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.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-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
-
Ten Cheapest Places to Live in TexasProperty Tax Looking for a cheap place to live in Texas? Look no further. These counties have the lowest property tax bills in the Lone Star State.
-
AI Is Missing the Wisdom of Older Adults: What It Means for YouAI will increasingly affect your healthcare and finances, but young workers are primarily designing the systems and getting most of the jobs.
-
The Three C's to Financial Success: A Financial Planner's Guide to Build WealthConsistency, commitment and confidence in your chosen strategy are more critical to your financial success than finding the 'perfect' financial plan.
-
Baby Boomers vs Gen X: Who Spends More?Baby Boomers and Gen X are guilty of spending a lot of money. Here's a look at where their money goes.
-
A Financial Expert's Tips for Lending Money to Family and FriendsWhat starts as a lifeline can turn into a minefield if the borrower ghosts the lender. Following these three steps can help you avoid family feuds over funds.
-
The 401(k) Mistake That Could Cost You Millions in Retirement SavingsThinking about reducing your 401(K) contributions in the current market? Here are six reasons why you may want to reconsider.
-
I'm an Insurance Expert: Yes, You Need Life Insurance Even if the Kids Are Grown and the House Is Paid OffLife insurance isn't about you. It's about providing for loved ones and covering expenses after you're gone. Here are five key reasons to have it.
-
7 Rules Frequent Flyers Swear ByFrom dodging long lines to avoiding bad coffee, these clever travel rules can help you save time, stay healthy and reduce stress every time you fly.
-
My Professional Advice: When It Comes to Money, You Do YouThis is how embracing the 'letting others be' and 'learning to surrender' mindsets can improve your relationship with money.
-
Five Smart Moves for Retirement Healthcare: From HSAs to Medigap PoliciesUnchecked health care costs in retirement could blow a hole in your savings. Here’s how to avoid that.
