UFC license plate bill moves forward in Senate

The UFC could soon join the ranks of groups featured on commemorative Florida license plates.

The Senate Transportation Committee is advancing Sen. Joe Gruters’ legislation (SB 264) to craft specialty plates to benefit the UFC Foundation, the charitable arm of the UFC.

Founded in 2021, the UFC Foundation supports charitable initiatives focused on youth mentorship, arts and education, public service, military appreciation, and individuals overcoming critical or life-threatening illnesses.

Under the legislation, the specialty license plates would be developed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, with colors and designs approved by the Department.

“Florida” would be at the top of the plate, and the words “UFC Lives Here” would be printed at the bottom of the plate.

Annual fees from the sale of the plate would be distributed to the UFC Foundation, and the Foundation would be authorized to use 10% of the proceeds to promote and market the plates.

The Foundation could then use the remaining proceeds to support charities and nonprofit organizations that align with the Foundation’s goals and mission.

Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez, who presented the bill in Gruters’ absence, said the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida, Boys & Girls Club, YWCA, Miami Police Athletic League, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center, AdventHealth, 4Ocean and Rescue A Reef are among potential beneficiaries from this push.

Brian Smith of the UFC Foundation spoke on behalf of the proposal at Tuesday’s committee hearing, saying it would “engage our fans and ask them to join our charitable efforts with funds raised directly going back to the community,” and noting that Florida has the second largest UFC fan base in the country.

Port Orange Republican Rep. Chase Tramont is sponsoring the House companion bill (HB 231).

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A.G. Gancarski and Andrew Powell contributed to this report.