OUTDOORS: Anglers can support Florida fisheries with new license plate

For all of you anglers out there traversing the highways and byways wishing to make a statement of your support of Florida fisheries, your time has come! As of last week, the Governor signed into law HB1135 which puts into motion a specialty license plate sponsored by CCA/Florida. The legislation was guided along by State Rep. J.W. Grant of Tampa and State Senator Aaron Bean of Jacksonville.

The plate was a collaborative effort by Tampa Bay guide Capt. Mike Goodwine and graphic designer Jesse Starr. The plate depicts a tailing red fish in placid waters with a background of mangroves with the words "Conserve Florida Fisheries" stated below. I particularly like the choice of the red fish, as it is a species found the length and breadth of our fair state, both in our inshore and coastal waters.

The legislation goes into effect on Oct. 1, but there is a requirement of 3,000 pre-sales of the plate before it can go into mass production and distribution. I'm pretty sure that is not going to be a problem!

The plates will be available to all Florida residents whether a CCA member or not. Business and fleet purchases will also be available.

Florida specialty tag fees are $25 plus an $8 additional state fee. Your regular tag cost will be included as well. Folks that currently have a specialty tag will be able to transfer over to this new one but I'm not clear as to the process or cost.

To keep up with the news on this as it becomes available- go to cca/fl.org/news.