Most plates with references to law enforcement got rejected, as state law forbids citizens from impersonating law enforcement. Plates like "CIA BABY," "FBI-19" and "RET FBI" got rejected. One plate, however, with a more vague reference to the police — "WUZFUZ" — got OK'd.
Personalized license plates are different from specialty tags, which show support for a broad range of organizations that include environmental causes or support for military veterans or colleges.
The specialty tags can also be personalized by using four to seven digits or letters, though there is an annual upcharge of about $53 per vehicle.

For full article from The Gainesville Sun with images: click here

In the race to get the final few specialty plates approved before the new 135 maximum cap is in place, Tom Brady has donated the requisite funds to cover the cost of 2,500 presale vouchers. Before the new Best Buddies specialty license plate is manufactured, 3,000 vouchers must be completed within two years of the initial offering date. The free vouchers are courtesy of Tom Brady and Best Buddies, for the right to receive the Best Buddies Tom Brady specialty license plate once the 3000 vouchers have been registered and completed.
While you will receive the $33 voucher credit, the recipient will still need to pay their normal registration fees to the State of Florida.
​You can get the free voucher by clicking here

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has announced that the new Florida State Parks specialty license plate is now available.
Floridians who purchased presale vouchers for the specialty license plate are now able to redeem them and purchase the specialty license plate.

The new specialty license plates were authorized during Florida’s 2021 Legislative Session, and the presale process began in October of 2021. The Florida State Parks specialty plate is the first plate from the 2021 Legislative Session to meet all design, development, manufacturing, and presale requirements that were established to begin the distribution process.
All annual revenue that is collected from the sale of the Florida State Parks specialty license plate will be distributed to the Florida State Parks Foundation, a Florida nonprofit, for their efforts to preserve, protect, sustain, and grow Florida’s state parks.

The New College of Florida (NCF), based in Sarasota, has had their specialty license plate discontinued. Florida law requires the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) to discontinue the specialty license plate with the lowest number of valid registrations. As of March 01, 2022, NCF had 765 valid registrations. New College has by far the smallest student population in the State University System of Florida with only 675 students as of the Fall 2020 semester.
On March 28, 2022, the NCF specialty license plate was discontinued.

​A vehicle owner or lessee issued a specialty license plate that has been discontinued may keep this discontinued specialty license plate for the remainder of the 10-year license plate replacement cycle. All other applicable registration fees will continue to be collected during the annual renewal period. They will no longer be charged the $25 annual specialty license plate fee that FLHSMV distributes to New College of Florida. No original, replacement or personalized license plate reservation transactions can be performed. If the customer chooses to switch to a different license plate, all applicable fees will be charged.
Additionally, the gift certificate voucher for the New College of Florida specialty license plate is deauthorized and is no longer available to customers. 

​New College of Florida is a public liberal arts college in Sarasota, Florida. It was founded in 1960 as a private institution known simply as New College, spent several years merged into the University of South Florida, and in 2001 became an autonomous college, the eleventh independent school of the State University System of Florida. Upon achieving independence, the school adopted its current name: New College of Florida.
The school is distinguished by its unusual "contract system," in which students are given written evaluations instead of grades and agree to semester-long contracts in which a certain number of classes must be passed. For example, in a "three out of five" contract, a student who failed two classes would face no penalty, although one who failed three classes would risk losing the entire semester's credits. The system was devised to encourage academic experimentation and foster curiosity about disparate topics outside one's usual course of study. New College students are required to complete an undergraduate thesis project and baccalaureate exam, during which the student presents and defends their project to a committee of professors.
Undergraduates complete a step-by-step career education plan that integrates professional development with their academic experience. Students work with their personal career coach and faculty sponsor to undertake professional internships, undergraduate research, community service, and other hands-on learning opportunities that complement their academic coursework.

CS/CS/SB 364, an 'Act Relating to Specialty License Plates', has been approved by the Florida Legislature and is being sent to the Governor for approval.
The bill reduces the number of allowable specialty plates to 135, from 150, and adds another 8 proposed specialty plates to the Presale Program, upon approval by FLHSMV: Inter Miami CF, Safe Haven for Newborns, PAP Corp Champions for Cancer Research, Learn to Fly, Florida Swims, Down Syndrome Awareness, Gopher Tortoise and Take Stock in Children.
HB 163 (filed by Reps Hinson, Tant and Woodson on 9/22/2021) and SB 424 (filed by Sen Berman on 10/8/2021) – proposed the 'Ethical Ecotourism' specialty license plate for the Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism and Paddle Florida, Inc. This was not heard in any Committee and was indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at 12.00 AM.
SB 1154 (filed by Sen Stewart on 12/2/2021) – proposed the ‘Orlando United’ specialty license plate for the LGBT+ Center Orlando, Inc. and onePULSE Foundation, Inc. for the shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando on June 12, 2016. This was not heard in any Committee and was indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at 12.00 AM.
According to the latest data release from FLHSMV, there are currently 33 specialty plates in the Presale Voucher process, and with the 8 new ones, there will be 41. The Senate Bill analysis for the bill that just passed states that there are currently 123 specialty license plates and there are 3 more, plus the nine 'Divine 9' specialty plates that have already completed the presale process, which will bring the number of specialty plates to 135. The bill, which awaits the governor's signature, reduces the number of allowable specialty plates to 135, from 150

Digital License Plates
CS/CS/HB 91 (Filed by Rep Duran on 9/13/2021) 
After passing both the Tourism, Infrastructure & Energy Subcommittee and Commerce Committee, sat on Second Reading on the House Floor. Was indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at 12.00 AM.
Lobbyists that registered for this bill were:  
Floridian Partners, LLC: Jorge Chamizo for Reviver Auto
Jeff Kottkamp PA: Barney Bishop for Airplate, LLC
Ronald L Book PA: Ronald L Book for AutoNation, Inc., Dealer Services Network, LLC, Florida Association of Motorist Service Providers, Inc., K.A.S & Associates, Inc. and Rana G Brown for AutoNation, Inc. and Florida Association of Motorist Service Providers, Inc.
Elizabeth D’Silva Alvi filed on behalf of Audubon Florida
The companion bill, CS/SB 1178 (filed by Sen Broxson on 12/7/2021), passed both the Transportation Committee and Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Committee, but sat in Appropriations from 2/17/22 without hearing. Was indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at 12.00 AM.
The only registered lobbyist firm that filed for this bill was Ronald L Book PA: Ronald L Book for AutoNation, Inc., Dealer Services Network, LLC, Florida Association of Motorist Service Providers, Inc., K.A.S & Associates, Inc. and Rana G Brown for AutoNation, Inc. and Florida Association of Motorist Service Providers, Inc.

Private Vendor License Plate Sales.
HB 555 (filed by Rep Byrd on 11/9/2021) never got heard in any Committee and then was indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at 12.00 AM.
Lobbyists that registered for this bill were:  
Mercury Public Affairs: Keith Marino Cabrera for License Plates of Texas, LLC [an indication appeared in the House Lobbyist filing that SB 824 was included, but was not filed in the Senate side]
Ronald L Book PA: Ronald L Book for AutoNation, Inc., Dealer Services Network, LLC, Florida Association of Motorist Service Providers, Inc., K.A.S & Associates, Inc. and Rana G Brown for AutoNation, Inc. and Florida Association of Motorist Service Providers, Inc.
Ramba Consulting Group, LLC: Allison S Carvajal, for Florida Automobile Dealers Association.
Capital City Consulting: Megan Fay, for 3M Company and American Traffic Solutions, Inc. d/b/a Verra Mobility
The Senate companion bill, SB 824 (filed by Sen Gruters on 11/4/2021) never got heard in any committee and then was indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at 12.00 AM.
The only registered lobbyist firm that filed for this bill was Ronald L Book PA: Ronald L Book for AutoNation, Inc., Dealer Services Network, LLC, Florida Association of Motorist Service Providers, Inc., K.A.S & Associates, Inc. and Rana G Brown for AutoNation, Inc. and Florida Association of Motorist Service Providers, Inc.​

The moral of the story is, don't have Ron Book on the opposite side of your bill!

CS/HB 67 passed the House Commerce Committee, its second and final House Committee, with an amendment filed by Representative Tommy Gregory (R-Sarasota), an attorney and entrepreneur, and a long-time foe of the specialty license plate program. The amendment reduces the allowable number of specialty plates to 125, instead of 150, despite opposition from Vice-Chair Brad Drake,  (R-. The amendment was passed on a voice call, which Chair Blaise Ingoglia (R- ) determined was in Rep Gregory's favor.
Democratic Reps Joseph Geller, Anika Tene Omphoy and Matt Wilhite all voiced opposition to the amendment. Republican Randall Scott Maggard (R-Dade City) whose occupation is listed as "Vice president of a corporation", said all plates should be audited (obviously not knowing that they are) and Republican Bob Rommell, (R-Naples) a restaurant owner, said if there was no cap there could be 5,000 plates and made a joke about Rep Jamie Grant no longer being present. Republican Charles Wesley "Chuck"  Clemons (R-Newberry) a college administrator, suggested that the proposed Auburn University plate should be stricken, apparently in jest.
With 123 existing specialty plates (according to the latest Senate Bill Analysis) and 2 more approved plus the nine 'Divine 9' specialty license plates that are currently waiting to be produced, the remaining 33 presale voucher plates who are frantically trying to complete their presale requirement, plus 10 more potentially being approved this session, will have no chance of actually ever being created.
Funds will continue to be taken from the citizens of Florida who support these proposed plates and the state will continue to collect the additional fees that those citizens pay.
The sponsor of the bill Rep Alex Rizo (R-Hialeah), an educator and small business owner, welcomed the amendment, despite knowing that the 5 plates that he was proposing under his bill would now have no chance of success, including proposed plates for Down Syndrome Awareness, Inter Miami CF, Florida Swims, Gopher Tortoise and Take Stock in Children, who had members in the audience.
The Senate companion bill, CS/SB 364, will appear before its final Senate Committee stop today, Appropriations, chaired by Senator Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland), an investment property manager and vice chair Aaron Bean R-Jacksonville, President Pro Tempore and son of Lewis "Red" Bean, Fernandina Beach City Commissioner. This bill also includes proposed license plates for Safe Haven for Newborns, Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research, Learn to Fly, Ethical Ecotourism and 'I Make Things' for the Florida Manufacturing and Logistics Council, as well as Inter Miami CF, Florida Swims, Down Syndrome and Gopher Tortoise, that are included in the House Bill.
The Senate version also seeks to reduce the presale voucher requirement to 2,500 from 3,000 and 4,000 for out of state colleges and extend the presale period by an additional 24 months.. The bill  has an effective date of when it becomes law.

According to the latest statistics released by FLHSMV, Endless Summer has 111,591 specialty license plates on the roads in Florida, with Helping Sea Turtles Survive trailing by more than 13,000. 
The new Walt Disney World plate is now already at number 30 with 18,330 already on the roads. The other two recently approved plates are Blue Angels at 77 (4,540) and Coastal Conservation/Redfish at 80 (3,729).
There are currently 121 specialty license plates, including the twenty ICUF plates that are allowed to combine their total sales to meet the minimum 3,000 annual requirement, although many of them also have existing college specialty plates on the road prior to the new law combining their sales and reducing them to a logo.
The nine 'Divine 9', Explore Off Road Florida and State Parks specialty plates have met the presale requirement and are currently being manufactured and will bring the total to 131, with a legislative cap of 150 in place right now. There are another 33 approved specialty plates trying to complete their presale voucher and a further 6 being contemplated in this years legislative session. A bill has also been filed to reduce the 3,000 (4,000 for out of state colleges) to 2,500 for all plates currently going through the process.
The DMV will also delist plates that do not meet the required minimum sales.

there are also 200,407 special military license plates, including 80,541 Disabled Veteran special plates. There are currently 4,280 Fraternal Order of Police plates, which requires membership in the organization to qualify to purchase it.

According to the latest statistics released by FLHSMV, the proposed Explore Off Road Florida and Divine 9 Florida specialty license plates have completed the required 3,000 presale voucher sales, to make those plates a reality. The plates will now be manufactured and go on sale in the next few months.
The next in line are America the Beautiful, Ducks Unlimited and Thank a Lineman.
Auburn University has sold 1,937 and University of Alabama has sold 1,384, but the existing rules require out-of-state colleges to sell 4,000 presale vouchers. There have been bills filed by Senator Bean and Representative Yarborough (SB364/HB891) in the upcoming Florida Legislative session that is now underway, that seek to reduce the out-of-state college requirements 3,000 and extend their deadline for completion by a further 2 years.
There are a number of other new specialty plates being proposed in the 2022 session, including Inter Miami CF, Ethical Ecotourism, Safe Haven for Newborns, Down Syndrome Awareness, Pap Corps Champions, as well as a proposal to privatize the specialty license plate program and approve the use of digital license plates.