Florida may distribute ‘Margaritaville’ license plates under new bill
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Rep. Linda Chaney, R-St. Pete Beach, filed a bill to display a special “Margaritaville” tag on some Florida license plates.
“This specialty tag will help fund Jimmy Buffett’s non-profit charitable organization, Singing for Change, to provide grants to non-profit organizations to help rebuild and restore communities after natural and man-made disasters, ensuring Florida’s quality of life for future generations,” Chaney said to Florida’s Voice.
Under HB 403, the word “Margaritaville” would be showcased at the bottom or side of the plate with the traditional Florida tag remaining on top.
The bill also authorizes the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to create the name plate.
Through the legislation, fees from the sale of the plate would be directed to the SFC Charitable Foundation. The non-profit organization is also known as Singing for Change.
Established by Jimmy Buffett in 1995, Singing for Change funds organizations that encourage “growth, community integration and the enhanced awareness that collectively, people can bring about positive change.”
Under the proposal, up to an 18% annual fee would be directed towards the name plate’s marketing and promotion.
The bill also reimburses Singing for Change for administrative or startup costs, as well as any collecting fees during the license plate’s development and approval process.
Furthermore, the bill directs any leftover fees to the board of directors for the Singing for Change Foundation. Grants through the organization would then be shifted to nonprofits impacted by natural and man-made disasters for recovery and rebuilding.
A music icon, Jimmy Buffett passed away on Sept. 1, 2023. The singer-songwriter was often best known for his 1977 hit “Margaritaville.” He also recorded songs such as “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.”
Through his persona, Buffett’s tropical music is often associated with South Florida.
Represented by Chaney, District 61 incorporates parts of Hillsborough and Pinellas County. The area is located in the west-central portion of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
The bill also was co-sponsored by Rep. Mike Caruso, R-Delray Beach. A similar bill, SB 434, was filed by Sen. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, this week.
If passed, the bill would take effect Oct. 1, 2024.
Editor‘s Note: This story has been updated to include Rep. Chaney‘s quote
