320.08058 Specialty license plates.
320.08058 Specialty license plates.
(1) MANATEE LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop a manatee license plate to commemorate the official state marine mammal. The word “Florida” must appear at the top of the plate, and the words “Save the Manatee” must appear at the bottom of the plate.
(b) The manatee license plate annual use fee must be deposited into the Save the Manatee Trust Fund, created within the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and shall be used only for the purposes specified in s. 379.2431(4).
(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), up to 10 percent of the annual use fee deposited in the Save the Manatee Trust Fund from the sale of the manatee license plate may be used to promote and market the license plate issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles after June 30, 2007.
(2) CHALLENGER/COLUMBIA LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop a Challenger/Columbia license plate to commemorate the seven astronauts who died when the space shuttle Challenger exploded on liftoff in 1986 and the seven astronauts who died when the Columbia exploded on reentry in 2003. The word “Florida” shall appear at the top of the plate, and the words “Challenger/Columbia” must appear at the bottom of the plate, in small letters.
(b) Fifty percent of the Challenger/Columbia license plate annual use fee must be distributed to the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, Inc., to support the operations of the Center for Space Education and the Education Technology Institute. Funds received by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, Inc., may be used for administrative costs directly associated with the operation of the center and the institute. These funds must be used for the maintenance and support of the operations of the Center for Space Education and the Education Technology Institute operated by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, Inc. These operations must include preservice and inservice training in the use of technology for the state’s instructional personnel in a manner consistent with state training programs and approved by the Department of Education. Up to 20 percent of funds received by the Center for Space Education and the Education Technology Institute may be expended for administrative costs directly associated with the operation of the center and the institute.
(c) Fifty percent must be distributed to the Technological Research and Development Authority created by s. 2, chapter 87-455, Laws of Florida, for the purpose of funding space-related research grants, the Teacher/Quest Scholarship Program under s. 1009.61 as approved by the Florida Department of Education, and space-related economic development programs. The Technological Research and Development Authority shall coordinate and distribute available resources among state universities and independent colleges and universities based on the research strengths of such institutions in space science technology, community colleges, public school districts, and not-for-profit educational organizations.
(d) Up to 10 percent of the funds distributed under paragraphs (b) and (c) may be used for continuing promotion and marketing of the license plate.
(e) The Auditor General has the authority to examine any and all records pertaining to the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, Inc., and the Technological Research and Development Authority to determine compliance with the law.
(3) COLLEGIATE LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop a collegiate license plate as provided in this section for state and independent universities domiciled in this state. However, any collegiate license plate created or established after October 1, 2002, must comply with the requirements of s. 320.08053 and be specifically authorized by an act of the Legislature. Collegiate license plates must bear the colors and design approved by the department as appropriate for each state and independent university. The word “Florida” must be stamped across the bottom of the plate in small letters.
(b) A collegiate plate annual use fee is to be distributed to the state or independent university foundation designated by the purchaser for deposit in an unrestricted account. The Board of Governors of the State University System shall require each state university to submit a plan for approval of the expenditure of all funds so designated. These funds may be used only for academic enhancement, including scholarships and private fundraising activities.
(4) FLORIDA SALUTES VETERANS LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop a Florida Salutes Veterans license plate. The words “Florida Salutes Veterans” and the flag of the United States of America must appear on the plate.
(b) The Florida Salutes Veterans license plate annual use fee shall be distributed as follows:
1. Ten percent shall be distributed to a direct-support organization created under s. 292.055 for a period not to exceed 48 months after the date the direct-support organization is incorporated.
2. Any remaining fees must be deposited in the State Homes for Veterans Trust Fund, which is created in the State Treasury. All such moneys are to be administered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and must be used solely for the purpose of constructing, operating, and maintaining domiciliary and nursing homes for veterans and for continuing promotion and marketing of the license plate, subject to the requirements of chapter 216.
(5) FLORIDA PANTHER LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop a Florida panther license plate as provided in this section. Florida panther license plates must bear the design of a Florida panther and the colors that department approves. In small letters, the word “Florida” must appear at the bottom of the plate.
(b) The department shall distribute the Florida panther license plate annual use fee in the following manner:
1. Eighty-five percent must be deposited in the Florida Panther Research and Management Trust Fund in the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to be used for education and programs to protect the endangered Florida panther, and up to 10 percent of such deposit may be used to promote and market the license plate.
2. Fifteen percent, but no less than $300,000, must be deposited in the Florida Communities Trust Fund to be used pursuant to the Florida Communities Trust Act.
(c) A person or corporation that purchases 10,000 or more panther license plates shall pay an annual use fee of $5 per plate and an annual processing fee of $2 per plate, in addition to the applicable license tax required under s. 320.08.
(6) FLORIDA UNITED STATES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE LICENSE PLATES.
(a) Because the United States Olympic Committee has selected this state to participate in a combined fundraising program that provides for one-half of all money raised through volunteer giving to stay in this state and be administered by the direct-support organization established under s. 288.1229 to support amateur sports, and because the United States Olympic Committee and the direct-support organization are nonprofit organizations dedicated to providing athletes with support and training and preparing athletes of all ages and skill levels for sports competition, and because the direct-support organization assists in the bidding for sports competitions that provide significant impact to the economy of this state, and the Legislature supports the efforts of the United States Olympic Committee and the direct-support organization, the Legislature establishes a Florida United States Olympic Committee license plate for the purpose of providing a continuous funding source to support this worthwhile effort. Florida United States Olympic Committee license plates must contain the official United States Olympic Committee logo and must bear a design and colors that are approved by the department. The word “Florida” must be centered at the top of the plate.
(b) The license plate annual use fees are to be annually distributed as follows:
1. The first $5 million collected annually must be paid to the direct-support organization to be distributed as follows:
a. Fifty percent must be distributed to the direct-support organization to be used for Florida’s Sunshine State Games.
b. Fifty percent must be distributed to the United States Olympic Committee.
2. Any additional fees must be deposited into the General Revenue Fund.
(7) SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA LICENSE PLATES.
(a) Special Olympics Florida license plates must contain the official Special Olympics Florida logo and must bear a design and colors that are approved by the department. The word “Florida” must be centered at the bottom of the plate, and the words “Everyone Wins” must be centered at the top of the plate.
(b) The license plate annual use fees are to be annually distributed as follows:
1. The first $5 million collected annually must be forwarded to the private nonprofit corporation as described in s. 393.002 and must be used solely for Special Olympics purposes as approved by the private nonprofit corporation.
2. Any additional fees must be deposited into the General Revenue Fund.
(8) FLORIDA EDUCATIONAL LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall develop a Florida educational license plate as provided in this section. Florida educational license plates must bear a design and colors that the department approves. The word “Florida” must appear in small letters at the top of the plate.
(b) The license annual use fees are to be distributed annually as follows:
1. Up to 10 percent of the moneys raised from the sale of the plates may be used for continuing marketing and promotion of the plates.
2. In each school district that has a district prekindergarten through grade 12 public school foundation or a direct-support organization, the moneys raised in that school district through the sale of Florida educational license plates must be distributed to the foundation or organization for enhancing educational programs.
3. In each school district that does not have a district prekindergarten through grade 12 public school foundation or a direct-support organization, the moneys raised in that school district through the sale of Florida educational license plates must be distributed to the district school board and must be used at the discretion of the board for enhancing educational programs.
(9) FLORIDA PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAM LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall develop a Florida Professional Sports Team license plate as provided in this section for Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, National Football League, Arena Football Teams, and National Hockey League teams domiciled in this state. However, any Florida Professional Sports Team license plate created or established after January 1, 1997, must comply with the requirements of s. 320.08053 and be specifically authorized by an act of the Legislature. Florida Professional Sports Team license plates must bear the colors and design approved by the department and must include the official league or team logo, or both, as appropriate for each team. The word “Florida” must appear at the top of the plate.
(b) The license plate annual use fees are to be annually distributed as follows:
1. Fifty-five percent of the proceeds from the Florida Professional Sports Team plate must be deposited into the Professional Sports Development Trust Fund within the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development. These funds must be used solely to attract and support major sports events in this state. As used in this subparagraph, the term “major sports events” means, but is not limited to, championship or all-star contests of Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the National Football League, the National Hockey League, the men’s and women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association Final Four basketball championship, or a horseracing or dogracing Breeders’ Cup. All funds must be used to support and promote major sporting events, and the uses must be approved by the Florida Sports Foundation.
2. The remaining proceeds of the Florida Professional Sports Team license plate must be allocated to the Florida Sports Foundation, a direct-support organization of the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development. These funds must be deposited into the Professional Sports Development Trust Fund within the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development. These funds must be used by the Florida Sports Foundation to promote the economic development of the sports industry; to distribute licensing and royalty fees to participating professional sports teams; to promote education programs in Florida schools that provide an awareness of the benefits of physical activity and nutrition standards; to partner with the Department of Education and the Department of Health to develop a program that recognizes schools whose students demonstrate excellent physical fitness or fitness improvement; to institute a grant program for communities bidding on minor sporting events that create an economic impact for the state; to distribute funds to Florida-based charities designated by the Florida Sports Foundation and the participating professional sports teams; and to fulfill the sports promotion responsibilities of the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development.
3. The Florida Sports Foundation shall provide an annual financial audit in accordance with s. 215.981 of its financial accounts and records by an independent certified public accountant pursuant to the contract established by the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development as specified in s. 288.1229(5). The auditor shall submit the audit report to the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development for review and approval. If the audit report is approved, the office shall certify the audit report to the Auditor General for review.
4. Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraphs 1. and 2., proceeds from the Professional Sports Development Trust Fund may also be used for operational expenses of the Florida Sports Foundation and financial support of the Sunshine State Games.
(10) FLORIDA INDIAN RIVER LAGOON LICENSE PLATES.
(a) Because the Indian River Lagoon system has been targeted by the state as a priority water body for restoration and preservation since the 1987 Surface Water Improvement and Management Act, and because the St. Johns River and South Florida Water Management Districts have jointly developed a management plan that includes water quality improvement, habitat restoration, and public awareness and education, and because the United States Environmental Protection Agency has declared the Indian River Lagoon to be an estuary of national significance, and because coastal lagoon activities relating to saltwater fishing account for a multibillion dollar economic base, and because the Legislature supports the restoration efforts of the water management districts, the Legislature establishes a Florida Indian River Lagoon license plate for the purpose of providing a continuous funding source to support this worthwhile effort and to heighten public awareness of this economically significant resource. Florida Indian River Lagoon license plates must contain the fish “snook,” which has been used as the Indian River Lagoon Surface Water Improvement and Management logo, suspended over seagrass, and must bear the colors and design approved by the department.
(b) The license plate annual use fees are to be distributed annually as follows:
1. The first $5 million collected annually must be transferred to the St. Johns River Water Management District. The district shall account for these funds separate from all other funds received. These funds must be distributed as follows:
a. Based on Florida Indian River Lagoon license plate sales data from each county tax collector for Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Palm Beach Counties, each county’s total number of Florida Indian River Lagoon license plates sold between October 1 and September 30 must represent a percentage of the six-county total, calculated as follows: the total number sold for county A divided by the total number sold for counties A, B, C, D, E, and F is multiplied by 100. The percentage determined for St. Lucie, Martin, and Palm Beach Counties must be totaled, and that total percentage of the statewide Florida Indian River Lagoon license plate revenues must be transferred to the South Florida Water Management District special Indian River Lagoon License Plate Revenue Account and distributed proportionately among St. Lucie, Martin, and Palm Beach Counties. The remaining funds in the St. Johns River Water Management District Revenue Account must be divided proportionately between Volusia, Brevard, and Indian River Counties.
b. Each water management district is responsible for administering projects in its respective counties funded with the appropriate percentage of license plate revenues.
2. Up to 5 percent of the proceeds from the annual use fee may be used for continuing promotion and marketing of the license plate.
3. Any additional fees must be deposited into the General Revenue Fund. Fees are not to be deposited into the general revenue funds of the water management districts.
(c) The application of Florida Indian River Lagoon license plate annual use fees is to be administered by the St. Johns River and South Florida Water Management Districts for Indian River Lagoon projects and in accordance with their contracting and purchasing policies and procedures, with the following restrictions:
1. An annual amount of the total license plate use fees must be earmarked for each of the six lagoon basin counties, as determined in sub-subparagraph (b)1.a., to be expended in those counties on habitat restoration, including water quality improvement, and environmental education projects. At least 80 percent of the use fees must be used for restoration projects, and not more than 20 percent may be used for environmental education in each county. These project funds may serve as matching funds for other local, state, or federal funds or grants. Unencumbered funds from one year may be carried over to the following year but must be dedicated to a project within 2 years in the form of a contract, an interlocal agreement, or an approved plan by the governing board of the respective district.
2. Florida Indian River Lagoon license plate annual use fees may not be used for administrative salaries or overhead within the water management districts, nor for any general coordination fees or overhead outside of the districts which is not specifically related to a project, nor for any projects which are considered to be research, studies, inventories, or evaluations, nor for administrative salaries or overhead related to environmental education or ongoing regular maintenance. Annual use fees may be used for acquisition of rights-of-way specific to the implementation of restoration or improvement projects, if acquisition expenditures do not exceed 20 percent of a county’s appropriation.
3. In Volusia County, project implementation may occur in all estuarine waters extending north to and including the Tomoka Basin.
4. In Palm Beach County, first priority must be given to projects within the Indian River Lagoon. Second priority must be given to projects within adjacent estuarine waters.
(d) It is the intent of the Legislature that revenues generated by the Florida Indian River Lagoon license plate annual use fees must not be used as replacement funds for Surface Water Improvement and Management Act funds, but must be used solely for the enhancement of the Indian River Lagoon area.
(11) INVEST IN CHILDREN LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall develop an Invest in Children license plate. Invest in Children license plates must bear the colors and design approved by the department. The word “Florida” must appear at the top of the plate, and the words “Invest in Children” must appear at the bottom of the plate.
(b) The proceeds of the Invest in Children license plate annual use fee must be deposited into the Juvenile Crime Prevention and Early Intervention Trust Fund within the Department of Juvenile Justice. Based on the recommendations of the juvenile justice councils, the department shall use the proceeds of the fee to fund programs and services that are designed to prevent juvenile delinquency. The department shall allocate moneys for programs and services within each county based on that county’s proportionate share of the license plate annual use fee collected by the county.
(12) FLORIDA ARTS LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall develop a Florida arts license plate as provided in this section. In small letters, the word “Florida” must appear at the top of the plate, and the word “Art” or “Arts” or a combination of words including the word “Art” or “Arts” may appear at the bottom of the plate.
(b) The license plate annual use fees are to be distributed quarterly to the single arts council officially designated by the county in direct proportion to the amounts of fees collected in each county. If there is no county arts council, fees collected must be forwarded to such other agency in the county as the highest ranking county administrative official designates, to be applied by the arts council or agency to support arts organizations, arts programs, and arts activities within the county.
(13) BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop a Bethune-Cookman University license plate to commemorate Bethune-Cookman University.
(b) The annual use fees must be distributed to Bethune-Cookman University.
(14) FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall develop a Florida Agricultural license plate. Florida Agricultural license plates must bear the colors and design approved by the department. The word “Agriculture” must appear at the top of the plate, and the words “Keeps Florida Green” must appear at the bottom of the plate.
(b) The proceeds of the Florida Agricultural license plate annual use fee must be forwarded to the direct-support organization created in s. 570.903. The funds must be used for the sole purpose of funding and promoting the Florida agriculture in the classroom program established within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services pursuant to s. 570.91.
(c) Up to 25 percent of the funds distributed under paragraphs (a) and (b) may be used for promotion, marketing, and administrative costs directly associated with the license plate and Florida agriculture in the classroom programs.
(15) POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop a Police Athletic League license plate as provided in this section to commemorate the Police Athletic League in this state. The word “Florida” must appear at the top of the plate, the words “Police Athletic League” must appear at the bottom of the plate, and a shield with the Police Athletic League logo must appear to the left of the numerals.
(b)1. The annual use fees shall be distributed to the State of Florida Association of Police Athletic/Activities Leagues, Inc.
2. The league may use a maximum of 15 percent of such fees for administrative costs and a maximum of 10 percent to market and promote the plate. The balance of such fees shall be used to provide educational materials, athletic equipment, transportation, food, medical checkups, counseling, scholarships, and other direct expenses incurred by the league in conducting its youth programs.
(16) BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall develop a Boy Scouts of America license plate. The word “Florida” must appear at the top of the plate, and the words “Scouting Teaches Values” must appear at the bottom of the plate. The license plate must contain the official Boy Scouts of America logo, the fleur-de-lis, in the center of the plate.
(b)1. The Central Florida Council is the lead Boy Scout council on behalf of the nine councils in this state. The proceeds from the annual use fee must be sent to the Central Florida Council together with statistics on sales of the license plates which are tabulated by county. The Central Florida Council must distribute to each of the nine councils the moneys received from sales in the counties within the respective council.
2. The Boy Scouts of America license plate annual use fee may be used by the councils for basic administrative expenses, office and professional services, year-round camping facilities, the recruitment of adult leaders and their continuing training, the maintenance of current facilities, and the continuing promotion and marketing of the license plate.
(17) LARGEMOUTH BASS LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop a Largemouth Bass license plate as provided in this section to commemorate the official freshwater fish of this state. The word “Florida” must appear at the top of the plate, the words “Go Fishing” must appear at the bottom of the plate, and a representation of a largemouth bass must appear to the left of the numerals.
(b) The annual use fees shall be distributed to the State Game Trust Fund and used by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to fund current conservation programs that maintain current levels of protection and management of this state’s fish and wildlife resources, including providing hunting, fishing, and nonconsumptive wildlife opportunities. Up to 10 percent of the annual use fees deposited into the trust fund may be used to promote and market the license plate.
(18) SEA TURTLE LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop a Sea Turtle license plate as provided in this section. The word “Florida” must appear at the top of the plate, the words “Helping Sea Turtles Survive” must appear at the bottom of the plate, and the image of a sea turtle must appear in the center of the plate.
(b) The first $500,000 of annual use fees shall be deposited in the Marine Resources Conservation Trust Fund in the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and shall be used by the Florida Marine Turtle Protection Program to conduct sea turtle protection, research, and recovery programs. The next $215,000 in annual use fees shall be distributed to the Caribbean Conservation Corporation to fund sea turtle research and education programs. The Caribbean Conservation Corporation shall annually distribute assigned funds through a Sea Turtle Grants Program that supports sea turtle research and education activities of Florida-based nonprofit groups, education and research institutions, and coastal counties in this state. The Caribbean Conservation Corporation shall write and publish procedures for submitting grant applications and criteria for allocating available funds, and shall appoint a technical advisory committee, composed of at least five members, including two representatives from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, to establish funding priorities and select grant recipients from proposals submitted by eligible entities. Two of the members shall be selected from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; one member shall be selected on a rotating biennial basis from a county bordering on the Atlantic Coast with sea turtle nesting sites; one member shall be selected on a rotating biennial basis from a county bordering on the Gulf Coast with sea turtle nesting sites; one member shall be the executive director of the Caribbean Conservation Corporation; and two members shall be selected at large. Any additional annual revenue shall be distributed as follows: 70 percent shall be deposited in the Marine Resources Conservation Trust Fund and used by the Florida Marine Turtle Protection Program for sea turtle conservation activities and 30 percent shall be assigned to the Caribbean Conservation Corporation for distribution through the Sea Turtle Grants Program. From the funds distributed to the Caribbean Conservation Corporation, an amount not to exceed 10 percent of the total annual revenue from the sale of the plate may be used for marketing the Sea Turtle license plate and for administrative costs directly associated with the grants program. Funds received by the Caribbean Conservation Corporation from the Sea Turtle license plate or the Sea Turtle Grants Program and funds received by any grant recipient of the Sea Turtle Grants Program may not be used for litigation.
(19) PROTECT WILD DOLPHINS LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop a Protect Wild Dolphins license plate as provided in this section. The word “Florida” must appear at the top of the plate, and the words “Protect Wild Dolphins” may appear at the bottom of the plate.
(b) The annual use fees shall be distributed to the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Inc., to fund wild dolphins related research. The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Inc., shall distribute available resources for research of the wild Florida Bottlenose Dolphin. Up to 15 percent of the funds received by Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Inc., may be expended for administrative costs directly associated with the operations of the institution. Up to 10 percent of the funds distributed may be used by Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Inc., for continuing promotion and marketing of the license plate. The remainder of the funds must be used to collect, analyze, and archive scientific data regarding the wild dolphin population in Florida waters; provide care and assistance to stranded wild dolphins; distribute information to the scientific community, federal, state, and local government agencies, educational institutions, and the public for the purpose of protecting and preserving wild dolphins; individually identify wild dolphins through a photographic identification program; and advance the research technology associated with tracking and categorizing wild dolphins.
(c) The Auditor General may examine any records of the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Inc., and any other organization that receives funds from the sale of this plate, to determine compliance with law.
(20) BARRY UNIVERSITY LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop a Barry University license plate as provided in this section. The word “Florida” must appear at the top of the plate, and the words “Barry University” must appear at the bottom of the plate.
(b) The annual use fees shall be distributed to the Barry University Alumni Endowed Scholarship Fund.
(21) EVERGLADES RIVER OF GRASS LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop an Everglades River of Grass license plate as provided in this section. The word “Florida” must appear at the top of the plate, and the words “Everglades River of Grass” must appear at the bottom of the plate. A roseate spoonbill bird standing beside mangroves must appear on the plate.
(b) The annual use fees shall be distributed to the Everglades Trust Fund established by s. 17, Art. X of the State Constitution and administered by the South Florida Water Management District and used for the conservation and protection of the natural resources and abatement of water pollution in the Everglades. The funds must be used for Everglades conservation and restoration projects in accordance with state contracting and purchasing procedures with the following restrictions:
1. Fifty percent of the fees must be used for Everglades research.
2. The fees may not be used for administrative salaries or other overhead within the district or for any general coordination fees or overhead expenses out of the district.
3. Revenues generated by these fees may not be used as replacement funds for Surface Water Improvement and Management Act funds or Everglades Forever Act Funds.
(22) KEEP KIDS DRUG-FREE LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop a Keep Kids Drug-Free license plate as provided in this section. The word “Florida” must appear at the top of the plate, and the words “Keep Kids Drug-Free” must appear at the bottom of the plate.
(b) The annual use fees shall be distributed to the Keep Kids Drug-Free Foundation, Inc., which shall use the fees to fund activities to reduce substance abuse among residents of this state. The foundation shall develop a plan to distribute the funds for drug-abuse prevention programs.
(c) Notwithstanding s. 320.08062, up to 10 percent of the proceeds from the annual use fee may be used for marketing the Keep Kids Drug-Free license plate and for administrative costs directly related to the management and distribution of the proceeds.
(23) FLORIDA SHERIFFS YOUTH RANCHES LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop a Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches license plate as provided in this section. The word “Florida” must appear at the top of the plate, and the words “Sponsored by the Florida Sheriffs Association” must appear at the bottom of the plate. The Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches logo must appear on the left quarter of the plate, surrounded by the words “Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches” and the words “Preventing delinquency since 1957” must appear below the numerals on the plate.
(b) The annual use fees shall be distributed to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, Inc., for its operations.
(24) CONSERVE WILDLIFE LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop a Conserve Wildlife license plate. Conserve Wildlife license plates shall bear the colors and design approved by the department. The word “Florida” shall appear at the top of the plate, and the words “Conserve Wildlife” shall appear at the bottom of the plate. The plate design shall include the likeness of a Florida black bear.
(b) The proceeds of the Conserve Wildlife license plate annual use fee shall be forwarded to the Wildlife Foundation of Florida, Inc., a citizen support organization created pursuant to s. 379.223.
1. Notwithstanding s. 320.08062, up to 10 percent of the proceeds from the annual use fee may be used for marketing the Conserve Wildlife license plate and administrative costs directly related to the management and distribution of the proceeds.
2. The remaining proceeds from the annual use fee shall be used for programs and activities of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission that contribute to the health and well-being of Florida black bears and other wildlife diversity.
(25) FLORIDA MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop a Florida Memorial University license plate as provided in this section. The word “Florida” must appear at the top of the plate, and the words “Florida Memorial University” must appear at the bottom of the plate.
(b) The annual use fees shall be distributed to Florida Memorial University.
(26) TAMPA BAY ESTUARY LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop a Tampa Bay Estuary license plate as provided in this section. The word “Florida” must appear at the top of the plate, the words “Tampa Bay Estuary” must appear at the bottom of the plate, and the image of a tarpon must appear on the plate.
(b) The annual use fees shall be distributed to the Tampa Bay Estuary Program created by s. 163.01.
1. A maximum of 5 percent of such fees may be used for marketing the plate.
2. Twenty percent of the proceeds from the annual use fee, not to exceed $50,000, shall be provided to the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council for activities of the Agency on Bay Management implementing the Council/Agency Action Plan for the restoration of the Tampa Bay estuary, as approved by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program Policy Board.
3. The remaining proceeds must be used to implement the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for Tampa Bay, pursuant to priorities approved by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program Policy Board.
(27) FLORIDA WILDFLOWER LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop a Florida Wildflower license plate as provided in this section. The word “Florida” must appear at the top of the plate, and the words “State Wildflower” and “coreopsis” must appear at the bottom of the plate.
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(b) The annual use fees 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.
1. The Florida Wildflower Foundation, Inc., shall develop procedures of operation, research contracts, education and marketing programs, and wildflower planting grants for Florida native wildflowers, plants, and grasses.
2. A maximum of 15 percent of the proceeds from the sale of such plates may be used for administrative and marketing costs.
3. If the Florida Wildflower Foundation, Inc., ceases to be an active nonprofit corporation under s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, the proceeds from the annual use fee shall be deposited into the General Inspection Trust Fund created within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Any funds held by the Florida Wildflower Foundation, Inc., must be promptly transferred to the General Inspection Trust Fund. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall use and administer the proceeds from the use fee in the manner specified in this paragraph.
(28) UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop a United States Marine Corps license plate as provided in this section. The word “Florida” must appear at the top center of the plate, and the words “Marine Corps” must appear at the bottom center of the plate. The United States Marine Corps logo, 3 inches in diameter, must appear on the left side centered top to bottom of the plate in proper colors.
(b) The department shall distribute the United States Marine Corps license plate annual use fees as provided in this paragraph.
1. The first $50,000 collected annually shall be distributed to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, Inc.
2. Any remaining fees collected annually shall be distributed as follows:
a. Thirty-five percent shall be deposited in the State Homes for Veterans Trust Fund and must be used solely for the purpose of constructing, operating, and maintaining domiciliary and nursing homes for veterans subject to the requirements of chapter 216.
b. Sixty-five percent shall be distributed to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, Inc., which shall use all fees distributed by the department to fund scholarships and assist Marine Corps Junior ROTC and Young Marine programs of this state. The foundation shall develop a plan to distribute the funds to recipients nominated by residents of the state to receive scholarships, and to the Marine Corps Junior ROTC and Young Marine programs in the state.
(29) CHOOSE LIFE LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop a Choose Life license plate as provided in this section. The word “Florida” must appear at the bottom of the plate, and the words “Choose Life” must appear at the top of the plate.
(b) The annual use fees shall be distributed annually to each county in the ratio that the annual use fees collected by each county bears to the total fees collected for the plates within the state. Each county shall distribute the funds to nongovernmental, not-for-profit agencies within the county, which agencies’ services are limited to counseling and meeting the physical needs of pregnant women who are committed to placing their children for adoption. Funds may not be distributed to any agency that is involved or associated with abortion activities, including counseling for or referrals to abortion clinics, providing medical abortion-related procedures, or proabortion advertising, and funds may not be distributed to any agency that charges women for services received.
1. Agencies that receive the funds must use at least 70 percent of the funds to provide for the material needs of pregnant women who are committed to placing their children for adoption, including clothing, housing, medical care, food, utilities, and transportation. Such funds may also be expended on infants awaiting placement with adoptive parents.
2. The remaining funds may be used for adoption, counseling, training, or advertising, but may not be used for administrative expenses, legal expenses, or capital expenditures.
3. Each agency that receives such funds must submit an annual attestation to the county. Any unused funds that exceed 10 percent of the funds received by an agency during its fiscal year must be returned to the county, which shall distribute them to other qualified agencies.
(30) SHARE THE ROAD LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop a Share the Road license plate as provided in this section. The word “Florida” must appear at the top of the plate, and the words “Share the Road” must appear at the bottom of the plate.
(b) The annual use fees shall be distributed to Bike Florida, Inc., up to 25 percent of which shall be used for marketing and promotion of the “Share the Road” concept and license plate. The remaining funds shall be divided equally between Bike Florida, Inc., and the Florida Bicycle Association, Inc., to be used for:
1. Education and awareness programs, for bicycle safety and motorist safety, with emphasis on sharing the roadway by all users.
2. Training, workshops, educational materials, and media events.
3. The promotion of safe bicycling.
(31) AMERICAN RED CROSS LICENSE PLATES.
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 320.08053, the department shall develop an American Red Cross license plate as provided in this section. The word “Florida” must appear at the top of the plate, and the words “American Red Cross” must appear at the bottom of the plate.
(b) The department shall retain all revenues from the sale of such plates until all startup costs for developing and issuing the plates have been recovered. Thereafter, 50 percent of the annual use fees shall be distributed to the American Red Cross Chapter of Central Florida, with statistics on sales of license plates, which are tabulated by county. The American Red Cross Chapter of Central Florida must distribute to each of the chapters in this state the moneys received from sales in the counties covered by the respective chapters, which moneys must be used for education and disaster relief in Florida. Fifty percent of the annual use fees shall be distributed proportionately to the three statewide approved poison control centers for purposes of combating bioterrorism and other poison-related purposes.
(32) UNITED WE STAND LICENSE PLATES.
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 320.08053, the department shall develop a United We Stand license plate as provided in this section. The American Flag must appear on the license plate in addition to the words “United We Stand.” The colors of the license plate must be red, white, and blue.
(b) The department shall retain all revenues from the sale of such plates until all startup costs for developing and issuing the plates have been recovered. Thereafter, 100 percent of the annual use fee shall be distributed to the Department of Transportation to fund security-related aviation projects pursuant to chapter 332.
(33) BREAST CANCER RESEARCH LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall develop a Breast Cancer Research license plate as provided in this section. The plate shall be designed to include a figure on the left side of the plate with a pink ribbon on the chest, along with a pink banner displaying the Florida Breast Cancer Coalition (FBCC) website. The background shall be blue, and the words “End Breast Cancer” shall appear at the top of the plate. The word “Florida” must appear at the bottom of the plate.
(b) The department shall distribute the Breast Cancer Research license plate annual use fee to the Florida Breast Cancer Coalition Research Foundation to be used as follows:
1. All fees collected shall be forwarded quarterly to the Florida Breast Cancer Coalition Research Foundation.
2. The foundation shall provide for a peer review grant solicitation and award process to distribute fees for breast cancer research and education in the State of Florida. Research funding shall be made available for:
a. Basic, clinical, and translational breast cancer research.
b. Epidemiological studies of breast cancer.
c. Research on possible links between breast cancer and the environment.
d. Psychoimmunological research.
e. Innovative awards and idea grants.
(c)1. In the first year that the plate is issued, no more than 25 percent of the fees collected may be used for administrative costs directly associated with the operation of the Florida Breast Cancer Coalition Research Foundation and marketing and promotion of the Florida breast cancer research concept and license plate.
2. In the second and subsequent years that the plate is sold, no more than 20 percent of the fees collected may be used for administrative costs directly associated with the operation of the Florida Breast Cancer Coalition Research Foundation and marketing and promotion of the Florida breast cancer research concept and license plate.
(34) PROTECT FLORIDA WHALES LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop a Protect Florida Whales license plate as provided in this section. The word “Florida” shall appear at the top of the plate, and the words “Protect Florida Whales” shall appear at the bottom of the plate.
(b) The annual use fees shall be distributed to the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Inc., to fund whale research, rehabilitation, and education programs. Up to 15 percent of the funds received by the institution may be used for administrative costs directly associated with the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution’s Marine Mammal Research and Conservation program and this specialty license plate funding. Up to 10 percent of the funds may be used for continuing promotion and marketing of the license plate. Ten percent of the funds shall be distributed to the Wyland Foundation, Inc., and used specifically to conduct educational programs in this state which promote conservation of Florida marine mammals. The remainder of the funds shall be used to collect, analyze, and archive scientific data regarding whale populations that inhabit, utilize, or migrate in state waters; provide care and assistance to stranded whales; construct and maintain a Harbor-Branch-based teaching marine mammal hospital; train veterinary students in the rescue, medical and rehabilitation treatment, and release and postrelease monitoring of stranded whales; distribute information for the purpose of protecting and preserving whales; identify whale populations; conduct scientific research through genetic, telemetry, bioacoustical, and photographic identification research programs; advance the research technology associated with tracking, monitoring, and categorizing whales; develop methods of monitoring whale movements; and provide for methods of early-warning detection systems and advance notification that will help prevent accidental boat strikes in state waters.
(35) FLORIDA GOLF LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall develop a Florida Golf license plate as provided in this section. The word “Florida” must appear at the bottom of the plate. The Dade Amateur Golf Association, following consultation with the PGA TOUR, the Florida Sports Foundation, the LPGA, and the PGA of America may submit a revised sample plate for consideration by the department.
(b) The department shall distribute the Florida Golf license plate annual use fee to the Dade Amateur Golf Association, a nonprofit organization under s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The license plate annual use fees are to be annually allocated as follows:
1. Up to 10 percent of the proceeds from the annual use fees may be used by the Dade Amateur Golf Association for the administration of the Florida Junior Golf Program.
2. The Dade Amateur Golf Association shall receive the first $80,000 in proceeds from the annual use fees for the operation of youth golf programs in Miami-Dade County. Thereafter, 15 percent of the proceeds from the annual use fees shall be provided to the Dade Amateur Golf Association for the operation of youth golf programs in Miami-Dade County.
3. The remaining proceeds from the annual use fees shall be available for grants to nonprofit organizations to operate youth golf programs and for marketing the Florida Golf license plates. All grant recipients shall be required to provide to the Dade Amateur Golf Association an annual program and financial report regarding the use of grant funds. Such reports shall be made available to the public.
(c) The Dade Amateur Golf Association shall establish a Florida Junior Golf Council. The Florida Junior Golf Council shall assist organizations for the benefit of youth, introduce young people to golf, instruct young people in golf, teach the values of golf, and stress life skills, fair play, courtesy, and self-discipline.
(d) The Dade Amateur Golf Association shall establish a seven-member Florida Junior Golf Council to offer advice regarding the distribution of the annual use fees for grants to nonprofit organizations. The council shall consist of one member from a group serving youth, one member from a group serving disabled youth, and five members at large.
(36) FLORIDA FIREFIGHTERS LICENSE PLATES.
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 320.08053, the department shall develop a Florida Firefighters license plate as provided in this section. Florida Firefighters license plates must bear the colors and design approved by the department. The word “Florida” must appear at the top of the plate, and the words “Salutes Firefighters” must appear at the bottom of the plate.
(b) The requirements of s. 320.08053 must be met prior to the issuance of the plate. Thereafter, the proceeds of the annual use fee shall be distributed to Florida Firefighters Charities, a s. 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Florida Firefighters Charities shall distribute the moneys according to its articles of incorporation.
(37) POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION LICENSE PLATES.
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 320.08053, the department shall develop a Police Benevolent Association license plate as provided in this section. The word “Florida” must appear at the top of the plate, the words “Support Law Enforcement” must appear at the bottom of the plate, and a shield with the Police Benevolent Association logo must appear to the left of the numerals.
(b) The requirements of s. 320.08053 must be met prior to the issuance of the plate. Thereafter, the proceeds of the annual use fee shall be distributed to the Florida Police Benevolent Association Heart Fund, Incorporated, a s. 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. The Florida Police Benevolent Association Heart Fund, Incorporated, shall distribute moneys according to its articles of incorporation.
(38) MILITARY SERVICES LICENSE PLATES.
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 320.08053, the department shall develop a series of military services license plates for the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard as provided in this section. The word “Florida” must appear at the top of the plate, and the word “Army,” “Navy,” “Air Force,” or “Coast Guard” must appear at the bottom of the plate. The appropriate logo for the particular branch of the military must appear on the left side of the plate, approximately 3 inches in diameter.
(b) The department shall retain all revenues from the sale of such plates until all startup costs for developing and issuing the plates have been recovered. Thereafter, the annual use fee shall be deposited into the State Homes for Veterans Trust Fund and must be used solely to construct, operate, and maintain domiciliary and nursing homes for veterans, subject to the requirements of chapter 216.
(39) PROTECT OUR REEFS LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop a Protect Our Reefs license plate as provided in this section. Protect Our Reefs license plates must bear the colors and design approved by the department. The word “Florida” must appear at the top of the plate, and the words “Protect Our Reefs” must appear at the bottom of the plate.
(b) The proceeds of the annual use fee shall be distributed to Mote Marine Laboratory, Inc., to fund Florida reef research, conservation, and education programs. Up to 15 percent of the funds received by Mote Marine Laboratory, Inc., may be expended for annual administrative costs directly associated with the administration of the Protect Our Reefs program. Up to 10 percent of the funds received by Mote Marine Laboratory, Inc., may be used by Mote Marine Laboratory, Inc., for the continuing promotion and marketing of the license plate. After reimbursement for documented costs expended in the establishment of the plate, Mote Marine Laboratory, Inc., shall use and distribute the remaining funds to eligible Florida-based scientific, conservation, and education organizations for the collection, analysis, and distribution of scientific, educational, and conservation information to the research community; federal, state, and local government agencies; educational institutions; and the public. Eligible organizations shall be based in Florida and engaged in reef research, conservation, or education.
(c) The state Auditor General may examine any records of Mote Marine Laboratory, Inc., and any other organization that receives funds from the sale of the Protect Our Reefs license plate, to determine compliance with law.
(40) “FISH FLORIDA” LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop a Fish Florida license plate as provided in this section. The word “Florida” must appear at the top of the plate, and the words “Fish Florida!” must appear at the bottom of the plate.
(b) The annual use fees shall be distributed to the Florida Foundation for Responsible Angling, Inc., to fund aquatic education, marine resource stewardship, and ethical angling practices in this state. A maximum of 15 percent of the funds received by the foundation may be used for administrative costs directly associated with the foundation’s grant distribution program and license plate funding. A maximum of 10 percent of the funds may be used for continuing promotion and marketing of the license plate. The foundation shall provide for a peer review grant solicitation and award process to distribute the remainder of the funds to benefit aquatic education, marine resource stewardship, and ethical angling practices in this state.
(41) CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop a Child Abuse Prevention and Intervention license plate as provided in this section. The word “Florida” must appear at the top of the plate, and the words “Stop Child Abuse” must appear at the bottom of the plate.
(b) The annual use fees shall be distributed to the Children’s Home Society of Florida and the Florida Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers as follows: The first $90,000 in annual use fees shall be equally divided between the two organizations, to be used to pay startup costs, including costs incurred in developing and issuing the plates. Thereafter, 50 percent of the proceeds shall be distributed to the Children’s Home Society of Florida, which must distribute the funds proportionately to each of its divisions, to be used for child abuse prevention programs. The other 50 percent of the proceeds shall be distributed to the board of directors of the Florida Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers, Inc., who shall develop funding criteria and an allocation methodology that ensures an equitable distribution of those funds among network participant centers that meet the standards set forth in s. 39.3035. The criteria and methodologies shall take into account factors that include, but need not be limited to, the center’s accreditation status with respect to the National Children’s Alliance, the number of clients served, and the population of the area being served by the children’s advocacy center.
(c) For the first 5 years in which the plate is issued, a maximum of 20 percent of the fees collected may be used for administrative costs directly associated with the operation of the marketing and promotion of the plate. Ten percent of the fees shall be allocated to the Children’s Home Society of Florida and 10 percent shall be allocated to the Florida Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers, Inc. Five years after the date the first license plate is issued, revenues from plate sales may not be used for marketing or promoting the license plate.
(42) HOSPICE LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop a Hospice license plate as provided in this section. The word “Florida” must appear at the top of the plate, and the words “Hospice: Every Day Is A Gift” must appear at the bottom of the plate. A figure of a butterfly in the colors of orange, light purple, and black shall appear on the left side of the plate and the background of the plate shall be in shades of orange and white.
(b) The annual use fees shall be distributed to Florida Hospices and Palliative Care, Inc., to be used as follows:
1. To fund projects relating to hospice care for special groups, such as children, veterans, and ethnic, religious, gender, or minority groups, or to provide disease-specific research or outreach.
2. To fund education and outreach for hospice volunteers, patients, families, and health care professionals.
3. To fund informational and educational media programs regarding the availability of hospice services.
4. To fund the expansion or enhancement of the Florida Hospices and Palliative Care, Inc., toll-free referral line operated to provide hospice information.
5. To fund the expansion or enhancement of the Florida Hospices and Palliative Care, Inc., Internet website.
(c) The sum of $90,000 in annual use fees shall be distributed to Florida Hospices and Palliative Care, Inc., to be used to recover all startup costs for developing and issuing the plates. Thereafter, the proceeds shall be distributed to Florida Hospices and Palliative Care, Inc., which shall distribute the fees through a standing committee that reviews funding solicitations and awards.
(43) STOP HEART DISEASE LICENSE PLATES.
(a) The department shall develop a Stop Heart Disease license plate as provided in this section. Stop Heart Disease license plates must bear the colors and design approved by the department. The plate shall be designed to include a red, white, and blue background with a slanted heart shape in the middle of the plate. The word “Florida” shall appear at the top of the plate in yellow outlined in black, and the words “Stop Heart Disease” shall appear at the bottom of the plate in yellow.
(b) The department shall remit the proceeds of the annual use fee to the Florida Heart Research Foundation, Inc. The first $80,000 of the use fee given to the Florida Heart Research Foundation, Inc., shall be used to pay startup costs, including costs incurred developing and issuing the plates. Thereafter, the F