The State of Florida has numerous Specialty License Plates that recognize and support various organizations and programs. Missing was the one that broadly supports the future of General Aviation in Florida. The Support General Aviation Specialty License Plate provides recognition for the General Aviation community that contributes vastly to Florida’s economy. It also assists with the education of Floridians who seek careers in aviation. Proceeds from the sales of this Specialty License Plate provides scholarships for pilot training, air traffic controllers, aircraft mechanics, airport operations personnel, and other career positions related to aviation.
Florida currently has 129 public use airports and many more privately owned airports. It ranks second in the nation with over 20,000 registered aircraft and over 79,000 pilots. In addition, Florida has numerous aviation related schools, universities, and colleges that provide education in many sectors of aviation. We believe that Florida’s distinct position warranted the creation of the Specialty License Plate that recognizes and supports Florida’s General Aviation Community.
As you see the picture of our license plate, you will notice we have developed a unique full color specialty plate that meets all the Florida Highway Safety Motor Vehicle (www.FLHSMV.gov) specifications required.
We have partnered with the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE) in Lakeland, Florida (https://aceedu.org) to manage the scholarships that will be created by the proceeds of the license plate sales. The Aerospace Center for Excellence is a 501 3C organization with deep experience and knowledge of scholarship programs for those seeking aviation related careers. ACE is also host for Florida’s Annual SunNFun Aerospace Expo held in Lakeland, Florida.
The scholarship name is:
“Florida Aviation Scholarships”
The Specialty License Plate name to order your plate at the County Tax Collectors Office is:
“General Aviation”.
In addition to our scholarship management partner (ACE), we have established relationships to help support the required 3000 presale vouchers. These organizational partners include the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, (AOPA)(www.aopa.org), and Local Chapters of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) (www.eaa.org).
Each have agreed to help support the effort through membership outreach and communication.
Now that the Specialty Plate has passed the Florida Legislative process thanks to State Senator Gayle Harrell, and State Representative Doug Bankson and their staffs, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis has signed the bill into law effective October 1, 2024.
To maximize the pre-sales over the required two year period, our team has developed this website with information to acquire the presale vouchers in each Florida County Tax Collectors Office in the State. Also, our local Pilot supporters will travel to fly-ins and airshow events, including SunNFun to share the news of presale voucher availability. This is courtesy of four great pilots in Southern Florida.
Joseph M Hurtuk, Dr Ian Goldbaum, Rick Golightly, and Nicola Zordan.
QA
Support General Aviation License Plate
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Q1. Why was the Support General Aviation Specialty License Plate created?
A. Three Florida pilots were looking for a way to assist Floridians who were
interested in pursuing a career in General Aviation.
The sales from the license plate will create a scholarship program.
Eligible educational pursuits include pilot credentials,
aviation technician/mechanic certifications, and aviation related degree programs.
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Q2. Where do the proceeds of the sales go?
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A. Once the state recoups the cost of producing the plate,
funds will go to the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE),
a 501 c3 nonprofit organization in Lakeland, FL.
The ACE will manage the scholarship process.
To learn more about ACE, go here:
https://aceedu.org/
⬍Q3. What will the license plate proceeds be used for?
A. The majority of the proceeds will be used for educational scholarship
for Florida residents who are interested in General Aviation.
The ACE can use up to 10% of the proceeds to promote the license plate
and administer the scholarship program.
⬍Q4. Can anyone purchase a pre-sale voucher for the Support General Aviation Specialty License Plate?
A. Pre-sale vouchers can be purchased for yourself or any other Florida resident,
but they cannot be transferred once purchased.
⬍Q5. Does the voucher cover the cost of my registration (a license plate’s yellow decal) renewal?
A. No, the voucher only covers the cost of the new specialty plate.
⬍Q6. Can I purchase a pre-sale voucher before my current plate is due for renewal?
A. Yes, you can purchase a voucher before your current plate is due for renewal.
⬍Q7. Will there be additional fees after the Support General Aviation license plate is manufactured?
A. In most cases, yes.
For example, if your license plate is not due for a mandatory replacement (every 10 years),
you will likely need to pay a fee between $28.00 - $36.90 (or most current fees)
to replace your current license plate with the specialty plate.
Also, the specialty plate fee do not cover the annual vehicle registration renewal fees.
⬍Q8. What happens after I purchase my pre-sale voucher?
A. Your pre-sale voucher, your contact and payment information is sent
to the County Tax Collector for processing.
You will receive a pre-sale voucher within a few weeks.
Your link to your County Tax Collector is
https://FloridaTaxCollectors.com/your-tax-collector.
⬍Q9. Can I personalize the Support General Aviation specialty plate?
A. Yes, you can personalize the specialty plate. There may be an extra fee for this personalization which does not go to the scholarship program. Personalization may be limited to only 5 characters.
⬍Q10. How do I know when the 3000 pre-sale requirement has been reached?
A. An email will be sent to you notifying that the goal has been reached. A follow up email will be sent to you as to when you can pick up your plate at your County Tax Collectors Office or determine if it can be mailed to you.
⬍Q11. How long will it take from when I purchased my pre-salevoucher until I get my plate?
A. Once the 3000 pre-sale requirement is met, it will take approximately 12 weeks for a non-personalized plates to be available at your County Tax Collectors office. If you ordered a personalized plate, it may take up to an additional three months to receive your plate.
⬍Q12. What if I have any additional questions regarding the Support General Aviation Specialty Plate?
⬍Q13. Can I order this specialty plate for my motorcycle?
A. Unfortunately, no.
⬍Q14. Can I order this specialty plate for my handicap license plate?
A. Unfortunately, no.