Specialty License Plates/Miami Northwestern Alumni Association
Summary
Senate Bill 880 directs the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to create a new specialty license plate for the Miami Northwestern Alumni Association. The plate must follow department-approved design standards, include the word “Florida” at the top and “Miami Northwestern Alumni Association” at the bottom, and be made available under Florida’s specialty plate framework.
The bill also establishes how annual use fees from the plate will be distributed. Revenue would go to Miami Northwestern Alumni Association, Inc., which may retain up to 10 percent for administrative costs and marketing. The remaining funds must support academic programs, athletic programs, and need-based scholarships for students at Miami Northwestern Senior High School and the school’s Performing and Visual Arts Center. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would amend section 320.08058, Florida Statutes, by adding the Miami Northwestern Alumni Association plate to the state’s list of authorized specialty license plates. It would require the department to develop and issue the plate and would create a dedicated funding stream from plate sales for a private nonprofit organization tied to Miami Northwestern Senior High School. The measure affects motorists who choose the plate, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and the beneficiary organization and school programs receiving the proceeds.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests broad support for the bill. It passed the Senate Transportation Committee unanimously, 8-0, and later passed the Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development unanimously, 14-0. No committee transcripts were provided, but the unanimous votes indicate the bill was generally viewed favorably and without recorded opposition in committee.
Contention
No specific objections are reflected in the provided materials, and there were no recorded dissenting votes in committee. The main policy feature that could draw scrutiny is the allocation of public-facing specialty plate revenue to a private alumni association, including the allowance for up to 10 percent of fees to be used for administrative and marketing costs. Otherwise, the bill appears to be a straightforward commemorative plate measure with targeted educational and athletic funding benefits.