UF has another title to add to its heap.
Florida drivers bought 113,562 specialty license plates in 2008, topping sales for any other plate type.
UF trounced the other Florida colleges and universities in specialty plate sales. Florida State University finished second in school sales and fifth overall with 75,707. FSU was followed by Miami with 29,355 and Florida A&M with 20,961.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, this was the third straight year UF led in statewide specialty license plate sales. In 2007, the university sold 105,361, and in 2006, it sold 90,436.
"I think that the success of the athletic programs, (has increased plate sales) as well as the statewide interest in the university," said Courtney Heidelberg, deputy director of communications at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Specialty plates are available for an extra $27 at Florida tax collectors' offices.
"Twenty-five dollars of that is the specialty plate fee which goes to the University of Florida," Heidelberg said, "and the other two dollars is a processing fee that goes back to the state."
The state of Florida collects license plate fees, and the money is later distributed to the charity or university for which the plate was bought.
A UF foundation called The Florida Fund decides how the license plate money is spent.
"It does not go to any particular department," said Nina Kaharl, spokeswoman for the fund.
The university's promotional efforts may also contribute to its consistent leading sales.
Kaharl said UF sends birthday postcards to alumni reminding them that it's time to renew their plate and suggesting that they consider a UF plate.
"I think our alumni are very loyal to their institution. This is one more way they can show their loyalty," Kaharl said.
Following the UF tag, the "Protect the Wild Dolphins" specialty plate was second in 2008 sales. It sold 80,797.
