February 6, 2025
Honey Sales Drive Funding for Florida’s ‘Save the Bees’ Specialty License Plate
By Cindy Peterson
Honey Sales Drive Funding for Florida’s ‘Save the Bees’ Specialty License Plate
The Florida State Beekeepers Association is reaching out to honey lovers and environmental advocates to support the future of Florida’s honey bees. With a goal of selling 3,000 pre-sale vouchers for the “Save the Bees” specialty license plate by July 1, 2025, the association has launched a campaign using honey sales to help fund this project.
FSBA is offering bottles of delicious, locally-sourced honey at select locations, with all proceeds going directly toward purchasing pre-sale vouchers for the license plate. Honey lovers can visit participating vendors to pick up a bottle or two and make a difference in supporting honey bee research, education, and preservation.
Where to Buy Honey to Support the Cause
- Hometown Dogs at the Wildwood Home Depot
- Sully’s Smokehouse in Leesburg
- Greg’s Haystax in Umatilla
- Dirty Dog Organics in Leesburg
- Florida State Fair Booth
Every bottle sold will contribute to meeting the pre-sale voucher requirement, bringing the “Save the Bees” specialty plate one step closer to reality.
Why the Plate Matters
Proceeds from the “Save the Bees” license plate will fund:
- Grants for honey bee research and health through organizations like the UF Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory.
- Education and outreach programs to raise awareness of honey bees’ importance to Florida’s agriculture and ecosystems.
- Support for beekeepers and local clubs across the state.
How to Help
- Buy Local Honey: Visit any of the participating locations to purchase FSBA honey and help fund the plate.
- Purchase a Voucher: If you own a Florida-registered vehicle, you can directly buy a $33 pre-sale voucher at www.savethebeesplate.com.
- Spread the Word: Share this initiative on social media using #SaveTheBees and #FloridaSaveTheBees to encourage others to participate.
“Many people ask what they can do to help the bees—this is one of the best ways,” said Billy Fussell, District Chair for FSBA and founder of the Lake County Beekeepers Association. “The specialty plate will not only help raise awareness but also provide an ongoing stream of funding to protect and preserve honey bee populations across Florida.”
With just a few months remaining, FSBA needs the community’s support to reach the 3,000-voucher requirement. Visit www.savethebeesplate.com or check out the FSBA’s social media pages for updates and additional ways to get involved.
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
