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Committee advances specialty plate for UFC Foundation after debate over out‑of‑state charity and optics
Summary
Senate Bill 246 to create a UFC Foundation specialty license plate was reported favorably despite objections from Vice chair Polsky and at least three opposing votes. Supporters said proceeds would fund local charities; critics said the foundation is Nevada‑based and the plate appears politically motivated.
Senate Bill 246, introduced by Senator Rodriguez on behalf of Senator Gruters, would create a specialty license plate for the UFC Foundation, with proceeds intended to support the foundation's charitable work. Rodriguez said the foundation partners with charities including local hospitals and youth groups and that proceeds from a Florida plate would support those philanthropic efforts.
Vice chair Polsky and some senators questioned whether the UFC Foundation — located in Nevada, the sponsor acknowledged — would reliably direct funds to Florida organizations. Polsky said he did not think "this is the kind of organization... that should be getting an esteemed plate in the state of Florida," and suggested the plate's backing may have political motivation. Rodriguez replied that other plates support out‑of‑state organizations with Florida ties and that presale minimums and a two‑year presale period protect the state from unsuccessful plates.
A representative for the Miami‑Dade tax collector and other supporters waved in for the record. During roll call, the transcript records several affirmative votes and a handful of dissenting votes; the chair announced SB 246 "is reported favorably." The sponsor closed by noting the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) will discontinue issuance if presale thresholds are not met.
Next steps: The bill was reported favorably and will proceed to subsequent Senate stops.
