REPRESENTATIVE GERALDINE F 'GERI' THOMPSON PROPOSES REVAMP TO MARKETING FOR THE PROPOSED FLORIDA DIVINE 9 SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATE - MICHAEL TOWNER

A bill has been filed by Representative Geraldine F 'Geri' Thompson (D-Orange County) to amend the Divine 9 proposed specialty license plate, currently in its presale, to change the distribution of marketing funds from each of the nine fraternity/sorority plates to go to the Association to Preserve African-American Society, History, and Tradition (PAST), Inc., solely for the marketing of the plate.

​The bill also proposes to limit the purchasers of the Divine 9 specialty plates to residents of the state of Florida who are registered owners of a motor vehicle and who are members of the applicable organization.
The person must also present proof of membership in the organization and the bill adds that, notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the Divine 9 specialty license plate may be displayed on a privately owned passenger motor vehicle, pickup truck, motorcycle, boat, or pleasure motor vehicle including,  but not limited to, a recreational vehicle.
The Association to Preserve African-American Society, History, and Tradition (PAST), Inc. is based in Orlando and headed by Executive Director Elizabeth Thompson, Representative Thompson's daughter.
Representative Thompson has served in the Florida House of Representatives since 2018, after previously serving in the Senate (2012-2016) and the House (2006-2012). She was the Democratic Leader pro tempore from 2008-2010.She is a museum founder and retired college administrator and was born in New Orleans.