Sen. Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota) has filed legislation in the Senate to recognize the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) on state license plates. The UFC, led by President Dana White, is one of America's fastest-growing sports since its inception in 1993.
The bill, SB 246, would specifically authorize the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to design and create a "UFC Lives Here" specialty license plate located at the bottom of the plate with the word "Florida" at the top.
SB 246 would also direct proceeds from annual fees on the plate to the UFC Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting "youth, arts and education, public service, equality, sustainability, growing the sport of MMA [Mixed Martial Arts]," as well as people fighting life-threatening illnesses.
In addition, 10% of the funds may be used to promote and market the specialty plate.
Florida is no stranger to the UFC. Notably, the state hosted the company's first major event after the COVID-19 pandemic in Jacksonville in May 2020.
The UFC has also featured live events in Miami, including UFC 314 in April 2025 and UFC 287 in April 2023. The latter included a fight with Jorge "Gambred" Masvidal, a Miami-area fighter who has considered getting into the political ring.
In addition, the UFC has hosted events in Orlando and Tampa.
President Donald Trump has also appeared at many events over the past several years, including in Miami. Trump, a big UFC fan, was one of the first figures to let White host a UFC event at his Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 2001, when other venues refused.
White has credited Trump with helping the UFC get its footing.
Nearly 25 years later, the UFC is planning to host a live event on the South Lawn of the White House on June 14, 2026. The date is also Trump's 80th birthday.
Sen. Gruters filed SB 246 this week, and a Senate companion to the legislation has not been filed.
If passed, SB 246 would take effect on Oct. 1, 2026.
The Florida legislative session begins on Jan. 13.
