Florida’s Helping Sea Turtles Survive specialty license plate plays a critical role in sea turtle protection in the state. Launched in 1997, proceeds from the sale of this specialty plate are the primary source of funding for Florida’s Marine Turtle Protection Program, and the remaining percentage supports the Sea Turtle Grants Program (STGP).

The STGP has distributed nearly $8.4 million over 25 years to over 550 conservation, research, and education projects benefitting sea turtles in Florida.

“By purchasing a sea turtle specialty license plate for your vehicle, you are providing critical financial support for the STGP and the state’s Marine Turtle Protection Program every time you drive,” said SCCF Sea Turtle Biologist Jack Brzoza.

In March, the SCCF Sea Turtle Monitoring Program received a grant for $16,899 from the STGP to purchase a utility vehicle (UTV) for use during daily nest monitoring surveys.

“Standardized daily nesting surveys are a critical component of SCCF’s sea turtle program and the statewide nest monitoring program, contributing to a long-term local and statewide data set,” Brzoza said. “This UTV allows for effective and accurate completion of nesting surveys on 18 miles of surveyed beach across Sanibel and Captiva.”

During sea turtle nesting season — May 1 to Oct. 31 — SCCF staff and permitted volunteers work to mark and screen or cage all sea turtle nests laid to protect them from predators. This work requires a reliable UTV to transport necessary personnel and materials, as these surveys cannot be completed on foot.

During the 2025 season, SCCF documented 889 nests on Sanibel and Captiva Islands and over 27,000 emerged hatchlings.

“The use of a UTV ensures the integrity and utility of the data we collected, which can be used at a local level to inform management decisions, as well as collectively with statewide nesting data for analyses at a population level,” Brzoza said.

SCCF was chosen for the STGP award through a competitive application process that is open to coastal county governments, educational institutions, and Florida-based nonprofit groups striving to improve the livelihood of sea turtles and conserve Florida’s habitats.

To learn more about the Sea Turtle Grants Program and the “Helping Sea Turtles Survive” specialty license plate, please visit www.helpingseaturtles.org.