Mixed martial arts fans may soon have an opportunity to represent the UFC and to support a good cause while doing it.
The Senate Fiscal Policy Committee is advancing Sen. Joe Gruters’ legislation (SB 264) to craft specialty Florida license plates to benefit the UFC Foundation, the charitable arm of the UFC.
Founded in 2021, the UFC Foundation supports charitable initiatives focused on youth mentorship, arts and education, public service, military appreciation, and individuals overcoming critical or life-threatening illnesses.
Under the legislation, the specialty license plates would be developed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, with colors and designs approved by the Department.
“Florida” would be at the top of the plate, and the words “UFC Lives Here” would be printed at the bottom of the plate.
Other license plates were added to the bill at this stop, including one honoring alumni of Miami Northwestern High School, the Outsider License Plate, a St. Petersburg College plate, and a First Responders Resiliency Foundation license plate.
Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez again presented the bill in Gruters’ absence, as she did in a previous committee.
At another stop, she said potential beneficiaries from the UFC plate push are, among others, the Down’s Syndrome Foundation of Florida, Boys & Girls Club, YWCA, Miami Police Athletic League, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center, AdventHealth, 4Ocean, and Rescue a Reef.
Brian Smith of the UFC Foundation had previously spoken for the bill, saying the plate would “engage our fans and ask them to join our charitable efforts with funds raised directly going back to the community.” He also noted that Florida has the second-largest UFC fan base in the country.
Port Orange Republican Rep. Chase Tramont is sponsoring the House companion bill (HB 231). While it hasn’t moved in the House yet, it is common for plate bills to move in one legislative branch but not the other, so this proposal is still very much alive.
date: 2026-02-12 18:24:00