Press release | October 14, 2026
Florida’s “Support Autism Programs” License Plate Fuels Nearly $170,000 in Grants
18 nonprofit organizations will use the funding to expand services for more than 4,500 Florida families and individuals with autism and related disabilities
SUNRISE, Florida (October 14, 2026) – Thanks to 16,000 Florida vehicle owners choosing the “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plate this year, the Autism Services Grants Council is awarding nearly $170,000 to 18 nonprofit organizations and helping to bring life-changing programs and services to more than 4,500 Florida families and individuals with autism and related disabilities.
“Through the simple act of choosing the autism specialty license plate when they obtain or renew their tags, Florida drivers are helping to meet the increasing demand for programs and services that improve the lives of those with autism and related disabilities,” said Arc Broward Vice President Jennifer Stewart, chair of the Autism Services Grants Council in Florida. “Behind every grant is a person who may gain a new skill, find greater independence, connect with their community or experience something they once thought was out of reach,” said Stewart.
According to the latest statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, autism identification among 8-year-olds rose from about 1 in 150 in 2000 to about 1 in 31 in 2022, and CDC cites growing demand for diagnostic, treatment and support services.
The Autism Services Grants Council and the Florida Autism License Plate Program, administered by Arc Broward, award grants annually to nonprofit organizations that support vital services for individuals with autism and related disabilities, including specialized therapeutic programs, skill development, vocational training, educational support and accessibility programs.
Funding from the 2026-2027 Florida Autism License Plate grant cycle will support a diverse range of programs and services across the state, from free sailing camps and equine-assisted therapy to a fashion design microenterprise program and marine biologist bootcamp. Eleven first-time beneficiaries are among the 18 organizations receiving grants:
South Florida
- Community Classroom Project, Delray Beach
- Sea Turtle Adventures, Boynton Beach
- Azul-Fashion, Art & Design, West Palm Beach
- Bridge Disability Network, Inc., Hollywood
West Coast
- Specially Fit Foundation Corporation, Dover
- Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa
- My Autism Connection, Fort Myers
- Learning Independence for Tomorrow, Clearwater
Central Florida
- Central Florida Community Arts, Winter Park
- The Florida Institute for Community Inclusion, Oviedo
- Removing the Barriers Initiative, Lake Wales
- GiFT for Educators Inc., Micco
- Believe and Achieve, Inc., Vero Beach
North Florida
- Endeavor Forward, Inc. / NextStep Academy, Marianna
- Emerald Coast Exceptional Families, Navarre
- Spectrum Sailing, Jacksonville/Pensacola/Sarasota
- HorsePlay Therapy Center, St. Augustine
- Boys and Girls Club of North Central Florida Inc., Perry
To purchase a Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plate or for more information, visit autismlicenseplate.com, call (954) 746-9400 or contact info@autismlicenseplate.com.
See the full list of 2026 grant recipients and their programs
About the Autism Services Grants Council (“ASGC”)
In 2009, the Florida Legislature authorized the “Support Autism Programs” specialty autism license plate and provided for the creation of the Autism Services Grants Council (“ASGC”) to oversee a grants process to fund service programs for individuals with autism and related disabilities and their families throughout the state. All funds raised by the ASGC are generated by the sale of the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plates. For more information visit www.autismlicenseplate.com and “Like” us at facebook.com/AutismLicensePlate.
Arc Broward, a nationally accredited, Florida not-for-profit, Sect. 501(c)3 exempt organization, is responsible for marketing the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plate and administration of the Autism Services Grants Council.