A suite of new laws went into effect in Florida at the start of October, including one around flood disclosures in home sales and one banning outdoor balloon releases to protect animals.
One of the more whimsical laws now in effect is HB 403, which opens up new options of specialty license plates for drivers. In addition to new license plates around the famous Villages retirement community and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium — which faced damage from Hurricane Helene this week — Floridians can get license plates honoring the late vacation icon Jimmy Buffett.
That's right, you can order a Margaritaville license plate for your car, if you're a Florida driver. The exact design has not yet been released, and there needs to be at least 3,000 pre-sale vouchers before it will be produced, according to WPLG Local10, but the law specifies the plates have the word "Florida" at the top and "Margaritaville" at the bottom.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Specialty licenses in Florida cost an additional $25 on the cost of regular auto registration fees. And those fees will go somewhere: The law specifies annual use fees go to Singing for Change, a charity started by Buffett.
Those fees will then be used "to provide grants to nonprofit organization in communities impacted by natural or manmade disasters for recovery, rebuilding, and future sustainability in those communities and to promote and inspire local grassroots leadership that will work to improve the quality of life in those communities and others in this state," per the law.
This is especially poignant in the wake of Hurricane Helene, which made landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast last week. Kiplinger has taken a look at ways to support hurricane relief efforts.
Although Buffett wasn't born in Florida, he developed a deep adoration for the state thanks to his time in the Florida Keys, and over the years, Florida showed that adoration back to him. The popularity of the song "Margaritaville" led to themed restaurants, resorts and even a niche retirement community.
Buffett, who died last year by skin cancer, has been honored in Florida in other ways. In addition to the license plates, lawmakers passed HB 91, which renames a portion of State Road A1A "Jimmy Buffett Highway."
You can order a Margaritaville license plate online or at a local DMV office.
Related content
-
How Prepaid Verizon Phone Service Works and When It's a Smart ChoiceExplore the differences between Verizon Prepaid and Verizon Postpaid plans—costs, perks, flexibility, and when going prepaid makes sense.
-
Child-Free Cruises Perfect For Your Retirement CelebrationHow to find a bespoke ocean or river vacation for adults. Many of these options are smaller, charming river cruises, expeditions, or niche experiences.
-
My First $1 Million: Biopharmaceutical Senior Manager, 45, MassachusettsEver wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
What Is the 1% Deductible Rule in Home Insurance?You could be overpaying for home insurance if your deductible is too low. But going too high can be just as risky. That's where the 1% deductible rule comes in.
-
The Delayed September CPI Report is Out. Here's What it Signals for the Fed.The September CPI report showed that inflation remains tame – and all but confirms another rate cut from the Fed.
-
Starbucks Just Announced Red Cup Day and It's Sooner Than You ThinkThe coffee chain's annual holiday cup giveaway returns — with a twist — as the holiday beverage lineup launches early and staff investments ramp up.
-
Avoid These Four Mistakes in the Run Up to RetirementYou can learn a thing or two from the retirees who went before you.
-
Where to Deposit Your Social Security CheckIf you receive Social Security checks, where you deposit them matters because it can help grow your earnings. See the best options.
